Weekend away with the lad

oGaryo

oGaryo

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Hi, all being well, I'll be giving the boat a test run on a local lake next weekend and have penciled in a weekend away with the eldest lad the following weekend to give the boat a proper ride out in coastal waters or a large estuary. I'm getting it Boat Safety Certified this Thursday.

I don't think my good lady or youngest (7yo) will come with us on this occasion (might do though) so I 'm thinking of making it a combined camping and boating weekend for me and the eldest (17yo)..

Does anyone have any recommendations for a place within, say, a 100 miles of Milton Keynes that offers adequate facilities to camp with the boat trailered by the side of the tent within easy reach of a stretch of water to take the boat for a good run, possibly for a bit of doughnut towing and fishing too?

it's a 17ft Bayliner 1750 (think most of you know that by now lol /forums/images/graemlins/ooo.gif)

cheers Gary
 
It's not the most characterful camp site in Britain, but I've seen trailered boats next to tents at Nunnington Farm in West Wittering. Chichester Harbour is on your doorstep, particularly if you need sheltered waters (but there's an eight knot speed limit which rather rules out ringo-ing).

However, assuming the weather is half way decent, you can drive to Pompey, launch there, and the Solent is yours. The beach at West Wittering (about 20 mins' walk from the campsite) is fab.

There's also Riverside Park, which is next to Mercury Yacht Harbour on the Hamble. Not sure if they allow boats on Trailers but a phone call will confirm, or not. If they do, that would be my choice.
 
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What about the Norfolk Broads? There are some stretches where you can open up and ski. Good facilities for camping.

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sounds fantastic... I guess the holy grail would be a public launch next to a campsite near to a stretch that you can open up...

I did a trip on a mates cuddy years ago where we passed through a stretch with a relaxed speed limit.. the only thing I can recall (it was one of those weekends!) is a pub with a 'character' of a landlord that scared the living daylights out of his customers with a system of pulleys/ropes and rubber spiders on the end of ropes to scare the s£%t out of his punters /forums/images/graemlins/ooo.gif... I also recall the launch was next to a chain ferry.. we ended up in an estuary so it must have been relatively close to the sea.

thanks for the suggestion.. if you know of a spot that fits the above ideal, I'd be very intertested to hear more
 
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It's not the most characterful camp site in Britain, but I've seen trailered boats next to tents at Nunnington Farm in West Wittering. Chichester Harbour is on your doorstep, particularly if you need sheltered waters (but there's an eight knot speed limit which rather rules out ringo-ing).

However, assuming the weather is half way decent, you can drive to Pompey, launch there, and the Solent is yours. The beach at West Wittering (about 20 mins' walk from the campsite) is fab.

There's also Riverside Park, which is next to Mercury Yacht Harbour on the Hamble. Not sure if they allow boats on Trailers but a phone call will confirm, or not. If they do, that would be my choice.

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defintiely sounds like an option... I'll check it out.. thanks
 
mercury marina on the hamble ticks all your box,s. campsite next door for tents or caravans plus has log cabins. solent just over a mile down stream. southampton water has no speed limit at that end but check charts as to where you can doughnut. see my web site for mercury details, tides n weather etc, fuel also nearby. i tow from dunstable, piece of cake. hope that helps. /forums/images/graemlins/ooo.gif /forums/images/graemlins/ooo.gif /forums/images/graemlins/ooo.gif
 
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How about Llangorse lake in the Brecon Beacons, M4 most of the way and then up a bit

Llangorse Lake Info

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limited to 5mph for me mate as I'm not a member of the ski club.. looks a crackin place mind you... I did a bit of business in Pontypool a couple of weeks back and the scenery on-route is stunning
 
You can keep the boat next to the tent at Riverside park, but I'm sure it worked out cheaper to stick it in the marina next door, they have a slip and dont charge for trailer storage.
 
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mercury marina on the hamble ticks all your box,s. campsite next door for tents or caravans plus has log cabins. solent just over a mile down stream. southampton water has no speed limit at that end but check charts as to where you can doughnut. see my web site for mercury details, tides n weather etc, fuel also nearby. i tow from dunstable, piece of cake. hope that helps.

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now that does sound perfect and you're only a few miles down the A5 from me (live in Bletchley).. nice one /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif
 
if you need any more info PM me . there is quite afew pics on web site taken in or around mercury inc launching on their slipway. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
 
As near to the 'holy grail' as possible ? 2 sites on the Broads.

The Waveney river centre on the Southern broads has a marina, campsite, pub and its near Breydon Water (Not sure if it has a slipway but does have a hoist)



Burgh Castle has all of the things requested and its even nearer Breydon Water.

Waveney Clicky


Burgh Castle Clicky
 
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mmm, I have a feeling of deja vue....!!

oh yes!

want somewhere to play.....I think I suggested mercury?

...hope you have a great time! /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

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that one was about finding a place local to take the boat for a test run, sorted now as a lake about 20miles away has given me the go ahead to test the boat on their lake so long as I bung them a tenna.

this thread's all about leaving the spanners at home and having some fun further afield

thanks for the suggestion.. much appreciated even if it's come across as it isn't /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif /forums/images/graemlins/ooo.gif
 
[ QUOTE ]
As near to the 'holy grail' as possible ? 2 sites on the Broads.

The Waveney river centre on the Southern broads has a marina, campsite, pub and its near Breydon Water (Not sure if it has a slipway but does have a hoist)



Burgh Castle has all of the things requested and its even nearer Breydon Water.

Waveney Clicky


Burgh Castle Clicky

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another one to add to the growing list of definites.. many thanks, appreciated /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif
 
Just to add to the suggestions re the Broads - the place you refer to sounds like Reedham Ferry. Campsite next to the pub, slipway for launching and about 20-40 mins from Breydon water by river. Speed limits apply on the river but not on Breydon (well, not yet as far as I know but it is in the pipeline). Need to be aware that Breydon is tidal and large areas dry out at low tide - thsi is when most boats cross it as they have restricted bridge height at Gt Yarmouth. High water is best with few boats and a bit more space (but watch the depth).
Burgh Castle is near the top of Breydon but can be a bit of a windwept spot - okay when the weather is good but otherwise wouldn't be my choice.
Best facilities are at the Waveney River Centre - campsite, pub/restaurant, shop, swimming pool (indoor), slipway, fuel etc. Lovely stretch of river with easy access to Oulton Broad or Beccles.
The only rub with the Broads is that there is a speeed limit on all rivers and they are regulalry patrolled by the Broads Authority. There are designated waterski areas (there is one about 15 mins from the Waveny River Centre) but you should have a special licence, which are limited in number and I dont think you can get on a short term basis.

Hope this helps.
 
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