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Instow Range Front Lighthouse

Oc White 6s🇬🇧North Devon, GBOperational

Location & Light Range

About Instow Range Front Lighthouse

A square skeletal steel tower, 18 meters high, was erected in 1990 to replace an earlier wooden structure. This replacement followed severe storm damage in January 1990. The tower features a gallery and a vertically-slatted daymark. Its focal height is 22 meters, and it emits an occulting white light every 6 seconds. The lighthouse stands on the west bank of the River Taw, north of Instow village, adjacent to the North Devon Cricket Club. The site is open to the public, though the tower itself is closed.

Why it matters: This range front light guides ships through the narrow channel into the River Taw, which is essential for maritime traffic entering the waterway.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Oc White 6s
Flash Type
Occulting
Light Color
White
Interval
6s
Raw Code
Oc W 6s
Focal Height
22m
Geographic Range
13.6NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1990

Significant events: original wood lighthouse was replaced after being heavily damaged by a storm in January 1990

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
18m
Tower Shape
square
Tower Color
white
Material
steel

Structure: square steel skeletal tower with gallery and a rectangular, vertically-slatted daymark

Location

City
North Devon
Country
🇬🇧United Kingdom
Region
England
Sea Region
guides ships through the narrow channel into the River Taw. Located on the west bank of the Taw on the north side of Instow, adjacent to the clubhouse of the North Devon Cricket Club.
Latitude
51.0604°
Longitude
-4.1778°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Yelland(0.6 km)
Admiralty No.
A5610
NGA No.
6232
ARLHS No.
ENG-204
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Instow Range Front Lighthouse at night?+
Instow Range Front displays the characteristic Oc White 6s. Each lighthouse has a unique flash pattern published in the List of Lights, allowing mariners to positively identify it and distinguish it from other navigation aids in the area. The white color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Instow Range Front Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Instow Range Front Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Instow at 0.8 NM to the SE. Other ports served include Yelland (0.8 NM NNE), Appledore (0.9 NM SW), Bideford (2.7 NM SSW), Barnstaple (4.8 NM E). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Instow Range Front Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Instow Range Front Lighthouse is currently operational. It is actively maintained and continues to emit its characteristic light signal for marine navigation. Most modern lighthouses are automated and monitored remotely by the national maritime authority.
What shipping routes pass near Instow Range Front Lighthouse?+
Instow Range Front Lighthouse is located within the English Channel / North Sea corridor — one of the world's busiest maritime corridors connecting the Atlantic to Northern European ports. This makes it an important navigation reference for commercial shipping traffic in the region.
How can I track vessels near Instow Range Front Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Instow Range Front Lighthouse in real time using MarineRadar. The platform shows live AIS positions of ships in the area, including vessel name, type, flag, speed, and course. Use the "Track Vessels Nearby" button on this page to open the live map centered on this lighthouse.