Bristol Channel

Sea, Estuary, Creek in Somerset / Glamorgan Somerset West and Taunton

England

Bristol Channel

Farmland at Marshwood Almost level land forms a plateau around 10-20m above sea level, above the cliffs at Blue Anchor. — Farmland at Marshwood Credit: Stephen Craven

The Bristol Channel is a body of water located between Somerset in England and Glamorgan in Wales. It stretches approximately 50 miles in length and 8 to 20 miles in width, serving as a significant feature of the western coastline of Britain. The channel is formed by the confluence of the rivers Severn and Wye, resulting in a unique mix of sea, estuary, and creek environments.

The Bristol Channel is characterized by its strong tidal currents, with some of the highest tidal ranges in the world. The tidal range can reach up to 43 feet during spring tides, creating fast-flowing water and powerful tidal surges. This makes it a challenging navigational area for ships and boats.

The channel is home to diverse ecosystems, supporting a wide range of marine life. Its shores are a vital habitat for various bird species, including waders and wildfowl. The intertidal mudflats and saltmarshes provide feeding grounds for many migratory birds.

Several ports and harbors are situated along the Bristol Channel, including Bristol, Cardiff, and Newport, which have played crucial roles in the region's history and economy. These ports serve as important trading gateways for goods and commodities.

The Bristol Channel also holds historical significance, with several shipwrecks dating back centuries. The treacherous waters and changing tides have caused numerous accidents throughout history, making it an area of interest for marine archaeologists and enthusiasts.

Overall, the Bristol Channel is a dynamic and diverse waterway, combining the characteristics of a sea, estuary, and creek. Its unique tidal patterns, rich ecosystems, and historical importance make it a prominent feature of the British coastline.

Show me another place!

If you have any feedback on the listing, please let us know in the comments section below.

Bristol Channel Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.184607/-3.3759992 or Grid Reference ST0343. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Farmland at Marshwood

Almost level land forms a plateau around 10-20m above sea level, above the cliffs at Blue Anchor.

Stephen Craven

Static caravans at Blue Anchor Bay

Seen from a passing train.

Stephen Craven

Cereal crop at Marshwood Farm

Seen from a passing train.

Stephen Craven

Lower quadrant signal for Blue Anchor station

This is the home signal which would be set to danger (horizontal) if there was a train already in the station.

Stephen Craven

Blue Anchor station

According to the railway's guide book, this halt was opened in 1904 as a speculative development preceding a new holiday resort, which never came fruition. It now acts as a passing loop on the West Somerset Railway. Here, a westbound steam train encounters a diesel locomotive on the other track, which was attached to the rear to be used for shunting movements at the temporary terminus at Dunster.

Stephen Craven

Blue Anchor railway museum

The museum occupies the building on the down (westbound) side of the station.

Stephen Craven

Up home signal for Blue Anchor station

The West Somerset Railway still uses these archaic lower-quadrant signals.

Stephen Craven

Blue Anchor Railway Station

Sofia

Old Cleeve - St Andrew's Church

This church lies on the pleasant alternative coastal path which runs some way inland between Watchet and Blue Anchor. The coast path is closed due to landslips as is the case (October 2021).

Colin Park