The Severn Bore and Gloucester
The Severn Bore
The Severn Bore is a tidal surge wave that travels for 22 miles up the Severn River to Gloucester. There are many bores of various sizes each year, but the only "five star" bore for some time was scheduled for the second of March, so I decided to pay a visit to see this strange natural phenomenon.
Early on a frosty morning an expectant crowd has gathered at Minsterworth beside a calm river.
Suddenly, in the distance a large wave appears round a bend in the river, accompanied by a speedboat and a paraglider!
Two surfers wait in the water (right of the picture). They only lasted a few yards.
Further up the river, at Over, the wave is smaller but it can still create a splash along the river banks.
All too soon, it's over, and the crowd disperse back to the real world. I found it strange, almost spooky, to see a large wave suddenly appear for no apparent reason on a calm river. After the bore had passed, the river was rough and full of ripples and debris, and flowing fast upstream.
Gloucester
My trip to see the Bore also gave me a chance to have a look round Gloucester. The historic docks have been done up and the old buildings preserved.
Gloucester Cathedral.
Greyfriars. This monastery was rebuilt in the early 1500s. After the Dissolution it became a brewery, then sailor's lodgings, a library and a wine merchants!
March 2010