Capacity
12
Our walk starts at the Sharpness Viewpoint and Picnic Site. Adjacent to Sharpness Docks, this hidden gem nestles beside the Severn Estuary and offers stunning vistas of the river, iconic Severn Bridges and views across to Lydney harbour. Our visit has been timed to coincide with a high tide, providing the opportunity to witness lock operations as shipping and canal traffic enter/exit the Docks.
A short drive takes us across a canal bridge to the large car park of the Sharpness Sports & Social Club. From here we have the opportunity to walk a number of routes providing us with elevated views of the river, canal, docks and canal marina.
Following this part of our walk we make our way the short distance to Purton, where we will follow the Severn Way to view the famous ‘Purton Ships’ Graveyard’ ~ Britain's largest ship graveyard. It was here in 1909 that a large number of vessels were intentionally beached. It is now estimated that some 86 vessels were beached along this short stretch of the River Severn. Following our visit to the 'Hulks' we will rejoin the Severn Way to conclude with a canal side walk back to our vehicles.
At the conclusion of our event there is an opportunity to adjourn to a local hostelry for lunch.
Walk Location
Sharpness & Purton
Walk Directions
Our walk begins at Sharpness Viewpoint and Picnic Site, Severn Rd, Berkeley GL13 9UF (What Three Words Ref: Isolating.Cashew.Reckon) At this location we will be able to walk along the river in both directions as well as being able to skirt the Dock perimeter. In order to then access the other side of the Dock, canal and marina we then drive a short distance to another parking area at the Sharpness Sports & Social Club GL13 9UN (What Three Words Ref: Beside.Rebel.Earful). Here we will have elevated views of the Dock, River and Canal as well as an opportunity to walk to the Canal Marina for views of its junction with the River. Our final car journey takes us to Purton, the car park opposite the Church (GL13 9HS ~ What Three Words: Caressing.Jokes.Taster). We will walk along the Severn Way beside the Canal before dropping down to the River to explore the beached hulks. Our trip will take us along the River towards Sharpness before we rejoin the Severn Way to walk alongside the Canal to the car park. This part of the walk is approximately 2.5 miles. The locations of our walk are intended to demonstrate the diversity of these two stretches of our Inland Waterways and their continued reliance on each other.
Accessibility
The three locations we are walking are all fairly flat, well defined and managed, although a visit to the marina does involve steps and a gently climb back to the Sports and Social Car Park. Our visit to Purton does require us to walk alongside the river, the path through the 'hulks' is fairly obvious and is flat. This path can get muddy during wet weather (hopefully not for us) and where you leave it to inspect the 'hulks' in more detail it can be uneven and there are areas where metal from the more concealed vessels does protrude above ground. It is advisable to wear footwear appropriate to such conditions. Whilst our walk takes in three different locations we expect that the total walk will be around 4 miles.
It should be noted that there are few amenities at any of the locations we visit so we would advise those joining us to bring a warm drink/cake/biscuits with them
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Decide At Walk
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