The number of ships using Bideford as a port has much reduced over the years. Ships queuing up to cross the bar and double moored on the quays to discharge cargoes are just memories. 

Of course, it didn’t just stop overnight there were a series of changes which impacted port operations. Improvements to roads and road transport, especially the rapid development of the motor lorry after World War I, reduced coastal trade generally. Vessels have increased in size and the tides and water depth in the Torridge Estuary mean that the days and times vessels can enter and leave are restricted. Clay cargoes are a good example. Shipping companies prefer the flexibility of a deeper water port, even though transporting clay by lorry has a significant impact on roads and fuel costs.

The Port of Bideford provides navigation and pilotage across the whole estuary but only has jurisdiction over the Statutory Harbour Authority area whose boundary lies between the two bridges. Recently, and in partnership with Navantia (formerly Harland and Wolff Appledore), there has been an increase in the number of ships bringing cargoes into Appledore’s New Quay dock. 

In terms of numbers of people, the harbour remains well used:

The Oldenburg ferry to Lundy has a full complement of 267 passengers and will operate 32 voyages from Bideford this year. Assuming good loadings for trips, she is likely to carry some 8,000 people in a season.

Compare this with the paddle steamer Waverley. She visited once in 2025 and carries a maximum 860 passengers plus crew although her arrival and departure brought many spectators to the Quay.

The Mair has a contract with Trinity House for repair and maintenance of navigation marks. Her maximum crew is stated to be nine. Based out of Bideford she contributes small but regular activity similar to the port-based fishing boats like Relentless.

Rowing and gig clubs, and people in canoes, on paddleboards and sailing boats are also important in terms of the number of users. The rowing clubs estimate they have up to 70 active rowers on the river throughout the year with more than 100 at regattas. 

However, one of the biggest contributors to activity on the water is not a ferry or visiting vessel. This year 6,008 young people plus their instructors, from the Appledore-based activity centre Skern Lodge, have paddled and floated from Little America to land at the Kingsley steps. We hope they will learn to love their river and look after it in the generations to come.