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First Call at Lundy Pier

by Martin Longhurst

Approaching Penarth Pier

Sunday 10 June dawned bright and sunny as Waverley set out from Clevedon and Penarth to Ilfracombe and Lundy.   Large numbers took advantage of the good weather to take a sail on the rebuilt paddler.   This was to be her first call at the newly built pier at Lundy Island.   For an account of the previous arrangements at the Mystic Isle, see Last Lundy Launch Landing, elsewhere on this web site.

After calling at the still under reconstruction Ilfracombe Pier, the steamer headed west.

In Lundy Roads the height of the cliffs, which everyone must climb to reach habitation, becomes apparent. The tower of St Helena's Church points to heaven.

   Approaching the pier she passed Lapthorn Shipping's anchored Hoo Kestrel, waiting for the tide for Neath.

The regular Lundy ferry, the Oldenburg, was tied up on the pier's eastern berth, leaving Waverley the longer western berth.   Conditions were perfect as she was gently eased into position.   The new pier means that all visitors have the full time ashore, without the delay inherent in the launch landing. 

The paddler lies at the New Pier

Three ships at Lundy!

Leaving the Pier the path circles the cove before climbing up, affording many fine views.

The Old Light, no longer used as such owing to restricted visibility during fog, marks the very top of the island.

A number of passengers had come to take part in the annual special service at St Helena's Church organized by Terry Sylvester.   PSPS member Rev Norman Bird officiated this year.

All too soon it was time to leave, and after exchanging whistle blasts with the Hoo Kestrel, Waverley headed for Minehead direct.   As Ilfracombe Pier was only available for five hours each tide (2.5 either side of low water), it was not possible to call at the Devon port on both journeys.   So our Ilfracombe passengers had to travel to Minehead to rejoin the ship, and vice-versa.   Then across to Penarth and finally to Clevedon.

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