On to Sharpness

Two different aspects of the Second Crossing, which now represents the major link between England and Wales, carrying the M4.

The other great contrast is between the Second Severn Bridge, and the First - seen on the right. The earlier bridge is notable for possessing the clean lines of it's pioneering box girder construction, specially designed to resist Severn Estuary wind gusts. On the other hand - and writing from experience - wind gusts across the carriageway surface can be a major and sometimes even frightening hazard for drivers, necessitating closure in severe storm conditions while the Second Crossing can remain open.

Navigating this reach of the Severn involves careful movement almost from one bank to the other under the guidance of the river pilot. We approach Sharpness under his direction - actually doing an anti-clockwise 360 degree turn, then warping in, to use the wind and tide best. The river is now quite narrow. There's an early morning sailor out in front of the north bank:-

- while we carry out this very cautious approach to the outer lock entrance at Sharpness:-

- where it's good-bye to the river pilot, who one suspects has had to be very careful not to be weather cocked around by the strong tide and south wind combination.....

..... and hello for the second half of the journey (as we rise rapidly) to the canal pilot:-

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