Crabs' Bay

Bay in Gloucestershire

England

Crabs' Bay

The Prince of Wales Bridge (M4) The Prince of Wales Bridge over the River Severn on the M4 motorway.
The Prince of Wales Bridge (M4) Credit: Oscar Taylor

Crabs' Bay is a picturesque coastal area located in Gloucestershire, England. Situated on the western edge of the county, it is renowned for its stunning natural beauty and idyllic charm. The bay is nestled between rugged cliffs and offers breathtaking views of the Bristol Channel.

The bay's name is derived from the abundance of crabs that inhabit its shores, making it a popular destination for seafood lovers and fishing enthusiasts. The local community is deeply rooted in maritime traditions, with many families relying on fishing as their primary livelihood.

Crabs' Bay boasts a long stretch of sandy beach, making it an ideal spot for sunbathing, picnicking, and beachcombing. The crystal-clear waters are perfect for swimming and water sports, attracting visitors of all ages. The bay is also a haven for wildlife, with a variety of bird species and marine life inhabiting the area.

For those interested in exploring the area further, there are several walking trails that offer breathtaking views of the bay and its surrounding cliffs. Additionally, the nearby coastal town of Gloucester offers a range of amenities, including restaurants, cafes, and shops.

Crabs' Bay is a hidden gem in Gloucestershire, offering visitors a tranquil and scenic escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. It is a place where nature thrives, and the beauty of the sea meets the charm of a traditional English coastal community.

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Crabs' Bay Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.575502/-2.696651 or Grid Reference ST5186. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

The Prince of Wales Bridge (M4) The Prince of Wales Bridge over the River Severn on the M4 motorway.
The Prince of Wales Bridge (M4)
The Prince of Wales Bridge over the River Severn on the M4 motorway.
Crossing the Severn
Crossing the Severn
Severn Crossing, M4 eastbound
Severn Crossing, M4 eastbound
Second Severn Crossing to be 2 - Monmouthshire The Second Severn Crossing, carrying the M4 motorway, was opened on 5th June 1996 by HRH the Prince of Wales and has three lanes and a hard shoulder in each direction. Construction started on 26th April 1992, the architect being Ronald Weeks of the Percy Thomas Partnership. The overall length of 5128 metres cost £380 million to build - the central portion, known as Shoots Bridge, is 948 metres in length. It was intended that the bridge should pass into public ownership after 30 years but through various factors this has been extended. The first Severn Bridge was opened on 8th September 1966 by HM The Queen and was Grade I listed on 26th November 1999. Before this the alternatives were either the Aust Ferry, which had been operating since mediaeval times, or a very long detour via Gloucester. Time photo taken not available.
Second Severn Crossing to be 2 - Monmouthshire
The Second Severn Crossing, carrying the M4 motorway, was opened on 5th June 1996 by HRH the Prince of Wales and has three lanes and a hard shoulder in each direction. Construction started on 26th April 1992, the architect being Ronald Weeks of the Percy Thomas Partnership. The overall length of 5128 metres cost £380 million to build - the central portion, known as Shoots Bridge, is 948 metres in length. It was intended that the bridge should pass into public ownership after 30 years but through various factors this has been extended. The first Severn Bridge was opened on 8th September 1966 by HM The Queen and was Grade I listed on 26th November 1999. Before this the alternatives were either the Aust Ferry, which had been operating since mediaeval times, or a very long detour via Gloucester. Time photo taken not available.
Second Severn Bridge The second motorway bridge across the Severn estuary, between Caldicot and Severn Beach, looking east from the navigation channel.
Second Severn Bridge
The second motorway bridge across the Severn estuary, between Caldicot and Severn Beach, looking east from the navigation channel.
Second Severn Crossing A fantastic bridge viewed from the car, going towards Wales.
Second Severn Crossing
A fantastic bridge viewed from the car, going towards Wales.
The Second Severn Crossing View of the second Severn Bridge and the Bristol Channel from a flight out of Bristol Airport. Here low tide reveals the English Stones which the bridge crosses. The Severn Estuary is the second most tidal estuary in the world and ships entering Avonmouth require a local pilot to navigate the treacherous waters.
The Second Severn Crossing
View of the second Severn Bridge and the Bristol Channel from a flight out of Bristol Airport. Here low tide reveals the English Stones which the bridge crosses. The Severn Estuary is the second most tidal estuary in the world and ships entering Avonmouth require a local pilot to navigate the treacherous waters.
Outfall of the Severn Tunnel Great Spring, Sudbrook On 16th October 1879 engineers driving the Severn Tunnel struck a water-filled passage 170 feet underground and 400 yards inland. The tunnel was flooded within 2 days and took 2 years to finally drain. Ever since the tunnel has been kept dry by pumping more than 23 million gallons of fresh water a day to the surface. This exceptionally pure water is used by a paper mill and brewery; what is left emerges at this outfall.
Outfall of the Severn Tunnel Great Spring, Sudbrook
On 16th October 1879 engineers driving the Severn Tunnel struck a water-filled passage 170 feet underground and 400 yards inland. The tunnel was flooded within 2 days and took 2 years to finally drain. Ever since the tunnel has been kept dry by pumping more than 23 million gallons of fresh water a day to the surface. This exceptionally pure water is used by a paper mill and brewery; what is left emerges at this outfall.
Severn Beach and the Second Severn Crossing The river Severn at low tide looking out towards the Second Severn Crossing which is now 10 years old (opened 5th June 1996 by The Prince of Wales). The nearest channel of water is known as Salmon Pool.
Severn Beach and the Second Severn Crossing
The river Severn at low tide looking out towards the Second Severn Crossing which is now 10 years old (opened 5th June 1996 by The Prince of Wales). The nearest channel of water is known as Salmon Pool.
Leaving Wales The second Severn crossing, heading east.
Leaving Wales
The second Severn crossing, heading east.
Second Severn Crossing and River Severn The river is between high and low tide when this photograph was taken (at low tide rocks and pools can be seen). The actual bridge (cable-stayed design) is at <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/gridref/ST5186">ST5186</a>.
Second Severn Crossing and River Severn
The river is between high and low tide when this photograph was taken (at low tide rocks and pools can be seen). The actual bridge (cable-stayed design) is at ST5186.
Charston Rock Light Charston Rock Light was built in 1868 and is still operational.Picture taken from Black Rock Picnic Site.
Charston Rock Light
Charston Rock Light was built in 1868 and is still operational.Picture taken from Black Rock Picnic Site.
Radar Station Small operational radar station near Black Rock Picnic Site
Radar Station
Small operational radar station near Black Rock Picnic Site
Second Severn Crossing Taken heading westbound towards Wales.
Second Severn Crossing
Taken heading westbound towards Wales.
Old railway and pumping station, Sudbrook The Severn Railway Tunnel runs beneath this village.  There is the constant need to pump water from it, and this is done here.  This old railway, relic of the building of the tunnel, runs parallel to the main street of the village. It is crossed a couple of times by link roads, for example to the Post Office just out of view on the right. They were hand-operated gates - hence this sign.
Old railway and pumping station, Sudbrook
The Severn Railway Tunnel runs beneath this village. There is the constant need to pump water from it, and this is done here. This old railway, relic of the building of the tunnel, runs parallel to the main street of the village. It is crossed a couple of times by link roads, for example to the Post Office just out of view on the right. They were hand-operated gates - hence this sign.
Black Rock Lave Net Heritage Fishery This sign (bi-lingual, as we're in Wales!) marks the area of the historic lave net fishery.  At particular times and tides, fishermen waded into the water with large hand-held triangular nets to catch salmon.  There are a few individuals locally who have maintained the skill, though no-one makes a living from it any more - it's for our education and heritage.  

Check out the website:  <span class="nowrap"><a title="http://www.blackrocklavenets.co.uk/" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://www.blackrocklavenets.co.uk/">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>
Black Rock Lave Net Heritage Fishery
This sign (bi-lingual, as we're in Wales!) marks the area of the historic lave net fishery. At particular times and tides, fishermen waded into the water with large hand-held triangular nets to catch salmon. There are a few individuals locally who have maintained the skill, though no-one makes a living from it any more - it's for our education and heritage. Check out the website: LinkExternal link
Second Severn Crossing, seen from Sudbrook
Second Severn Crossing, seen from Sudbrook
From the top of the bridge Work being carried out on the second Severn Crossing about 200m up
From the top of the bridge
Work being carried out on the second Severn Crossing about 200m up
Show me another place!

Crabs' Bay is located at Grid Ref: ST5186 (Lat: 51.575502, Lng: -2.696651)

Unitary Authority: South Gloucestershire

Police Authority: Avon and Somerset

What 3 Words

///stormed.whoever.zinc. Near Severn Beach, Gloucestershire

Related Wikis

Second Severn Crossing

The Second Severn Crossing (Welsh: Ail Groesfan Hafren), officially named the Prince of Wales Bridge (Welsh: Pont Tywysog Cymru) since July 2018, is the...

Severn Tunnel

The Severn Tunnel (Welsh: Twnnel Hafren) is a railway tunnel in the United Kingdom, linking South Gloucestershire in the west of England to Monmouthshire...

English Stones

The English Stones are a rocky outcrop in the Severn Estuary between Caldicot, Monmouthshire, and Severn Beach, South Gloucestershire. Because the area...

Sudbrook, Monmouthshire

Sudbrook is a village in Monmouthshire, south east Wales. It is located 4 miles south west of Chepstow and 1 mile east of Caldicot. It lies close to the...

Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 51.575502,-2.696651
Crabs' Bay
Natural: bay
Source: OS 1:25k historic (OSM)
Lat/Long: 51.575403/-2.6971289
Old Man's Head
Natural: rock
Source: OS 1:25k historic (OSM)
Lat/Long: 51.5787983/-2.6935609
The Shoots
Place: locality
Source: OS 1:25k historic (OSM)
Lat/Long: 51.5778273/-2.6992605
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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