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Weymouth Harbour - The Nothe

Dorset  >  United Kingdom

Weymouth is a town on the West side of the large sheltered Weymouth Bay in South Dorset.

Added* by Baz Willmott
Most recent update 1 november 2022

Description

Weymouth gets very busy during the Summer peak holiday season and is best avoided during this time. Weymouth Harbour is protected by The Nothe and Pavilion Piers, two Easterly projecting peninsulas giving excellent views of the bay. During Winter Toppet Skallesluger, Ederfugl, Sortand, Toppet Lappedykker and Islom are the most common, smaller numbers of Rødstrubet Lom, Sortstrubet Lom, Havlit, Nordisk Lappedykker, Sorthalset Lappedykker, Gråstrubet Lappedykker, Lomvie and Alk can be expected. During Spring returning Splitterne, Fjordterne and Dværgterne are usually seen. During periods of prolonged freezing conditions Bjergand, Lille Skallesluger and Stor Skallesluger seek out the bays sheltered conditions. During Autumn Nothe Gardens can hold Rødtoppet Fuglekonge, Broget fluesnapper and Stenpikker (an early morning visit is best). Autumn gales especially from the East can give seabirds such as Lille Stormsvale, Dværgmåge and Sabinemåge. Weymouth Bay has an extremely large Hættemåge roost during Winter months. From Pavilion Pier check carefully through the flock for more unusual species.

Details

Access

Leave the A35 main road on the Southern edge of Dorchester at roundabout signed Weymouth A354. On outskirts of Weymouth at Veasta roundabout take second exit signed Portland A354/Town Centre. At next roundabout follow signs to Town Centre/Portland A354, at next roundabout take first exit signed Westham/W.R.T.A. This A354 road passes RSPB Radipole Lake (see separate entry), at next junction (traffic lights) continue straight ahead, continue on A354 and turn Left at sign CEFAS Lab/Old Harbour South/Timewalk Brewers Quay/Nothe Fort. At next mini roundabout take second exit signed CEFAS Lab SCTC/Nothe Fort, from here along narrowing streets Nothe car parks (Fee Payable) are ahead.

Terrain and Habitat

Scattered trees and bushes , Grassland , Sea , River , City/village , Beach

Conditions

Flat , Sandy , Rocky , Open landscape , High water possible

Circular trail

Yes

Is a telescope useful?

Yes

Good birding season

Winter , Autumn , Spring

Best time to visit

Winter , Spring , Autumn , Autumn migration , Spring migration

Route

Wide path , Paved road , Narrow trail

Difficulty walking trail

Easy

Accessible by

Foot , Bicycle , Car

Birdwatching hide / platform

No

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