PORTREATH
- Latitude: 50.2626 •
- Longitude: -5.29133 •
- UK Coast & Atlantic •
- Port in UK
Address: Portreath Cornwall UK
Portreath is a small village and port located on the north coast of Cornwall, England, United Kingdom. Though it is not as large or commercially significant as some of the bigger ports in the UK, it has a rich history and serves specific local needs. Here are some details and specifications for Portreath:
General Description
- Location: North coast of Cornwall, United Kingdom
- Coordinates: Approximately 50.2633° N latitude, 5.2872° W longitude
- Primary Use: Historically significant for mining and fishing; now mainly recreational and local use
Historical Context
- Mining Era: During the 18th and 19th centuries, Portreath was a vital hub for shipping copper ore and importing coal, crucial for the local mining industry.
- Fishing: Fishing has historically been important for the local economy, though it has largely diminished over the years.
Port Layout
- Harbour: The harbour is quite small compared to industrial ports. It includes a single pier and a breakwater to provide some level of protection against the Atlantic swells.
- Facilities: Basic facilities catering mostly to recreational boaters and fishermen. The infrastructure is not suitable for large commercial vessels.
Specifications
- Depth: The harbour has limited depth, suitable only for small to medium-sized vessels.
- Tide: The harbour is influenced by tidal changes, which can affect accessibility for larger boats during low tide.
- Navigation: Entry to the harbour requires careful navigation due to rocky surroundings and variable sea conditions.
Services and Amenities
- Moorings: Limited number of moorings available primarily for local and recreational usage.
- Boat Launch: A slipway for launching smaller boats.
- Safety: Basic safety and emergency services are available but limited compared to larger commercial ports.
- Shore Facilities: Includes few basic amenities like fishing tackle shops, tourism information, and local eateries.
Surrounding Area
- Tourism: The area is popular with tourists for its scenic views, historic sites, and recreational opportunities like surfing, walking, and cycling.
- Environmental Concerns: Care is taken to preserve the natural environment, which includes cliffs, beaches, and coastal habitats.
Limitations and Restrictions
- Cargo Handling: No facilities for handling significant commercial cargo.
- Large Vessels: Not suitable for large commercial or industrial ships; mainly used by smaller fishing vessels and recreational boats.
Current Usage
- Recreational Boating: Increased focus on leisure activities, including boating and watersports.
- Local Fishing: Some activity still exists but on a much smaller scale than historically.
- Tourism-Driven: The port area and village attract a fair amount of tourists, contributing to local economic activities.
In summary, Portreath is a picturesque but small harbour with significant historical importance and primarily supports local, recreational, and tourism-related activities. It is not equipped for large-scale commercial shipping or industrial activities.