Lands End to Oban

blueboy758 · 11 January 2017, 15:28

Hi Guys, after a little help if you would.....

I'm putting a rib trip together from "hopefully" Landsend to Oban, the main North coast of Cornwall towards the Bristol channel does not seem to have any harbours, only beach launching..... I'm looking for places to berth on a night, refuel and meet the land crew, best I can find is Millford haven, its right on the edge of the daily distance and to top it off, we are doing three dives, start middle and end of the trip, so this is where time is really tight on the first day, we are aiming to have the trip done in 6 possibly 7 days.......

any tips or trips along this coast would be much appreciated.

Cheers
Phil

John Kennett · 11 January 2017, 16:16

It's quite an adventurous bit of coast with big tides and not much shelter. Padstow is the only significant option and once you're past the Doom bar the estuary is relatively sheltered if you miss the tide window for the marina.

blueboy758 · 11 January 2017, 16:58

hi John.

Yes ive heard quite easy 7m, apparently. its a funny run as I don't want to head back in towards swanage as ill be just doubling my route.
Doesn't seem much, even if I push around towards Broad Haven.,

Phil

Maximus · 11 January 2017, 17:05

That sounds a Great trip!
The North Corwall coast has its challenges for sure...its shallow and with prevailing winds can soon become a really messy and confusing passage!..no real "all states" Harbours and few bolt holes and fewer facilities.
As J says Padstow/Rock is the closest to full services again the Harbour is only accesable at nr High water..with fuel...although if you don't get in depending on Tides might entail a good walk..and a long wait.
Appledore would be worth considering for a stop over..a little off beam but Fuel available and trolleys to carry it...you can book moorings in advance,and plenty of B&Bs.
Lundy makes for a great stop over...but no fuel...unless you could work a deal with the Ferry man

blueboy758 · 11 January 2017, 17:45

Cheers Maximus,

Appledore could work then... dive lundy on day 2 and get a good leg in, hopefully getting to Whitehaven Marina are near....

Phil

Maximus · 12 January 2017, 11:15

PM sent

jeffstevens763@g · 12 January 2017, 16:56

Boscastle?

Maximus · 12 January 2017, 17:49

Quote:

Originally Posted by jeffstevens763@g

Boscastle?

Boscastle is purely a working Port for local Crab and fishing Boats...Like em all it dries out and the "Harbour" (more of a protective wall/breakwater for the Beach) no facilities and only accesable close to HW ...very small and being narrow is a bugger to access in all but calm conditions,pluss a no Fuel close at hand.

blueboy758 · 12 January 2017, 21:47

Thanks for all the advice guys. I'm just working on the legs now and altering them a little.

Phil

jambo · 12 January 2017, 22:19

Quote:

Originally Posted by blueboy758

Thanks for all the advice guys. I'm just working on the legs now and altering them a little.

Phil

Remember and keep the info coming. There will be many including me that would want to help if they can.

Maximus · 13 January 2017, 09:51

Quote:

Originally Posted by blueboy758

Cheers Maximus,

Appledore could work then... dive lundy on day 2 and get a good leg in, hopefully getting to Whitehaven Marina are near....

Phil

Lundy is a great dive location..the vis there is sometimes amazing! If you can work it in its definatley worth it.
Having said that...On a trip like you're planning with all the gear and Fuel you HAVE to take...a load of Diving gear inc Bottles ect being a real PITA,especially if (or when) it cuts up rough.

blueboy758 · 13 January 2017, 11:12

as we have land support we have three landrovers following us up, hopefully the kit will only be carried on that leg we are diving and if logistics lend its self,,, we would head back to port and load the dive kit back into the vehicles......
I found those ribs that did around Britain and the fuel info is good, as its the same engine as mine (well, mine is the 150 and theirs is a 175) as I never really usually use the boat with out gear, and it usually has 8 divers and 8 sets.
I have added 30% fuel contingency and worked on 1.5 ltrs per mile and £1.50 per litre.

Phil

Maximus · 13 January 2017, 12:54

Quote:

Originally Posted by blueboy758

as we have land support we have three landrovers following us up, hopefully the kit will only be carried on that leg we are diving and if logistics lend its self,,, we would head back to port and load the dive kit back into the vehicles......
I found those ribs that did around Britain and the fuel info is good, as its the same engine as mine (well, mine is the 150 and theirs is a 175) as I never really usually use the boat with out gear, and it usually has 8 divers and 8 sets.
I have added 30% fuel contingency and worked on 1.5 ltrs per mile and £1.50 per litre.

Phil

I didn't realise you were supported to that extent Phill.
Sounds good

treerat · 13 January 2017, 20:32

With the support vehicles you do have options along this bit.

Newquay - working harbour, good place to hide
Padstow - as others have said a good option.
Port Isaac, able to run and hide or overnight, it does dry but can be used with planning
Boscastle, 2 hours either side of HW is fine, maybe 2.5 if lucky. With agreement and booking an overnight may be possible, we have the harbour masters details. No fuel but if jerries and option garage isn't far away. A cracking dive location.
Bude - can be a bugger with surf but fine in anything but the biggest swell. Possible to lock in if a major storm or issues, again fuel is a 5 minute car ride away.
Clovelly, never use dit but with support could be a hide option or an overnight.
Appledore - good option but it does dry, about the same as Boscastle for slip access but with a good landy more options are available.

Only dive option really is Lundy once you've left Bude, we have loads from Padstow to Hartland but not a lot once you hit the channel.