Porthpean to Gorran Haven

We had a break from paddling last week so I was happy to get back on the water again, and as conditions were perfect we decided to continue our journey on the South coast. Kevin and I were joined by Linda and we launched at Porthpean beach in calm but foggy conditions and in the company of six or more sit on top kayaks, who were accompanying three hardy swimmers also heading to Gorran Haven.

The journey there was point to point until we got close to Gwineas rocks off Gorran Haven. In the distance and out to sea we could see white water which on closer inspection were small overfalls on the Gwineas reef. We paddled through this until we reached deeper water and the Cardinal buoy.

The trip back to Porthpean was a treat and by this time the fog had completely cleared and we saw the first swimmer nearing his goal. This coast has many secluded beaches, interesting rock strata, caves, arches, seals and an abundance of seabirds. Be sure to pop into Mevagissey harbour and hug the coastline to get the best out of this trip, as there is much of interest to see.

Wildlife Observed: Fulmar, Gannet, Oystercatcher, Turnstone, Curlew, Peregrine (x2), Rock pipit, Mediterranean gull and Grey seal (x6).

Look For:

Rock arches and cave at Porthpean

Black Head

Gwineas Rocks

Mevagissey

Chapel Point

Hazards:

Reefs and Rock Pinnacles

Tidal Race near Gwineas Rocks

Details:

Paddle No: 15

Date: 21/09/2013

Wind: Force 1-2 SW

Temperature: 18 degrees

Weather: Sun, cloud and fog

Distance Covered: 15.9 miles

Duration: 6.0 hrs

Access: Easy launch from sandy beach, landing and exit

Sea State: Smooth

Kayaks: P&H Scorpio,  Easky 13, Dagger Charleston 15

   Porthpean to
   Gorran Haven 

Click map to enlarge

Newlyn to Penberth Cove

I have paddled from Newlyn to Lamorna Cove on many occasions, but this time we decided to go a bit further to Penberth Cove, this was to be a great decision as the Lamorna to Penberth bit is a wonderful stretch of coastline with some amazing rock and cliff formations. We were lucky to have done our trip at low tide which is fast becoming my favorite condition for coastal exploration.

Little in the way of wind and waves and just a small amount of swell. The sheer beauty of the coast, particularly further west makes up for any loss of excitement that rougher sea conditions can give.

PS. Thanks to Kevin and Sian for the Après-paddle birthday cake and coffee in a lovely little cafe above the Mousehole swimming pool.

Wildlife Observed: Fulmar, Gannet, Oystercatcher, Turnstone, Curlew, Whimbrel, Common sandpiper, Kestrel, Wheatear, Rock pipit, Mediterranean gull and Grey seal

Look For:
Penlee Lifeboat Station
Mousehole
St Clements Isle
Lamorna Cove
Tater Du Lighthouse
St Loy Beach

Hazards:
Reefs and Rock Pinnacles

Details:
Paddle No: 14
Date: 8/09/2013
Wind: Force 1-2 Westerly
Temperature: 17 degrees
Weather: Sun and cloud
Distance Covered: 14.6 miles
Duration: 5.0 hrs
Access: Easy launch from shingle beach, landing and exit
Sea State: Smooth
Kayaks: P&H Scorpio,  Easky 13

   Newlyn to
   Penberth Cove

Click map to enlarge

Portloe to Gorran Haven

Portloe to Gorran Haven 13.7 miles there and back. This is a very fine trip indeed with lovely scenery, imposing cliffs, wildlife and plenty of sandy beaches listed below, all enough to make this stretch of coastline a "must paddle". Yet another calm crossing with just a bit of swell around Dodman Point and a light tidal flow close to the shore. Just after rounding it we were lucky enough to see a seal eating a very large fish viewing it at close quarters.

Gorran Haven is yet another picture postcard Cornish fishing harbour with a sandy beach and small harbour wall, giving us a safe and easy landing.

Wildlife Observed: Fulmar, Razorbill, Oystercatcher, Common sandpiper, Kestrel, Rock pipit and Grey seal.

Look For:
Portholland

Caerhays Castle

Porthluney Beach

Boswinger Beach

Hemmick Beach

Dodman Point

Vault Beach

Hazards:
Tidal flow off Dodman Point

Gunnery range off Dodman Point (phone Falmouth coastguard to find out firing days & times)

Details:
Paddle No: 13
Date: 1/9/2013
Wind: Force 1-3 Northerly going SW later
Temperature: 18 degrees
Weather: Hot and Sunny
Distance Covered: 13.7 miles
Duration: 5hrs
Access: Easy launch, landing and exit
Sea State: Smooth
Kayaks: P&H Scorpio, Easky 13

   Portloe to
   Gorran Haven

Click map to enlarge