West coast and Wales

Top 25 Anchorages > West coast and Wales

This stretch of coastline is often overlooked and while many boaters from the south coast may navigate its waters to reach ports further north, woefully few stop to take a look around, which, it has to be said, is their loss.

'Summer Loving' appeared in our August 2009 issue. Buy the full article here.

Watermouth Cove, north Devon Top 25 Anchorages > West coast and Wales > Watermouth Cove

This snug and shallow inlet, situated opposite Waterworth Castle , is well sheltered from all but the strongest northwesterlies. The view from the anchorage is striking, with impressive headlands overlapping eastward beyond Hangman Point .

In quiet weather or southerly winds it's quite feasible to stay overnight at Watermouth , but if there's any northerly wind it's probably best to stick to a lunch-time stop.

Watch out for Heavy surge in strong NW winds

Great for Lunch-time stop

Local tip Nearby Watermouth Cove Holiday Park does decent meals in the evening

'Summer Loving' appeared in our August 2009 issue. Buy the full article here .

North Haven, Skomer Island, Pembrokeshire Top 25 Anchorages > West coast and Wales > North Haven

This is the only anchorage on Skomer Island where landing is permitted and although there is a small fee, it's well worth it. Skomer is a National Nature Reserve and a Marine Nature Reserve, famous for its wealth of puffins (they are even smaller and cuter in reality) so it's a wonderful spot for any closet twitchers.

Enter North Haven close to the western shore and land on the west side of the bay on the beach or at the steps. Visitor buoys are provided and you must anchor seaward of these. Anchoring is not permitted shoreward of the buoys because of a rare bed of seagrass.

Watch out for The reef on the east side on entry - keep well to the west of the bay

Great for Puffin spotting and beautiful wild flowers - the best months to visit are end of May, all of June and early July

Local tip The Visitors Centre on Skomer has been given a makeover so you can now stay overnight on the island

'Summer Loving' appeared in our August 2009 issue. Buy the full article here.

Cemaes Bay, Anglesey Top 25 Anchorages > West coast and Wales > Cemaes Bay

To the north of Anglesey , this sheltered spot provides views out across the Irish Sea but it can be vulnerable in northerly winds. Cemaes Bay is a small village on the northern tip of Anglesey .

Historically it was known for its boatbuilding heritage, but the village also housed a fishing fleet and the harbour was once a thriving port. Now it is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty , and it is partly owned by the National Trust.