Wheres a good base?

Jono Garton · 31 December 2001, 11:40

So, I'm fed up of camping! to many wet & windy nights in Welsh Wales.

Yes i'v done the deadly deed and got a touring caravan. But the only touring i'm wanting to do is in my rib, I want to use the caravan as a base.

Having spent time in various places around the country. I'm looking at North Wales or Torbay as a base. But open to suggestions (within 4/5 Hours travelling time from Nottingham).

Can any one recomend any good spots/Launch Pad/caravan sites.

Cheers

Jono

Garygee · 31 December 2001, 15:39

Hi JAHNO

I have spent a lot of time is wales. Places I would recomend are, in order which I like them

Tendy/Saundersfoot. Loads of caravan sites the one we use is Penally Court Farm, Penally, basic but quiet and 1/4 mile from beach. Very good slips at Saundersfoot, Tendy, Pembroke, Neyland etc etc there are loads. There are some wonderful areas from Milford Haven when its blowing to "the bitchs of Ramsey" when you like to get wet.

After that I would not bother with mid wales go for north wales. Caernarrfon (spelt wrong I bet) is a good site, decent town with some good caravan sites and easy launching onto the Meni Strights. After that look at Pwllheli, good caravan sites round here and Barmouth & Port Maddock. All have good slipways and harbours and a marine at Pwllheli. Ther crusing here is good but a bit limited but depending on the size of your rib its a good mid point for IOM and ireland or even south wales.

If you have any specific areas drop me a e-mail as there are not many places one the Wales coast I have not been to.

Regards Gary

matiboy · 31 December 2001, 17:07

You mentioned Torbay, I was down there in late September for a weekend & I wished I had my boat with me, gorgeous place to bomb around, not far also from Dartmouth which is lovely in itself.

Boatwise there are plenty of Harbours and slips

Worth viewing www.boatlaunch.co.uk

GraemeCooper · 31 December 2001, 20:28

Hi Jahno

I can personally vouch for Pwhelli - the slip is OK, and the harbourmaster couldnt be more helpful.

Cruising around there is great - but if you go towards Portmaddog watch out for shallow water - which can stretch out
some distance from the shore. here is a deep water channel but it is quite narrow inplaces.

I would also support Torbay as a good area - but the slip in Torquay is still closed I think - but that still leaves Paignton and Brixham as good slips to use.

The south coast in general is very good - I guess it all depeds on what you want to do - just cuising around, water sports, fishing or what

Jono Garton · 31 December 2001, 21:15

Come from more of a watersports background. So still enjoy that starting to get more in to cruising, My Rib is 5m 50hp, recently got kitted out wiyh VHF & GPS.

Liked the idea of torbay due to amount of short cruises Dartmouth, Salcombe, Waymouth, Swanage.

I have experiance of the british channel from Sailing so would like to venture Channel Islands and France.

Me experience of Wales is more in shore Llyn Peninsula & Anglessy (Pls Xcuse m spaling).

Thanks for your advice!!!

parahandy · 05 January 2002, 22:13

Found the Lleyn Abersoch area quite a good base, plenty of good caravan sites near the coast. Reasonable slipway off the beach Abersoch. Very handy here for trip around the St Tudwal islands and navigating around Bardsey interesting.
Also had a few trips down to Pembrokeshire Marloes area plenty of reasonably priced sites here, good launching at Dale or Little Haven. Some nice trips out to Skomer or if the weathers kind Grassholm.

Phil · 06 January 2002, 16:32

You could try Start Bay caravan site which is a few miles out of Dartmouth (west).Small but friendly;no clubhouse -local within walking distance.

I launched my rib from the public slipway in Dartmouth next to one of the chain ferries-the harbourmaster will advise, but beware being half out half in when the ferry is close the ;wash is incredible across the slip.

Parking is up the hill at the park and ride so you need someone to be around to look after your boat.

No charge for using the slip but dues payable if the H.M. catch you(their words not mine)

The alternative at the marina is very expensive.

What a beautiful spot with great cruising and in my opinion better than being based in Torbay.

Jono Garton · 14 January 2002, 22:05

Now chosen to use Morfa Nefyn as a base.

Morfa Nefyn (you may remember that fatal land slide last year) is near Abersoch but on the north face of the Llyn Panninsula.

Excellent cruising for Anglessy + Conway and mid - south wales.
Free launching off the beach (Slip at high water) except July & Aug.

Anyone fancy round Anglessy Cruise, praps meet at Plas Menai???

Jahno

Scubakid · 15 January 2002, 18:46

Hi

Post a thred when you have some plans, I will prob. be interested as I use to have a motor cruiser (still had a RIB) at Menai Bridge (I still have the moring there I think !!) so would be good to get back to some of the old haunts. I use to visit the lighthouse keepers on the Skerries lighthouse and take them fresh milk and the paper. Sadly it is now automatic. It was good having a joke and laugh with them.

John

Jono Garton · 15 January 2002, 20:20

Hi John

Nice location. I used to rent a cottage just under the bridge on the opp side to Bangor on the Main Land side, a big bay window over looking the bridge, with a big brass telescope in the window - lovely.

Have you completed round the island? or as anyone in the forum?

Anyone fancy Easter Weekend for round the Island?

Regards

Jahno

wavelength · 15 January 2002, 21:26

Easter around anglesey sounds good to me. Put me down for that one - commitments allowing!

Scubakid · 16 January 2002, 16:37

Count me in also, commitments also permitting

John

Alan Mckewan · 16 January 2002, 18:11

Easter sounds good, maybe Friday/Saturday, but I also want to get to Cardiff to see Spirit off on the RTW.

GraemeCooper · 16 January 2002, 19:06

I would be very iterestedn meeting up for a cruise in this area - I have travelled around the area by road and it looks to offer something for everyone on the waters.

Easter weekend unfortunatelyis no good for me - as I intend to be in Cardiff to see the RIB 'Spirit of Cardiff' leave for her round the world trip.

Let me know if it is going to be any other weekend.

Jono Garton · 16 January 2002, 20:18

What day does Spirit Of Cardiff leave ?

Alan Priddy · 16 January 2002, 21:22

Sunday 31st March @ mid-day

Alan P

Alan · 17 January 2002, 13:04

Hangovers permitting?

Brian · 17 January 2002, 16:29

Alan P.

Isn't high water around 09.00 that day?
I suppose you are leaving later for good reasons.