Excerpts from this Pilot. Fractions have been changed to decimals.
Bearings are Magnetic for 1869 with variation 22° 28'.
Placename spellings and compass bearings have been retained.
Lighthouses and Lightships, Sand Banks, Sailing Directions, Upper Dee, Tides, Rhyl etc
There are two marks intended for leading through Helbre swatchway; the outer one, called the Beach mark, is a quarter of a mile to the eastward of the island, and the other is upon the Eye.
From Air point on the one side, and Helbre point on the other, the
shores of the estuary of the Dee gradually converge and reduce its width
from 4.5 miles at the outlet to 1.5 miles at the point, where the
embankments of the Dee begin.
Middle patch and Buoys Vessels bound to the Clwyd must leave this buoy to the eastward, but
should it be out of its place, the tail of the Middle patch will be
cleared by keeping the cathedral of St. Asaph in line with Rhuddlan
church, South.
From the N.W. Patch buoy the sand extends S.E. 1/4 E. (rather convexed to
the eastward) for 5 miles, its inner extremity being separated by a
shallow swatchway, from the low-water strand a mile to the eastward of
the life-boat house already noted. The sand for 1.5 miles from the buoy
has less than 2 fathoms on it at low water, the next 1.5 miles has less
than one fathom, while for the last 2 miles it is dry. The bank is in
general only a quarter of a mile broad, except about the middle, where
an outlying patch on its east side increases the breadth to
three-quarters of a mile ; this, the north-east part of the sand, is
marked by a black can buoy bearing E. by S. 1/4 S. 2.75 miles from the N.W.
Patch buoy, and threequarters of a mile S. by E. 3/4 E. from the black bar
buoy. The inner extremity is also marked by a can buoy, with black and
white horizontal stripes which lies in 3 feet W.N.W. 2.75 miles from the
light-tower on Air point; S.S.E. 1/2 E. 2.5 miles from the Middle patch
buoy, and one third of a mile outside the low-water margin. The Middle
patch dries at low water the same distance outside the buoy.
Not more than 6 feet at low water can be depended upon in the narrow
passage between the Middle patch and the main.
Blaney patch, The north face of the dry sands of the West Hoyle trends S.E. by 1/2 E.
for 7.5 miles to its north-east angle when it turns southerly and
south-westerly about 2.5 miles to the south-east point or Welshman's gut,
forming also the western boundary of Helbre swatchway or eastern channel
into the Dee. The north-west extreme of the shoal is marked by a red
conical buoy with staff and ball, upon the following bearings:-Great
Ormes head lighthouse, a little south of the Constable buoy W. 1/2 N.
northerly, 16 miles; N.W. lightship, N.E. by. E. 1/4 E. 6 miles; the
Horse channel Bell beacon East, 5.75 miles; and the Helbre Swatch Pillar
buoy, E. by S. 5.5 miles. The eastern boundary of the West Hoyle is
guarded by three buoys marked, HE 1, 2, and 3, the latter being at the
steep eastern elbow of the bank.
Nearly the whole of this extensive sand, embracing a surface of about 14
square miles, is uncovered at low water, and many portions of it are
then from 15 to 20 feet in height; its surface is irregular and varied
by several swatchways, the most decided of which is Pipeclay gut,
extending across the sand a little below the point of Air lighthouse.
Mostyn bank Great Salisbury bank, or Middle, The lower or northern extremity of Great Salisbury bank is marked by a
conical buoy with black and white horizontal stripes buoy with staff and
triangle named Salisbury Middle buoy, lying E. by S. 1.5 miles from Air
point lighthouse; its south-western side is then marked at intervals by
buoys, including a black can buoy at the south end of the Salisbury
Middle, all which indicate the north-east side of the continuous channel
named Mostyn deep, the Bug swatch, &c.; and its north-east side also
marked by buoys, defines the south-west side of Dalpool and Flint deeps.
Upon the Lamp rock above Flint there is a perch, and at the extreme end,
and half a mile within the embankment of the artificial channel are two
others.
Mostyn deep comprises the lower three miles of the channel between
Mostyn bank and Great Salisbury bank, that portion of it just within Air
point and abreast the Salisbury buoy being called the Wild road. Mostyn
deep, being throughout surrounded by high drying banks, affords
excellent shelter for vessels of any draft; the ground also is good, the
average depth about 6 fathoms, and it has a working breadth of fully
one-third of a mile.
Salisbury bank, Lime wharf, Dalpool deep, a secure roadstead with 3 to 3.5 fathoms
over stiff clay, is formed between the south-west side of the Lime wharf
and Salisbury bank. The channel towards the roadstead is very narrow and
winding, and the deep itself has undergone and is still subject to great
changes.
It would be of no practical advantage to add to the foregoing brief
description of the banks in the Dee, for they are constantly subject to
change, and any precise description of them would therefore only hold
good for a very short period, and no stranger should attempt the
navigation, the pilots alone being aware of the true position of the
buoys with reference to the danger.
Welsh channel by Day Vessels from the northward entering the Dee by the Welsh channel will be
to the northward of West Hoyle bank and the shallows from it, while
Crosby lighthouse is kept a quarter point open to the northward of the
Horse channel bell beacon, bearing East, or at night, when within the
red limit of the Great Ormes head light, or not to the northward of a W.
1/2 N. bearing of that light.
To clear West Hoyle spit, should the buoy be out of place, keep Moel
Fammau, a remarkable peak 12 miles inland, in line with the western
slope of Moel Hira hill, S. 3/4 W. (See view K on chart of Liverpool
bay.)
The bar buoy being in place, pass to the westward of it, and to the
eastward of the black and white buoy on the Middle patch, and bring the
lighthouse on Air point to bear S.E., guarding carefully against being
affected by the set of the tide, and keep it on this bearing until
abreast of the South Hoyle buoy, then altering course to about E.S.E.
Running in through the Welsh channel, the Middle patch will be avoided
so long as the life-boat house is kept open its own breadth to the
southward of Talacre hall, S.S.E. 1/2 E.
On arriving abreast of the bell buoy off the lighthouse, steer S.E. for
about a mile, and another black buoy, named South-east Air, will be
closed; then keep about S. by E. 1/2 E., passing to the westward of the
buoy on Salisbury Middle, and into Wild road, where anchorage may be
taken in 6 or 7 fathoms, with the light-tower bearing N.W. The flat
within Wild road is a favourite resort of small vessels in westerly
gales, as they obtain the shelter of Air point, but they lie aground
after 2 hours' ebb. If intending to proceed farther up Mostyn deep, pass
through Wild road, and then keep more easterly, leaving the buoys of the
Salisbury on the port hand. The best anchorage in the deep will be found
off Mostyn channel or gutter, in 4 fathoms at low water, and here a
vessel may ride in almost any weather.
Welsh Channel by Night, In-shore passage In entering the Dee by this passage pass to the westward of the N.W.
Patch buoy (black with staff and St. Andrew's cross), and steer S.E.
until Moreton mill in Cheshire, has been brought in line with the inner
end of Helbre island E. by S.; then alter course quickly to keep them
so, and this mark will lead just to the southward of the Earwig buoy,
and clear of all dangers, to abreast the bell buoy off Air point, when
the vessel must proceed as before directed.
In using the inner passage a vessel will pass clear to the
south-westward of the Earwig, by keeping Ireby hill to the southward of
the Point of Air lighthouse, S.E. by E. 3/4 E.
In the above-mentioned passage the flood stream makes direct up from low
water to half flood, and the ebb sets through it from half ebb to low
water.
Helbre Swatch and buoys The entrance of Helbre swatch is crossed by a bar, with from 7 to 12
feet upon it, connecting spits from the West and East Hoyle, but as the
passages within cannot be entered by a vessel of 12 feet draught until
two hours' flood the bar is not a great impediment. It is well marked by
a pillar buoy painted with red, white, and black vertical stripes, in
the fairway over the bar, bearing S. 1/2 E. 4 miles from the N.W.
lightvessel; and besides the three red buoys along the eastern edge of
the West Hoyle already mentioned, there are four black nuns bounding the
western steep of the East Hoyle up to Lime wharf, abreast of Helbre
island; they are marked HE, and numbered from the outside.
Having closed the N.W. light-ship, and the tide flowed sufficiently, the
Eye beacon which is 70 feet high, and the Beach mark, each with
diamond shaped heads, will be perceived. Proceed with the former open
west of the latter, bearing S. by E. 1/4 E.; this will lead up to and
three-quarters of a mile beyond the Pillar buoy, and in the deepest
water over the bar. It is always desirable to keep well over to the
westward to avoid the in-draft of the Horse channel. When within the bar
the buoys will be the best guide; but the following courses will be
useful, especially should any have drifted from their position.
Three-quarters of a mile from the Pillar buoy, or 4.75 miles from the N.W.
light-ship, the course is Hoylake church S.E. 3/4 S. for 1.5 miles. The
Eye beacon should then be brought a sail's breadth open east of the
Beach mark, and run on for 1.75 miles, rounding out and passing 2 cables
outside Helbre island. You can then either anchor with the Grange hill
and Eye beacons on a line, and Helbre telegraph N.E. 1/4 N., in 7 or 8
fathoms, or, if in charge of a good pilot, proceed upwards to your
destination. The Welshman's gut is entered with the last-named anchoring
marks, and with the Hoylake hotel on with the north end of the Little
Helbre, E. 1/2 N.; and from the buoy in the gut, the Salisbury swatch and
the black and white chequered buoy at its south-west end bears S.W. by
S., distant 2 miles; also the perch buoy of the Salisbury middle W. 3/4
S., 1.25 miles, which latter must be rounded to the northward if for Wild
road, formerly described.
Salisbury gut, Dalpool deep, Parkgate deep, &c,
subject as they are to
frequent changes, cannot be safely used without a pilot, and it is
therefore unnecessary to furnish directions for them.
Mostyn quay, Mostyn is a creek of Chester, and the Custom House returns for 1868
were:-
At Greenfield, At Bagillt, or Dee bank, Flint, Flint is also a creek of Chester, and the Custom House returns,
including Connah's quay, were, in 1868:-
Connah's quay Connah's quay is connected by a railway with Wrexham, besides being,
with other places named, on the Chester and Holyhead line.
At Queensferry, At Saltney, Towage As the river is only navigable for vessels of 9 feet draught at springs,
it is the cause of much delay. Vessels of a larger class usually go down
light to Mostyn deep, and there take in their cargoes, which are
conveyed in flats from Chester and the other shipping places.
At Connah's quay the duration of the flood is for 2h. 5m., and that of
the ebb 10h. 23m.; the rise of average springs is 14 feet, and of neaps
6.5 feet.
At Saltney, and Cranes wharf Chester, it is high water 40 minutes later
than at Liverpool, a high spring rising 12 feet, an ordinary one 10, and
the duration of the flood is about two hours, and of the ebb 10; this
shortness of the flood is caused by a weir across the river at the city,
over which the tide only rises upon springs.
From the cottage of Pen-y-Sarn, at the west end of Rhuddlan marsh, the
coast, for 3 miles to the mouth of the river Clwyd, is flat, with a
foreshore composed of shingle and sand, half a mile wide at low water.
The entrance to the river from the sea is straight for about half a
mile, then curves in S.W. for between the high-water points. There is
one perch at the turn upon the west side, and two for leading up the
entrance reach, upon the east side, the inner one being at the high
water mark.
A small quay immediately within the western point admits vessels of 13
feet draught alongside it at high water; and two upon the eastern side,
having a similar depth, are chiefly used by passenger steamers. The
railway crosses the river a little above the pier, so that no vessel can
pass up to Rhuddlan, a distance of about 2 miles, unless with lowered
masts; below the railway bridge is the Foryd toll sliding bridge upon
rollers.
Sands
Nearly the whole of the wide estuary of the Dee is occupied by sand and
flats which dry at low water, and the approaches to the same being also
similarly encumbered, constitute an intricate and dangerous navigation.
The following is a brief and general description of the various sands,
&c, beginning with the most western, which are however constantly
changing.
Chester Flats
The great extent of shallow and sandy patches which
commence from near Rhos point to 4 miles in the offing abreast the town
of Rhyl, are known by the general name of the Chester flats. They are
composed of sand mixed with fine gravel and shells; several ridges occur
abreast the town of Llandulas, the outermost of which, with 6 feet upon
it, is 1.5 miles off shore. The next group, named the Rhyl flats, off
the town of Rhyl, has several patches of 6 feet at 2 miles off shore,
and one patch of that depth lies 1.5 miles farther out, at what may be
termed the inner end of the Constable bank. The whole of these ridges
are based upon a flat with not more than 2 or 3 fathoms upon it at low
water.
The Middle patch, known also as the Earwig, is
a long narrow ridge partially separated from, and bounding the Chester
flats to the north-eastward. The north-west extremity or tail of the
Middle patch is marked by black buoy with staff and St. Andrew's cross,
named the N.W. Patch buoy. From it the town of Rhyl bears South, rather
more than 3.5 miles ; the Constable buoy, W. by N. 3/4 N., 6.5 miles; West
Hoyle buoy E. by. N. 1/4 N, 4 miles; and Chester Bar, buoy, East 2.5
miles.
West Hoyle Bank
This is one of the most extensive of the sands in the
neighbourhood of the Dee and Mersey, and nearly the whole of it is
uncovered at low water, drying up towards its eastern end 22 feet. Its
western extremity, named the West Hoyle Spit, is marked by a black and
white chequered can, named Bar buoy, which lies in 12 feet with the
following bearings:-The Constable buoy, W. by N. 1/2 N. nearly, 9 miles
; West Hoyle buoy, N.E. by E. 1.75 miles; the N.W. lightship, N.E. by. E.
1/4 E. 8 miles; Air point lighthouse, S.E. 5.75 miles; and the South-west,
and South Hoyle buoys, S.E. 1/4 E. 2.25 and 4 miles respectively. Chester
bar, which this buoy marks on the eastern side, is a flat with 9 to 12
feet upon it, connecting the West Hoyle spit with the Middle patch.
the outer dry portion of the West Hoyle, is a mile to the
eastward of the Bar buoy; and thence the steep inner edge of the sand
extends S.E. 3.25 miles, and in a direction nearly parallel to the Middle
patch to within 1.5 miles of Air point lighthouse, when, conforming to
the contour of the foreshore of the point, it has a S.E. by E. direction
for 4 miles to the north point of Welshman's gut. From the Bar buoy the
shallows extend in a north-east direction for 1.5 miles, and from thence
E 3/4 S.
This comprises the whole of the southern flat foreshore rather
more than a mile broad, from Air point to 5 miles above it, when it
becomes broader and takes the name of Bagillt bank. The edge of this flat
is marked at intervals by buoys, the first one a black bell buoy, with
staff and globe, being abreast Air point, above half a mile N.E. by N.
from the lighthouse; from it Earwig buoy bears W. by N. nearly 3 miles;
the South Hoyle N.W. by W. 1.75 miles; and Salisbury Middle buoy S.E. by
E. 1.5 miles.
from a short distance within Air point,
extends parallel to Mostyn bank for 2.5 miles, then bends more easterly,
and increases in breadth till its northern edge approaches within half a
mile of the Cheshire shore, when it again turns southerly, and unites
with Bagillt bank.
broken up by several swatchways, lies
on the north-east side of, and nearly parallel to the Great Salisbury,
from which it is separated by Salisbury gut; this bank nearly joins the
south-east portion of West Hoyle bank, a narrow swatchway only, named
Welshman gut, in which is a buoy, striped red and white horizontally,
passing between them. The south-east ends of Salisbury bank are marked
by two red can buoys named Salisbury bar, and East bar, and between the
former and the Welshman's gut buoy there is a chequered red and white
buoy "Seldom Seen," lying at the west edge of the Salisbury bank.
the broad flat on which Helbre islets are based, projects
from off the Cheshire, shore for a distance of 3 miles within Helbre
point; several buoys are placed along its south-west edge, and mark the
northeast side of Dalpool and Flint deeps.
Pilots
Chester and Parkgate pilots are seldom to be procured at
Chester bar, but the Liverpool pilots are empowered to take charge of
any vessels as far as Wild road (the outer part of Mostyn deep) and
Dalpool (pronounced Dawpool), where, as well as at Helbre island,
Chester pilots may be obtained for the upper navigation. Pilots and
steam tugs may be procured off the point of Air towards and during
spring tides.
Directions
As not more than 12 feet can be reckoned upon over Chester
bar, vessels must wait until the water has flowed, especially if there
be any sea, in which case a long line of breakers on the West Hoyle
spit, and broken water upon the ridge of the Middle patch, give an
unmistakeable distinctness to the passage between them.
The passage across Chester bar, and in between
the Middle patch and West Hoyle bank towards Air point, is called the
Welsh Channel, in which, though the breadth is good, the depths are
irregular. Within the bar, and to the south-west Hoyle buoy, there are
from 3 to 4.5 fathoms, but between that buoy and across to the Earwig is
a second bar of the same depths as upon the outer one.
should only be used with a leading wind, or by
skillful pilots after half flood, who feel their way by the lead along
the Middle patch, and avoid the steep edge of the West Hoyle by keeping
on the eastern limit of the white light of the point of Air upon a
south-east bearing. It would be highly imprudent for a stranger
voluntarily to attempt the passage by night without a pilot, but if
compelled to do so, he should endeavour to keep off until the water has
well flowed, and then, bringing the point of Air light to bear S.E.,
follow the under-mentioned directions. Depths of 6 and 5 fathoms will be
found 2 miles outside the bar, and the least water on the bar will be 2
fathoms at low tide. Keep within the southern edge of the red light of
the Great Ormes head, or do not lose sight of the white light from
Crosby tower, until Air light be brought on the south-east bearing, upon
which run, passing westward of the bar buoy, half a mile beyond which
the water deepens to above 4 fathoms, and again shoals over the second
bar which begins at Southwest Hoyle buoy striped black and white
vertically. When abreast of the third, or about 1.5 miles from the Air
light, steer about E. by S. 1/2 S., entering the red light, and
afterwards rounding the Bell and S.E. buoys at a mile off the shore.
When the light bears W. 1/2 N., the vessel will be abreast of the latter
and Salisbury perch buoy, and again entering a white light, alter course
to S. by E. for either one or 2 miles, anchoring either in the Wild road
or off Mostyn deep, as directed in a previous paragraph, page 121.
The passage between the Middle patch and the main is
often used in daylight in preference to crossing Chester bar, especially
if the wind be southerly and scant; it has also the advantage of a
slacker tide. Coasters drawing from 10 to 12 feet, generally take this
route after quarter flood.
Helbre swatch has West Hoyle bank to the westward, and East Hoyle bank
and Helbre islets to the eastward. The tide streams in it are regular,
but as the only guiding object at night is the back bearing of the
light-vessel, and the margins of the passage are steep and the depth
considerable, it can only be considered a daylight and clear weather
passage. It is nearly 4 miles long to Helbre islets, and has a general
width of one-third of a mile.
Upper Navigation
Above the line of Heswell, and Flint on opposite shores the estuary is
nearly wholly occupied by sands, and the navigation is most difficult.
Vessels are constantly taking the ground, though in pilot charge, and
from being thus impeded, they seldom reach Chester in one tide. The
shallow and shifting channels between Parkgate and Flint are fordable
from half ebb to half flood, but many persons have lost their lives in
crossing, by the tide overtaking them. No description of such a
navigation will therefore be attempted, but a brief notice will be given
of the various shipping places on the banks of the Dee between the sea
and Chester.
2.75 miles within Air point.-Vessels drawing 12 feet reach
it at springs, and those of 6 feet at neaps. Large quantities of coal are
shipped from the pits there. There is an open dock, affording
considerable accommodation alongside the quays, which is connected with
the navigation of the Dee by a straight cut across the foreshore, having
a black warping buoy a little south of the entrance. The Chester and
Holyhead railway passes close to the head of the harbour, and has a
station there.
No. of Coasters inwards, 27 = 10,791 tons; outwards, 581 =
32,526 tons;
Foreign in, 2 of 1,311 tons;
and 179 vessels, of 8,950
tons, for which no clearances were required.
3 miles above Mostyn, vessels of 11 feet draught may be
admitted at springs, and those of 5 feet at neaps.
2 miles higher up, are large smelting works,
which employ many small vessels in the conveyance of lead, copper, and
other ores. Vessels of 8.5 feet draught reach it on springs, and those
of 2.5 feet at neaps. Formerly a passage boat crossed over every day from
Parkgate to Bagillt at high water, and returned on the ebb.
although the county town, has but little trade; it is chiefly
remarkable for the ruins of its old castle, standing close to the shore.
Vessels of from 100 to 200 tons are here built, as they are also at
Connah's quay, and such of 9 feet draught reach Flint at springs, and
those drawing 3 feet at neaps. A market boat leaves Flint every day with
the first of the flood for Chester, returning again on the following
ebb.
Coasters inwards, 465 = 25,244 tons; outwards, 537=28,794 tons;
Foreign, inwards, 12 = 1,837 tons; outwards, 3 = 408 tons.;
besides 51 vessels of 2,687 tons not requiring clearances.
The population in 1861 amounted to 3,482.
is 7.5 miles below Chester, and nearly at the point where
the estuary has been abruptly contracted by artificial embankments. Here
vessels lie afloat at low water, and timber ships discharge their
cargoes, which are rafted up to Chester. Vessels drawing 11.5 feet may
reach it at springs, and those of 5.5 feet at neaps.
2 miles above Connah's quay, there are quays, and a
considerable trade in coals, slate, tiles, bricks, and patent fuel. At
low water there is not more than 2 or 3 feet, but vessels of 10.5, and 5
feet draught reach it at springs and neaps respectively. Besides this
ferry there is one other across the river, a mile below Saltney, both of
which are free.
the property of the Great Western Railway Company, one mile
below Chester, there are good quays, and a brisk trade is carried on in
vessels of from 100 to 150 tons burden, chiefly in coals, iron ore,
china clay, &c. A branch of the Great Western railway connects it with
Shrewsbury and the interior, and another branch, from near it, with Mold
and Denbigh.
Bore of the Dee: Caution
It is necessary for vessels navigating the
Dee to guard against the tidal bore to which the river is subject; it
begins abreast Rockfield, a mile below Connah's quay; attains its
greatest height of 2 feet, at Sandy croft, and moves at the rate of 8
miles per hour. The first of the flood is generally the strongest, and
vessels lying alongside quays should look well to their fastenings, for
much damage at times takes place from neglecting this precaution. The
bore is not dangerous to boats if they are in the middle of the river,
but upon the shore they are liable to be swamped or stove.
Two steam-tugs are stationed in the Dee, and have plenty of
employment at spring tides; the usual practice is to tow several vessels
at the same time, slipping and leaving behind any that take the ground;
this frequently occurs, and vessels are often injuriously strained in
consequence. The charge for strangers between Wild road and Saltney is
20 shillings.
Tides:
On full and change it is high water at Air point at l0h. 44m.;
equinoctial springs rise 33 feet, ordinary springs 25 feet, and neaps 13
feet. The rate of the stream in Wild road does not exceed 3 knots per
hour.
Chester,
a city and county of itself, is 179 miles by railway from
London and 21 from Liverpool; it lies upon a rocky elevation upon the
north bank of the Dee, by which river it is nearly half surrounded.
There are many handsome erections within the city, such as the
cathedral, exchange, and castle, the latter a splendid structure, built
upon the site of the ancient castle, nearly all of which has been taken
down. The river is crossed by two road and one railway bridge; the new
road or central bridge being a remarkable one, as having but one arch of
200 feet span. Chester had formerly a far larger and more important
trade than that of late years. Now only vessels of small burden,
carrying from 100 to 150 tons, go up to the quay at Saltney, and to
Crane wharf and Cheese stage at the city below the railway bridge, the
latter ladened chiefly with slates and iron ore. At the wharf, vessels
will lie afloat at low water if drawing no more than 7 feet, but at the
stage with a draught of 12 feet. The imports are chiefly of a general
character, and the exports cheese, copper plate, and cast-iron; there
are some manufactories of tobacco, shot, and leather. A few vessels are
built of from 100 to 200 tons, as also at Saltney. The Custom House
returns for 1868, which include the shipping places below the city, were
as follows:-
The number of sailing vessels belonging to the port 130,
of 8,036 tons;
of steamers, 10, 2,127 tons;
Coasters, inwards, 724,
41,752 tons; outwards, 206, 11,433 tons;
Foreign, in, 1, 120 tons; out,3, 243 tons;
besides 158 vessels of 9,480 tons, which did not require
clearances.
The population in 1861 amounted to 31,110.
Coast west of Dee Mouth
River Clwyd, and Rhyl
A little west of the town of Rhyl is the outlet
of the united rivers of the Elwy and Clwyd; the Elwy is swelled by many
streams falling from the high land about Moel Saesiog, elevated 1,533
feet, having a general course from the south-west; and the Clwyd winds
for about 21 miles through the beautiful vale of that name, to the
junction between St. Asaph and Rhyddlan, at about 5 miles from the
outlet; by some the stream below the junction retains the name of the
Clwyd, but by other authorities it is called the Elwy.
Tides
It is high water at the entrance of the river Clwyd on full and
change at 10h. 37m., and abreast the jetty the rise is 15 feet on
equinoctial springs, 13 feet on ordinary springs, and 11 feet at neaps.
Life-boats
A tubular life-boat is stationed upon the west side of the
river, and one of the ordinary description at or near Abergele; there
are also life belts and lines at the coast-guard station.
The town of Rhyl,
which is resorted to for sea-bathing, stands nearly a
mile to the eastward of the Clwyd; its extensive terraces of superior
houses, hotels, and other erections making it a prominent object from
the sea.
Pier and light
From off the hotel, about the centre of the town, a
promenade pier projects out about due north for 705 yards; at the head
there is a depth of 16 feet at springs and 10 at neaps; and a white
light is shown from it from about half flood to half ebb. The population
of Rhuddlan, including Rhyl, was in 1861, 4,397.
Coast
The point of Air, at the entrance of the Dee, is E. by S. 7 miles
from the river Clwyd, and the whole of the intermediate shore is a low
shingle beach, having a breadth of from three-quarters to half a mile,
with a margin of fine sand at low water. The objects which principally
attract attention are the smelting works of Tal-y-Goch, standing on the
abrupt eastern falls to the valley; then Gwaunysgeor height of 680 feet;
Voel Nant, of 764 feet, on which is a telegraph; one-third of a mile
farther eastward, St. Elmos summer house, elevated 774 feet; and,
lastly, on the easterly slope of the same ridge, the mansion of Talacre.
Life-boat
On the shore nearly abreast the latter, and W. 3/4 S. 1.75
miles from Air point, is a life-boat, which is maintained by the
Liverpool docks trust.