Walk 16 - 15th April 2013 - Portishead (Somerset, England) to Clevedon (North Somerset, England)

At the start of this walk picked up from where we left off on 20th June 2012, when we walked from Oldbury to Portishead Marina. Today after an uncomplicated drive from Gloucester, we started our walk in the Marina itself. Whilst still a working marina, in has in recent years been heavily modernised. The area now boasts modern flats and apartments, as well as shops, bars and restaurants. 

The photograph on the left shows a dramatic piece of modern sculpture called the Flying Sculpture, made of stainless steel, was a joint project by artist Lucy Glendinning and and Persimmon Home. The sculpture attempts to demonstrate the impression of freedom and the power the sea gives. 

 Information about the marina and its industrial heritage. 

The moorings of the marina with modern accommodation behind. 

 On our way through the marina we spotted this lovely sculpture of a rather furtive looking rat! It was hiding between the bars of a car park belonging to nearby accommodation. 

 More sculpture en-route through the marina, the photograph left called the Angel Islington Sculpture. 

 During our walk we spotted many of these beautiful iridescent green beetles called Mint Beetles.  

Walking on the banks of the River Severn just outside Portishead. 

A famous local landmark, The Portishead Black Nore Lighthouse, has helped sailors navigate the Bristol Channel at Portishead for over 100 years. The lighthouse situated by Nore Farm, was installed in 1894, prior to which shipwrecks were common in the area. The lighthouse was decommissioned in September 2010, when Trinity House decided it was no longer needed. On hearing the news The Friends of Black Nore Lighthouse created a trust and raised money to purchase the land and lighthouse from Trinity House. The handover took place in October 2012.   

 Looking towards the Bristol Channel. 

 Redcliff Bay became popular between the wars as a place for holiday and retirement homes. 

A flying insect on flowering gorse. 

 The very elegant pier at Clevedon. The only intact Grade 1 listed pier in country, completed in February 1869, at the grand cost of £10,000. 
The pier has a website which give lots of additional information : -
www.clevedonpier.com

 Looking towards Clevedon from the pier. 

 Walking along the pier. 

At the end of our walk, we stopped for a savoury cream tea (cheese scones, cream cheese and chutney) at Tiffin Tea House (www.tiffinteahouse.co.uk). Julie was clearly very excited at the prospect (sorry Julie) :-).