What a bore - Severn Estuary half day walk
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Get up early and get out more to enjoy a short walk in the Gloucestershire countryside and experience the spectacular Severn Bore!
The Severn Estuary has the 2nd highest tidal range in the world. As the water of the rising tide funnels up into the rapidly narrowing river channel, a surge wave forms; by the time it reaches the area just south west of Gloucester the wave can be over 2m high, travelling at over 10 mph and can even be surfed! Watching the wave coming careering round the bend reversing the flow of the river in seconds is a strangely fascinating experience and hundreds come to see it.
Although the bore happens on around 130 days of the year, it's most often more of a wash out than a surge. However the spring tide just after March's full moon bodes well for a particularly powerful and exciting bore and the only high-rated one to fall in the daytime on a weekend in 2019.
From our meeting point at the car park, we'll walk along the riverside for around 2 miles to our vantage point; it's remote enough to hopefully not be overrun with other tidal tourists and should give us a clear view of the approaching wave. Be warned: you may get wet!
Once it's passed, we'll continue on our way for another mile or so to join the Gloucester & Sharpness canal - itself dug to bypass the many challenges the Severn has to offer - back to civilisation. We'll stop for a coffee at the historic docks before heading back to the car park and home.
Image credits:
Surfing the Severn bore. Minsterworth. 21/3/07 cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Jim Nicholls - geograph.org.uk/p/379254
River Severn and May Hill cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Jonathan Billinger - geograph.org.uk/p/3714644
What to bring
It will most likely be muddy under foot, so wear boots. There's a strong chance of getting splashed, too!
Some further guidance is below:
Water: bring at least two litres
Medicines: if you have hay fever, diabetes, minor ailments etc.
Day rucksack: typically 20-30 litres, they are comfortable to wear and allow you to use your arms freely
Boots: waterproof and breathable and designed for hiking, trainers are OK if the ground is dry and there’s little chance of rain
Gaiters: recommended for wet weather or boggy conditions
Socks: proper walking socks will keep your feet dry and help prevent blisters
Layered clothing: lets you quickly adapt to changes in the weather and body temperature. Go for a base layer (vest or t-shirt) and a mid layer (a micro fleece or shirt) and in cooler weather add an outer layer (a windproof jacket or thick fleece)
Trousers: ideally no jeans as they become heavy and cold in the rain, breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry and on warm days shorts are OK
Waterproof jacket: essential when hiking in all but the calmest of weather, breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry
Gloves: Windproof, or better still, waterproof gloves are the best choice, bring a spare pair if expecting rain
Hat or cap: stay warm in winter and shaded in summer
Sunglasses: for any sunny day, even in winter
Sun cream: can be useful even on cloudy and winter days
Snacks: bring biscuits, energy bars, gels, bananas, chocolate or dried fruit for example and put them somewhere easy to get hold of
Food & drink
Please bring enough to drink and a snack to keep you going until lunchtime.