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Lyde Rock Lighthouse

Q White/Red 2.6s🇬🇧Forest of Dean, GBOperational

Location & Light Range

About Lyde Rock Lighthouse

This square, skeletal tower stands 12 meters tall and is constructed of cast iron, painted black with three white horizontal bands. It was built in 2008 and first lit the same year, replacing an earlier structure destroyed in a 1941 ship collision. The light emits a quick white or red flash, varying by direction, with a geographic range of 11 nautical miles. It sits on a submerged rock on the north side of the Severn estuary, approximately 300 meters upstream from the older Severn Bridge. The lighthouse is maintained by the Gloucester Harbour Trustees and is operational, though inaccessible to the public.

Why it matters: Lyde Rock warns mariners of the submerged rock it occupies near Beachley, providing directional guidance within the tidal Severn estuary.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Q White/Red 2.6s
Flash Type
Quick
Light Color
White/Red
Interval
2.6s
Raw Code
Q W or R
Focal Height
12m
Light Range
5NM (9.3 km)
Geographic Range
11NM

Construction & History

Year Built
2008

Significant events: The 1896 lighthouse was destroyed in a collision with a ship.

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Chepstow(2.2 km)
Admiralty No.
A5545.
NGA No.
5994
Wikidata
Q105323410 →

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
12m
Tower Shape
square
Tower Color
black with three white horizontal bands
Material
cast iron

Structure: square cast iron skeletal tower with gallery

Location

City
Forest of Dean
Country
🇬🇧United Kingdom
Region
England
Sea Region
Located on a submerged rock on the north side of the Severn off Beachley, about 300 m (0.2 mi) upstream from the older Severn Bridge.
Latitude
51.6147°
Longitude
-2.6444°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How far offshore can Lyde Rock Lighthouse be seen?+
With a focal height of 12 meters and a nominal range of 5 nautical miles (approximately 9.3 km), Lyde Rock is visible from well offshore under standard atmospheric conditions. Actual visibility depends on observer height, weather, and sea state. As a shorter-range light, it primarily serves nearshore and coastal traffic.
How do mariners identify Lyde Rock Lighthouse at night?+
Lyde Rock displays the characteristic Q White/Red 2.6s. 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/red color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Lyde Rock Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Lyde Rock Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Chepstow at 1.9 NM to the NNW. Other ports served include Avonmouth (7 NM SSW), Portbury (7.6 NM SSW), Lydney (7.8 NM NE), Portishead (8.7 NM SSW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Lyde Rock Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Lyde Rock 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 Lyde Rock Lighthouse?+
Lyde Rock 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 Lyde Rock Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Lyde Rock 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.