Friends of Stepper was formed to involve people who are interested in supporting our watch station,
 but are unable for various reasons,to participate in the duties at the station, 

 
Once you join us you will receive a copy of our quarterly newsletter

"Friends of Stepper"

This gives updates on events concerning the station plus various articles of interest.

Padstow is the largest tidal port on the North coast of Cornwall, and is an ideal haven for vessels of all sizes, apart from the dozens of cruising yachts that visit during the summer season, Padstow has a large fleet of fishing vessels that work all year round, we have a special bond with the crews of these.  Since the Coastguard watch facilities  on Stepper Point and Trevose Head ceased, several small vessels and their crews have been lost close by - most would have been in sight of the Stepper Point lookout!

The lookout on Stepper Point is ideally situated to cover the Doom Bar, a notoriously known hazard to shipping. Many vessels have been lost there during the last 2 centuries on their approach to the port. We also monitor the ever increasing use of the coastal footpath. The station is also in a good position to cover the surfing beaches in the estuary. 

Now we now fully operational,  radio, radar and visual watch is kept during daylight hours 365 a year. A weather monitoring system with radio links to the harbour office is to be installed soon,  The station is on standby to be manned when their is any emergency in the vicinity. We work in close co-operation with Padstow Lifeboat, and HM Coastguard. Also we provide weather reports which are passed to the maritime agency and are eventually broadcast over BBC Radio Cornwall.  

We also offer weather reports on conditions in the Camel Estuary and its approaches to any person who wishes to contact us on 07810898041.

Since the decision in March 2000 to reopen this station, a small band of dedicated volunteers led by Station Manager Derek Lindsey have carried out a complete restoration of the lookout. Local tradesmen have helped by donating their labour for specialised tasks, we have had marvellous support by way of donations.

It has cost  £12,000 to get this one-time coastguard lookout, guarding the entrance to the Camel estuary and the port of Padstow, fully operational.

The Stepper Point station is completely self funding, as are all NCI Stations.  Our fundraising has continued unabated, in the form of coffee mornings and open days, all of which have been well supported by the local community and visitors alike.

To become a Friend of Stepper Point please click the button at the bottom of this page. An application form will open in a new window. Print two copies of the form and complete them. Keep one copy as your reference and send the other to the address below, along with your cheque. Please make cheques payable to "NCI Stepper Point." Your name and address will not be passed to any third parties; it will only be used in our membership register. 

NCI Stepper Point Treasurer
"Pegasus"
Porthcothan Bay
Padstow
Cornwall
PL28 8LR