Moorings on the River Avon (Bristol)

This is the lower River Avon, from Hanham Lock on the eastern edge of Bristol down through the city to the Severn Estuary at Avonmouth, together with Bristol's Floating Harbour. Above Hanham the river is the Avon Navigation, part of the Kennet & Avon route from Bath, looked after by the Canal & River Trust. Below Hanham the river feels high tides, which overtop Netham Weir, and Netham Lock leads into the Feeder Canal, the first mile of the Floating Harbour. The tidal river itself is carried round the harbour in the New Cut. Bristol City Council manages the Floating Harbour and the tidal river.

Seagoing boats use the entrance lock at Cumberland Basin, which opens from about two hours before high water until shortly before it. Below the lock the Avon winds through the Avon Gorge to Avonmouth, about five miles away. The river is navigable by seagoing vessels at high water but dries to a steep, muddy channel at low tide, the spring range at Avonmouth is around 13 metres and the stream can reach five knots, so passages are timed around high water. Boats with an air draft over five metres must give 48 hours' notice for the Plimsoll swing bridge.

Moorings on the River Avon and in the 28 hectare Floating Harbour include Bristol Marina on the south side of the harbour, with pontoon and shore berths for boats up to 21 metres and a boatyard, the harbour authority's pontoons around the docks, and the marina at Baltic Wharf. Near the mouth of the river, Portishead Cruising Club has drying berths in Crockerne Pill at Pill.