Devon South Hams Launch Sites

Steve509926 · 16 August 2020, 16:44

Hi all, I am off to Devon, Slapton Sands, for a week at the end of August and would like some advice about launching sites.
I’ve read a few posts but would just like some up to date info.
Launch sites I’m considering are, Dittisham, Hope Cove, South Sands and Bigbury beach.
At Dittisham, is it possible to the wheel the SIB down to the water from the car park, or would it be better to launch at the slipway, park at the car park and then walk back to the slip? Is the slip usable at low tide? If not how long either side of high tide is it usable? Are there any fees for using the slip at Dittisham and for using the pontoon at Dartmouth if we went for lunch there?
At Hope Cove, is there anything I should be aware of? Is parking a problem?
My better half wants to launch from South Sands so she can do a bit of sunbathing on the beach and have a wonder around Salcombe. I know it’s a pain to drive to. Is parking still the big problem it was? Can you still park at the South Sands Hotel?
Are there any fees for launching from Bigbury beach?
Any other suggestions would be appreciated.

alamos · 16 August 2020, 18:42

We recently launched at Totnes, Steamer Quay [free]. Seems to be usable at all but the lowest tides & plenty of parking for car & trailer, it is about 1 hour down to Dittisham though.

Steve509926 · 16 August 2020, 19:02

After looking at the weather and the strong winds, Steamer Quay might be a good option to have.

Allye · 16 August 2020, 22:05

Hope cove is a nice spot to launch, just exposed to SW and swell, no immediate cover once out the harbour either £5 if harbour master is about. Bigbury is a good spot also, two slips to choose from, again very exposed to prevailing conditions, no fees. On light swell it’s a good spot for a motor around the island or up the Avon. There is also a designated boating lane at bantham but it’s not bouy’d anymore and not useable at anything other than <1/2ft of swell in a sib. Another little known spot is Challaborough, private beach with limited parking but an option on calm days. Another spot is Aveton Gifford either side of high tide only, no fee. Kingsbridge quay is very good for a river cruise, liable to harbour dues though and well patrolled this time of year. In a sib is straight up avoid Batson in August! Can’t comment on south sands but there is a big construction thing going there at the moment and some parking has been lost.

Obsidian · 17 August 2020, 08:01

Ferry slip at Dartmouth?

treerat · 17 August 2020, 10:27

Plymouth or Torquay is my choice, it has the best slips, best access and simpliest parking.

Also not so impacted by tide and tourist.

Ferryman · 17 August 2020, 10:36

The ferry slip at Dartmouth is great with a trailer park but nowhere to park the car at this time of year.
Totnes is a lovely town with loads of parking and IMO a great river trip, we saw otters and seals last time, also loads of places to pull in for a walk/pint!

Ferryman · 17 August 2020, 10:41

In a sib you can just go ashore in Dartmouth on any of the small boat pontoons - just follow the crowd.

Steve509926 · 17 August 2020, 13:54

Thanks guys, I've now got a good choice of sheltered spots to launch from as it looks like the wind is going to be a bit strong the week I'm there.
Trailers not a problem as I put the SIB on the roof of the truck.