Bristol Channel

Bristol Channel, the deep indentation on the south-west coast of England, which is formed by the estuary of the Severn, between South Wales and the counties of Devon and Somerset. It extends inland for 80 miles, varying in breadth from 5 to 43 miles, and having a depth of from 5 to 40 fathoms. No inlet in Britain is so large, or so powerfully affected by tides, which rise occasionally to 70 feet, and meeting the outflow of some rivers produce a Bore, which is a source of danger to small vessels. The shores are mostly steep and precipitous, especially on the southern side. Caermarthen, Swansea, Cardiff to the N, Bideford, Ilfracombe, Minehead, Porlock, and Bridgwater to the S., are the chief harbours, and the rivers Towy, Taff, Usk, Wye, Avon, Axe, Parret, Taw, and Torridge, besides the Severn, discharge their waters into it. Lundy Island lies at its mouth, and some smaller islets obstruct the fairway between Bridgwater and Cardiff bays.