Feeling the wind through your hair and being on the water is an unforgettable experience. From boating, to kayaking to stand up paddle boarding there are many ways you can explore Plymouth Sound National Marine Park, and we have pulled together a list of designated areas and public slipways to begin your adventure safely.
Map Grid Reference SX 4829 5379
Located at Sutton Harbour, this 10 metre wide cobbled slipway allows access to the water at most times of the day, depending on the tides.
Slipway is free for public use. Suitable for launching sailing dinghies, small craft and canoes.
Cars can be used to launch and recover of vessels, however not recommended due to steepness of ramp.
Map grid reference SX 48295379
Located at Sutton Harbour, this is a 6-12 metre wide L shape slipway providing access to the water at most tides. The corner of the L is awash for an either side of high tide, and flattens out to mud for 10 metres at low tide.
Slipway is free for public use. Suitable for launch and recovery of small boats including launch from trailers. Cars may access the slip for launch and recovery but must not be parked on the main slip.
Map grid reference SX 4884 5318
15 metre wide public slipway on the Mount Batten Peninsula which allows access to the water at most tides. There is restricted access to the water one hour either side of low water spring tides. Expect congestion at peak times like the weekends and holiday periods.
Slipway is free for public use to launch and recover most types of vessels including towed vessels.
Mount Batten North West Slipway
Map grid reference SX 4872 5337
7-8 metre wide L shapes slipway providing access to the water at all states of the tide, however access to the water is restricted around low water spring tides. Boat owners must abide to speed limits set by the Cattewater and maintain a speed below 8 knots, and not make a wake until they are beyond the Mount Batten Breakwater.
The slipway is free for the public to use for the launching and recovery of most small boats for up to 45 minutes at a time. Cars should not be left parked at the top of the slip.
Map grid reference SX 4524 5400
7 metre wide public cobbled slipway providing access to the water 3-4 hours either side of high tide. Harbour dried out at spring low water tides.
The slipway is free for public use for the launching and recovery of boats. It’s best suited to boats being launched from trailers towed by four wheel drive vehicles due to steep and slippery cobbled surface.
Map grid reference SX 4999 5356
12 metre wide public slipway which provides access to the water during most states of the tide. There is restricted access to the water at low water spring tides due to need to cross estuary bed to reach the water.
Recommended to keep to main estuary channels until in Plymouth Sound which is 1.5km. At low water, the Cattewater dries out near the waters edge. Vessels must travel at a speed of 8 knots or lower and not make a wake until beyond Mount Batten Breakwater. Slipway is free for public to use.
Map grid reference SX 4580 5392
12 metre wide pubic slipway providing access to water at most times of the tide, there is restricted access to the water at low water spring tides due to need to cross estuary bed to reach the water. If launching from a trailer, it is best to avoid very bottom of spring tides for launch or recovery of boat.
Slipway is free for public to use, and vehicles and trailers must not be parked at the top of the slip because access if required at all times by Blagdon’s Boatyard.
Map grid reference 4366 5865
15 metre wide slipway free for public use, providing access to the water at all states of the tide. There can be a considerable current, particularly around ebb tide, and heavy rainfall causing the tide to run up to 6 knots. There are restrictions around warships, submarines and Ministry of Defence jetties along the River Tamar and the area is regularly patrolled by Ministry of Defence police.
If you are launching a craft using the Cattewater, please ensure you have paid the harbour dues and familiarised yourself with the Cattewater and wider port of Plymouth code of conduct.
