Loe Beach to Tresillian

After listening to the weather forecast and hearing that the tail end of Hurricane Gonzalo was going to reach Cornwall by the end of the day, we thought it prudent to do another river trip. We left Loe Beach near Feock thinking that we may have to fight our way back against strong winds and mountainous sea’s, but not so! The sun shone and apart from a gentle headwind it was easy paddling all the way.

This was a record for bird spotting and no less than 7 Kingfishers were seen, along with many other airborne creatures. I am a coastal kayaker by choice but I have to admit to the joy of seeing so much wildlife around the rivers and creeks.

Once again we were joined by Kevin J and Jan, who are becoming regulars on these trips and we met John on the beach who was a welcome addition. Yet another trip that you should plan to do on an incoming tide and returning on the outgoing tide, that’s unless you want to be stuck miles from anywhere surrounded by mud. This would be a great trip to do on a sit-on kayak if you dont mind paddling some distance.

Wildlife Observed:
Little grebe (1),Grey heron, (c.10), Little egret (c.10), Mute swan (13), Canada goose (30+), Shelduck (3), Osprey (1), Buzzard (6), Curlew (c.60),Redshank (c.80), Greenshank (6), Common sandpiper (1), Kingfisher (7), Jay (2), Fallow deer (c.10)

Look For:
Birds and Wildlife
Pill Creek
Turnaware Point
Trelissick House
King Harry Ferry
Moored Ships
Smugglers Cottage
Malpas
St Clement
Tresillian & Bridge

Hazards:
Mud (lots of it at anything but high tide)
Tidal current at Turnaware Bar
Other river users
King Harry Ferry
Wind can get brisk at times in river sections
 
Details: 
Paddle No: 34
Date: 19/10/2014
Wind: Force 2 - 3 WSW
Temperature: 13 degrees
Weather: Sun, light cloud
Distance Covered: 14.4 miles
Duration: 5.5hrs
Access: Easy launch from Loe Beach
Sea state: Smooth
Kayaks: Nigel Dennis Romany x 2, P&H Quest, P&H Vela, Dagger Alchemy

   Loe Beach
   to Tresillian

Click map to enlarge

Falmouth to Porthoustock

It could have been a summers day but this was October. The sun was shining and the sea calm on this scenic stretch of coast. We left from Maenporth Beach near Falmouth, not somewhere we would normally launch from but Sea Kayaking Cornwall had their symposium over the weekend and many participants were spread far and wide (good fun they were having too).

A gentle paddle past Rosemullion Head and down to Helford River where there was some wind blowing out of the river mouth, around Nare Point and onwards passing Porthallow, Porthkerris and eventually arriving at Porthoustock where lunch was taken on the steeply sloping shingle beach.

Kevin G and I were joined by Kevin J and Jan for the trip and we had a relaxed paddle over the 12 miles covered. We saw others fishing from kayaks along the way, seals and sea birds.

Wildlife Observed: 
Gannet (5), Guillemot (7), Red-breasted merganser (2), Oystercatcher (many), Grey seal (2)

Look For:
Wreck of Ben Asdale (Maenporth Beach)
Rosemullion Head
Mawnan Church
Helford River
Gillan Creek
St. Anthony Point
Nare Point (Helford)
Porthallow
Porthkerris
Porthkerris Dive Center
Porthoustock
Dean Quarry
The Manacles

Hazards:
If there is an offshore wind, it gets brisk when paddling across the Helford River
Not much tidal movement until after Porthoustock
The Manacles Rocks. Many Currents!

Details:
Paddle No: 33
Date: 11/10/2014
Wind: Force 1 - 2 SW
Temperature: 14 degrees
Weather: Sunny.
Distance Covered: 12.2 miles
Duration: 4 hrs
Access: Easy launch from Maenporth Beach
Sea state: Smooth
Kayaks: Nigel Dennis Romany x 2, P&H Quest, P&H Vela

   Falmouth
   to Porthoustock

Click map to enlarge

Loe Beach to Ruan Lanihorne Bridge

Possibly one of the nicest river trips in Cornwall? But make sure you plan to do on an incoming tide and ride out on the outgoing tide, that’s unless you want to be stuck miles from anywhere surrounded by mud.

So much bird-life and wonderful countryside views with mile after mile of untouched woods and fields running down to the water’s edge. Much of it is owned by Lord Falmouth so no camping allowed.

A fine trip to do if a coastal paddle is too dangerous and it would be a great trip to do on a sit-on kayak, but make sure you take lunch as there are no shops. We launched at Loe Beach in the upper end of a SW force 3 but as soon as we turned the corner at Turnaware Bar it was smooth and calm. The forecast was for the wind to get stronger, and it certainly did! The last mile home was against a solid force 5 with chop and waves to match.

Wildlife Observed: Grey heron (c.10), Little egret (30+), Mute swan (c.10), Canada goose (c.80), Wigeon (c.30), Curlew (c.5), Greenshank (1), Osprey (2), Buzzard (2), Kingfisher (4) Deer (many)
 
Look For: 
Birds and Wildlife
Pill Creek
Turnaware Point
Trelissick House
King Harry Ferry
Moored Ships
Smugglers Cottage

Hazards:
Mud (lots of it at anything but high tide)
Tidal current at Turnaware Bar
Other river users
King Harry Ferry
Wind can get brisk at times in river sections

Details: 
Paddle No: 32
Date: 7/10/2014
Wind: Force 3 - 5 SW
Temperature: 14 degrees
Weather: Overcast, some sun.
Distance Covered: 11.7 miles
Duration: 4 hrs
Access: Easy launch from Loe Beach
Sea state: Smooth on river but with large chop and medium wave on return.
Kayaks: Nigel Dennis Romany, P&H Quest

    Loe Beach
    to Ruan Lanihorne

Click map to enlarge

Cape Cornwall to Carbis Bay

This is a trip I have wanted to do for over a year but either the conditions were against us or Kevin and I could not get our free time to align. At last it all came together, and this trip was worth the wait! It should be noted that this is a full commitment paddle with few landing points at high tide and very few get-out places.

It is unusual to have flat calm conditions at Cape Cornwall, even when the weather is favourable there is usually swell and with the tidal flow (hard to avoid due to the time it takes to complete this journey), you really do need to get your planning right and not take chances.

The scenery is utterly spectacular and there is just so much to see (and avoid) it would be impossible to describe the grandeur of this piece of coastline. There is much to process, wildlife, zawn's, caves, arches stacks, rock islands and high cliffs and at the same time you are avoiding reefs, ledges, pinnacles while dealing with clapotis, swell and tidal flows.

Altogether this is a unforgettable paddle and one that I would like to do again. We went at high water but I would love to have another look at low tide on the next trip.

Wildlife Observed: Oyster catchers (many), Common Gull, Rock pipit, Grey seal (many), Kittywake (5)

Look For: 
Priests Cove
The Brisons
The Kendijack
Botallack Head
Botallack Mines
Levant Mines
Levant Cliffs (copper stained)
Pendeen Point and Lighthouse
Porthearas Cove
Bosigran Cliffs and The Great Zawn
Porthmeor Cove
Gurnards Head
Zennor Head
The Carracks
Trevega Cliffs
Pen Enys Point
St Ives Head

Hazards:
Tidal flow and overfalls at Cape Cornwall, Pendeen Point, Gurnards Head and other Headlands
Groundswell
Many rocks and reefs
Very few get-out points
Difficult landing at most coves
Instant Fog! The North coast is famous for it
Oh yes! And the £9.00 a day parking fee at Carbis bay

Details:
Paddle No: 31
Date: 22/07/2014
Wind: Force 0 - 3 SW
Temperature: 25 degrees
Weather: Sunny with some cloud.
Distance Covered: 18.4 miles.
Duration: 6 hrs
Access: Easy launch from Cape Cornwall but long walk down to slip
Sea state: Smooth with small swell.
Kayaks: Nigel Dennis Romany, P&H Quest

   Cape Cornwall
    to Carbis Bay

Click map to enlarge

Portwrinkle to Kingsand via Rame Head

Portwrinkle is a small village with a tiny harbour (badly damaged) located at the western end. It's best to drop off gear above the slipway and return to the car park on the cliff road. The access is easy at high tide but there are many rocks to avoid at low tide.

The paddle across Whitsand Bay is interesting and picturesque and you will see many chalets dotted and perched on the high cliffs. Also you cannot miss Tregantle Fort and barracks which has a firing range (check with Rame Head coastguard for firing times) there appears to be good lifeguard cover over most of this coast, indicating that conditions here can be testing in waves or large swell so beware strong SW winds and be sure to double check conditions before you set off.

Rame Head is spectacular with towering cliffs, a 14th century chapel (St Michael's), tiny sandy coves (inaccessible to walkers), a Coastwatch station and strong tidal flows. After rounding Rame it calms down as you paddle toward Penlee Point which is located just before Cawsand Bay and Plymouth Sound. The final stretch before Cawsand and Kingsand (two lovely villages joined at the hip) is a treat as it is densely wooded to the waters edge. I would advise anyone thinking about rounding Rame Head to go on slack water and at a time with little swell and calm seas.

Wildlife Observed: Common Gull, Buzzard (1), Rock pipit, Grey seal (1)

Look For:
Portwrinkle
Whitsand Bay
Tregantle Fort
Freathy
Polhown Fort
Rame Head
St Micheal's Chapel
Penlee Point (Rame)
Cawsand
Kingsand
Plymouth Breakwater
Drakes Island
Great Mew Stone

Hazards:
Particularly sharp and hazardous rocks and reefs along Whitsand Bay
Tregantle Firing Range
Difficult landing on beaches in surf
Tidal race at Rame Head
Tidal race at Penlee Point
Many other water users including ferries, sailing and motor boats at approach to Plymouth Sound
Swimmers at Kingsand and Cawsand

Details:
Paddle No: 30
Date: 19/07/2014
Wind: Force 0 - 3 SW
Temperature: 21 degrees
Weather: Sunny with some cloud.
Distance Covered: 9.40 miles.
Duration: 4.5 hrs
Access: Easy launch from Portwrikle harbour at HW, not so easy at LW.
Sea state: Smooth with small swell.
Kayaks: Nigel Dennis Romany, P&H Quest

   Portwrinkle to
   Kingsand via
   Rame Head

Courtesy of
K. Gaston.

Click map to enlarge

Looe to Portwrinkle

This trip was preceded by a night of camping on a beach about a mile West of Looe after Paul and I had paddled up from Fowey on the previous day. We kayaked to Marine Drive (Looe) in the morning to find Kevin who had driven 40 miles to meet us for the next stage to Portwrinkle. Unfortunately the weather had taken for the worse and although there was little wind at the start, there was a heavy mist on the coast and a force 3/4 SW forecast for later.

After leaving Looe the coast progressively got more interesting with many jagged rocks, high, sloping and wooded cliffs and Longstone stack between Downderry and Portwrinkle. The shoreline is very rocky at low tide with particularly jagged and dangerous reefs.

Portwrinkle has a tiny stone harbour and just a few houses, it does however have outstanding views across Whitsand Bay to Rame Head

I also got to use my P&H Quest sea kayak for the second time and I am pleased to report that this is a very fine boat indeed that fits me like comfy shoes and it handles in a predictable and pleasing manner. I have to remind myself that I have now got a thin skin of carbon/kevlar between me and sharp reefs and not my tough and forgiving Corelite Scorpio.

Wildlife Observed: Great northern diver (1), Gannet (5+), Peregrine (1), Mediterranean gull (4), Oystercatcher (5+), Rock pipit, Grey seal (1)

Look For:
Looe Island
Millendreath Beach
Seaton Beach
Downderry
Longstone Stack
Portwrinkle

Hazards:
Busy around harbour and entrance to river at Looe
No landing on Looe Island
Rocky but achievable launch and landing at Marine Drive (Looe) beach at low tide. (look for sand path)
Particularly sharp and hazardous rocks and reefs soon as you approach Portwrinkle
Rocky but achievable launch and landing at Portwrinkle at low tide (look for sand path)

Details:
Paddle No: 29
Date: 12/07/2014
Wind: Force 0 - 3 SW
Temperature: 19 degrees
Weather: Overcast, cloud and mist on the clifftops
Distance Covered: 13 miles
Duration: 4.5 hrs
Access: Rocky launch from Marine Drive at Looe (OK at high tide)
Sea state: Smooth to Chop - Small Swell
Kayaks: Nigel Dennis Romany, P&H Quest and P&H Scorpio







    Looe to
    Portwrinkle

Click map to enlarge

Falmouth to Portscatho

Kevin, Guy and I left Swanpool beach in Falmouth and paddled across the mouth of the Fal estuary where the wind was brisk and waves were moving seawards, continuing past St Anthony's lighthouse and around the Roseland peninsula to Portcatho. Guy ended the journey early and fell asleep on Porthbeor beach (said he had a late night!!) but we did see him again safe and sound at the end of our paddle.

This trip, although not as spectacular as some was very pleasant and we passed  a number of sandy beaches and rocky coves. The cliffs are low and mostly topped by fields. Apart from the mouth of the estuary, which can get very busy with sailing and power boats this is a relatively safe trip and particularly so with an offshore wind. Sit-on kayaks could have a very nice journey leaving from Portcatho harbour and heading in the Falmouth direction with safe beaches, coves and virtually no tidal flow.

Sea life was sparse on our journey bar one seal but we did spot an Eider duck at Zone point, other bird life as listed below but no performing dolphins this time.

Wildlife Observed: Gannet, Eider (1), Oystercatcher (4), Rock pipit, Grey seal (1),

Look For:
Black Rock
Pendennis Point
Pendennis Castle
St Mawes Castle
Falmouth Docks
St Athony's Lighthouse (Fraggle Rock)
Zone Point
Towan Beach
Porthbeor Beach
Portscatho

Hazards:
Many other water users including ferries, sailing and motor boats. Also be aware of the movement of large ships around Falmouth Docks and the Carrick Roads

Details:
Paddle No: 28
Date: 1/07/2014
Wind: Force 4 NE
Temperature: 16 degrees
Weather: Sun.
Distance Covered: 14.1 miles
Duration: 5hrs
Access: Easy launch, landing and exit
Sea State: Smooth except across estuary
Kayaks: Nigel Dennis Romany, P&H Scorpio







   Falmouth to
   Portscatho

Click map to enlarge

Sennen Cove to Porthchapel Beach via the Longships

There are some kayak trips that words or even video cannot capture. This was one of them! Near perfect conditions with full sun, no waves and little swell. We had a number of friends join us for this trip including Linda, Sam and Paul. Leaving Sennen Cove and paddling out to the Longships lighthouse with slack water approaching we neared the reef but the tidal flow could be felt and the small waves were being generated. We had an entourage of about 30 seals following us as we circumnavigated the lighthouse, only leaving us when we finally left the reef.

We had planned to stop for lunch at Porthgwarras but that was curtailed as they were shooting an episode of the TV series Poldark, so continued to Porthchapel but not before Scott also joined our happy band. The return trip was also highly successful as we managed to paddle through every cave along that coast including a huge cavern complete with its own beach south of Gwennap Head, Nanjizal cave and Lands End cave. Our final visitor attraction was the wreck of the Mulheim between Lands End and Sennen Cove.

Wildlife Observed: Gannet (lots), Fulmar (lots), Razorbill (20+), Guillemot (lots), Raven (1), Rock pipit (5+) Grey seal (30+)

Look For:
Sennen Lifeboat Station
Cowloe Rocks
Longships Reef and Lighthouse
Wolf Rock Lighthouse
Old Coastguard Lookout
60m Cliffs
Rock Climbers
The Wreck of the Mulheim
The First and Last House
The Armed Knight Rock
Enys Dodnan Arch
Mill Bay / Nanjizel
Pendower Coves
Folly Cove
Porth Loe
Gwennap Head
The Runnel Stone
Porthgwarra Cove
Porthchapel Cove

Hazards:
Avoid paddling here in strong winds or anything more than small swell
Many rock reefs and ledges
Not many get-out points unless sea is smooth
Many rocks and boulders on this coast
Strong tidal currents (get your tides right for this trip) at the Longships, Lands End and Porthgwarra
Overfalls

Details:
Paddle No: 27
Date: 22/6/2014
Wind: Force 1-2 NE
Temperature: 14 degrees
Weather: Full sun
Distance Covered: 13 miles
Duration: 5 hrs
Access: Easy launch from Sennen Cove Slip
Sea state: Smooth to Chop - Tiny Swell
Kayaks: Nigel Dennis Romany, P&H Scorpio x2, Tiderace Xcite, Current Design, Dagger Charleston 15

   Sennen Cove to
   Porthchapel Beach
   via the Longships













Click map to enlarge

Fort William to Inverness

A bit off target I admit, but a worthy mention! Sea Kayaking the Great Glen Canoe Trail, Fort William to Inverness is the classic inland trip of Scotland. Sixty miles in length and passing through the Caladonian Canal, Loch Lochy, Loch Oich and a 30 mile passage of Loch Ness.

Somebody said there were four seasons in one hour and they were not joking as we had the lot. Rain, sun, dead calm and strong winds were all part of the mix and best not to mention the midges! For us the most testing day was a 20 mile paddle against force 3/4 winds and waves on Loch Ness but we were rewarded with a good camp site and no problem getting to sleep.

I went with a different Kevin this trip who turned out to be a great paddle partner! 1320 miles of driving, 5 nights of wild camping and 60 miles of paddling turned into a pretty good adventure. I would highly recommend this trip to anyone that does not mind a bit of discomfort. Marvelous scenery, friendly locals and a real sense of camaraderie among the fellow paddlers that we met along the way. I have a feeling that it wont be too long before I will be heading to the far North again.

   Fort William
   to Inverness

Click map to enlarge

Sennen Cove to Porthgwarra Cove via Lands End

This is my 6th trip around Lands End and it never fails to impress. It is a special place with towering cliffs, reefs, caves and tidal races. We left Sennen Cove in a small swell and a choppy sea but after we were under the cliffs protection, only had to deal with the swell and clapotis (backwash from the cliffs and rocks). The tide was still ebbing and there was a fair tidal stream to paddle against but the sun was shining and the scenery epic. We did not get a chance to go into the caves as it was too dangerous and had to avoid some short-cuts through the rocks but the simple pleasure of being there was enough. At the half way mark we saw and spoke to four other kayakers travelling to Sennen.

At the entrance to Porthgwarra Cove there is a large rock lying just offshore, I have noticed in previous trips that the water can get very turbulent in that area when the tide is on full ebb or flow probably accelerated by the Runnel Stone reef not far away. On entering the gap, I spun around followed by a wet exit. Kevin, who had sensibly held back came to the rescue and had me back in my boat within minutes. A good example of why we should all practice rescue and recovery on a regular basis.

The final 500mtrs were the most difficult with the tide running very fast on the outside of the aforementioned rock. Paddling at maximum speed we were only just inching ahead and riding down the swell was the only real way of making forward progress. As we were eating lunch at Porthgwarra, Richard Uren and friend paddled into the cove as a warm up to a five star leader coaching course they were running over the weekend.

This is one of my favorite paddles in Cornwall, but it can be unpredictable and downright dangerous in anything but a small swell.

Wildlife Observed: Fulmar (lots), Guillemot (lots), Razorbill (lots), Kestrel (1), Oystercatcher, Grey seal (3) Lion’s mane jellyfish (1)

Look For:
Sennen Lifeboat Station
Cowloe Rocks
Longships Reef and Lighthouse
Wolf Rock Lighthouse
Old Coastguard Lookout
60m Cliffs
Rock Climbers
The Wreck of the Mulheim
The First and Last House
The Armed Knight Rock
Mill Bay / Nanjizel
Pendower Coves
Folly Cove
Porth Loe
Gwennap Head
The Runnel Stone
Porthgwarra Cove

Hazards:
Avoid paddling here in strong winds or anything more than small swell

Many rock reefs and ledges

Not many get-out points unless sea is smooth
Many rocks and boulders on this coast
Strong tidal currents (get your tides right for this trip)
Overfalls

Details:
Paddle No: 26
Date: 18/4/2014
Wind: Force 2- 4 NE
Temperature: 11 degrees
Weather: Sun with some cloud
Distance Covered: 10.3 miles
Duration: 4.5 hrs
Access: Easy launch from Sennen Cove Slip
Sea state: Smooth to Chop - Small Swell
Kayaks: Nigel Dennis Romany, P&H Scorpio

   Sennen Cove to
   Porthgwarra Cove
   via Lands End

Click map to enlarge

Mullion to Loe Bar

Grey sky, moderate swell and spring tides were not encouraging, but this turned into a good day on the water. Jan came along with us with a borrowed P&H Vela and both were good company! We could not land at Loe Bar as there was a line of rock exposed on the low water mark and enough swell to make landing tricky, so we made this a round trip with no stops. Lots of reefs to avoid or enjoy depending on your mood and a couple of coves with good surf if you wanted to test yourself (we didn't).

Spectacular cliffs particularly around the harbour entrance to observe and a lot of damage to the harbour walls from the recent storms. Not much wildlife apart from a solitary seal near Gunwalloe Cove and a small assortment of birds. When we left in Mullion it was in calm water and little wind but on our return journey it was blowing an upper end of a force four and against us but as this was just a short paddle it was not a problem.

There were a few sit-on kayakers paddling around Mullion Island,  like us they also enjoyed the day and it was a simple pleasure to chat to them on our return.

Note: There is a launching fee for this harbour usually paid at the cafe or honesty box.

Wildlife Observed: Fulmar (5+), Curlew (5+), Oystercatcher (1), Kestrel (1), Rock pipit and Grey seal (1)

Look For:
Mullion Harbour storm damage

Mullion Island

Polurrian Cove

Marconi Memorial
Poldhu Cove

Church Cove
St Winwaloe Church

Dollar Cove

Gunwalloe Fishing Cove

Loe Bar

Hazards:
Steep slipway at Mullion
Working harbour with many holiday users
Many rock reefs and ledges
Dangerous to land/launch at Loe Bar and Gunwalloe even in small waves
All beaches and coves pick up surf with even with small swell
Not many get-out points unless sea is smooth
Many rocks and boulders on this coast

Details:
Paddle No: 25
Date: 30/3/2014
Wind: Force 1- 4 ESE
Temperature: 9 degrees
Weather: Cloud
Distance Covered: 6.75 miles
Duration: 3.5 hrs
Access: Easy launch from Mullion Harbour Slip
Sea state: Smooth to Chop - Small to Moderate Swell
Kayaks: Nigel Dennis Romany, P&H Scorpio and P&H Vela

   Mullion to
   Loe Bar

Click map to enlarge

Fowey to Looe via Polperro

What a great piece of coastline and a kayak trip well worth considering when in Cornwall. Kevin and I were joined by Guy, now fully fit and very active after a three months recovery from having a knee replacement (oh the joy of getting old). So much to see with sandy beaches scenic cliffs, an island and three classic Cornish towns. We had the wind behind us a lot of the time and the tide was also in our favour so the travelling was easy sometimes exciting as the wind accelerated us around the headlands. Care has to be taken when close inshore as the rocks are particularly sharp and pointy for most of the coast.

There are logistics to consider on this trip if you do it one way as we did. You will need to take two vehicles on the Fowey ferry and drive up the coast to Looe and park one either at the beach or the river car park if landing at high tide. This adds to the cost and time of this journey but it remains a highly recommended trip.

The wildlife was a bit thin on the ground and sea! Not much considering the amount of cliff's we went past, Kevin suggests that diversity was low as it is early in the season.

Wildlife Observed: Fulmar, Grey heron, Oystercatcher, Grey wagtail (1), Rock pipit, Raven

Look For:
Bodinnick Car Ferry
Polruan
Lantic Bay
Pencarrow Head
Lantivet Bay
Polperro
Talland Bay
Hore Stone
Looe Island
Hannfore Point
Banjo Pier (Looe)

Hazards: 
Fowey Ferry
Many sharp rock reefs and pinnacles.
Busy harbour area around Fowey, Looe and Polperro
Check that the tide is flowing in your direction if on one way trip
No landing on Looe Island (Hmm Guy)
River currents at Fowey and Looe

Details: 

Paddle No: 24
Date: 15/3/2014
Wind: Force 2 - 4 North Westerly
Temperature: 11 degrees
Weather: Sunny and clear
Distance Covered: 12.9 miles
Duration: 4.5 hrs
Access: Easy launch and land from Fowey Polperro and Looe
Sea state: Smooth to small chop
Kayaks: Nigel Dennis Romany, P&H Scorpio and North Shore Atlantic

    Fowey to Looe
    via Polperro

Click map to enlarge

Marazion to Mousehole

Only the second sea paddle that we have managed this year because of the storms, but what a difference from the near apocalyptic gale on St Valentines day. Warm sun, calm sea and a feeling that spring is just around the corner.

An easy launch from Marazion beach then following the shoreline past Long Rock, Penzance and Newlyn, finally reaching our destination of Mousehole but dissapointed to see that the harbour was shut with it's storm gate still firmly in place. We met some other kayaker's at Newlyn beach that informed us of a male dolphin that became very amorous with one of the kayaks on their return from Moushole about half an hour before us.

Wildlife Observed: Great northern diver (3), Fulmar (3), Guillemot (lots), Razorbill (lots), Oystercatcher (lots), Curlew (8)

Look For:
St Michaels Mount
Long Rock
Penzance Harbour
Penzance Lido
Penzance Promenade
Newlyn Habour
Penlee Point
Mousehole
St Clement's Isle

Hazards:
Rock Reefs off Marazion Beach, Long Rock, St Clements Isle and St Michaels Mount
Large swells even on a small day on outside of St Clements Isle
Boat traffic at Newlyn and Mousehole harbours.

Details:
Paddle No: 23
Date: 9/3/2014
Wind: Force 1-3 South Easterly
Temperature: 11 degrees
Weather: Sunny and clear
Distance Covered: 11.4 miles
Duration: 4.5 hrs
Access: Easy launch and land from Marazion Beach
Sea state: Smooth to small swell
Kayaks: Nigel Dennis Romany, P&H Scorpio




 


    Marazion to
    Mousehole

Click map to enlarge

Marazion to Praa Sands

This trip is the first one we have managed on the sea for a couple of months and it turned out to be a good one. Marazion beach was full of families and dogs but a few paddle strokes later and we were out in Mounts Bay going around the outside of St Micheals Mount and towards Cudden Point. The wind was light and the sun was shining but there was some reasonable swell moving through in sets which were noticeably larger the other side of Cudden.

Tea and sandwiches were taken at Praa Sands and back out on the water again. We took a white knuckle ride short-cut though though the gully of doom (small d) which raised the adrenaline somewhat and although it looks nothing much on the video it was a case of "you had to be there" to feel the power of a large swell in a confined space. Rockfalls, landslips, wildlife and surfers to observe, altogether a great day out in a spectacular location.

NB. No kayaker's were harmed during the making of this movie.

Wildlife Observed: Great northern diver (1); Black-throated diver (1); Razorbill (1); Guillemot (5+); Fulmar (5+); Mediterranean gull (1); Turnstone

Look For:
St Micheal's Mount
Perranuthnoe
Cudden Point
Prussia Cove
Bettys Cove
Stackhouse Cove
Kenneggy Cove
Praa Sands

Hazards:
St Micheal's Mount Causeway
St Micheal's Mount Reefs and Rocks
Perranuthnoe Reefs and Rocks
Prussia Cove Reefs and Rocks
Praa Sands Reefs, Gullies and Rocks (particularly in large swell)

Details:
Paddle No: 22
Date: 11/1/2014
Wind: Force 1-3 South Easterly
Temperature: 10 degrees
Weather: Mainly Sunny but with some Cloud
Distance Covered: 10 miles
Duration: 4 hrs
Access: Easy launch and land from Marazion Beach
Sea state: Smooth to medium swell
Kayaks: Nigel Dennis Romany, P&H Scorpio

    Marazion to
    Praa Sands

Click map to enlarge

Mylor Harbour to Percuil River

Another Saturday window of opportunity in many weeks of gales and storms, so off we went. For safety’s sake we stuck to another river trip and this time headed from Mylor Harbour to Percuil River which is a very picturesque section of Carrick Roads. We launched in sunshine and in virtually no wind, crossing the river Fal in no time and Passing St Mawes to our left.

The paddle up the Percuil river is scenic and we saw a good selection of bird life. As this trip had to taken on an outgoing tide and mud was in abundance we could not go to the head of the river which was around another mile further up.

A quick trip back with the outgoing tide until we got to Place House when we were exposed to the wind blowing straight at us with some force. The paddle past St Mawes and the coast up as far a the Castle was slow going and choppy. After rounding Castle point the wind eased off to a force four and was to our side, but we kept up a good pace regardless. Another nice river trip but I cannot wait to get back on the ocean.

Sorry but no video or pictures this week as I forgot to put the SD card in the GoPro!

Wildlife Observed:
Black-throated diver (1), Little grebe (6+), Little egret (10+), Grey heron (10+), Mute swan (2+), Red-breasted merganser (1), Curlew (30+), Redshank (20+), Greenshank (3), Oystercatcher (10+), Turnstone (c.10), Buzzard (1)

Look For:
Wildlife
Falmouth Docks
St Mawes Castle
St Mawes
Place House
Percuil
Derelict Boats

Hazards:
Other water craft as this is a very busy river.
Shallow water
Mud banks
River Current

Details:
Paddle No: 21
Date: 4/1/2014
Wind: Force 1-5 SW
Temperature: 9 degrees
Weather: Sun to start then cloud
Distance Covered: 10 miles
Duration: 4 hrs
Access: Easy launch from Mylor Harbour Slip
River state: Smooth. Estuary: Choppy
Kayaks: Nigel Dennis Romany, P&H Scorpio

Click map to enlarge

Mylor to Truro

This is the first trip we have managed to do in weeks. From the end of summer the weather has been atrocious with one gale following another with very little space in-between. Even this river/urban paddle ended up with an gale warning and strong wind on the return trip. Mylor to Truro took two hours Truro to Mylor four hours against the wind and arriving back in the dark. Good trip though and great to get back on the water.

The video is a bit short and does not show the hard paddle back but I thought that a few minutes of Kevin and I paddling in Truro city centre was amusing. We did see an abundance of wildlife during the trip which has been listed below.

Wildlife Observed: Little grebe, Little egret, Grey heron (10+), Mute swan (10+), Canada goose (c.10), Teal (30+), Shelduck (3), Curlew (2), Redshank (40+), Oystercatcher (5+), Black-tailed godwit (30+), Guillemot (1), Buzzard, Kingfisher (2)

Look For:
Wildlife
Loe Beach
Turnaware Bar
King Harry Ferry
Smugglers Cottage
Parked Ships
Malpas
Truro Cathederal

Hazards:
Other water craft as this is a very busy river.
Shallow water
Mud banks

Details:
Paddle No: 20
Date: 29/12/2013
Wind: Force 3-5 SW
Temperature: 7 degrees
Weather: Sun to start then cloud
Distance Covered: 15.3 miles
Duration: 6 hrs
Access: Easy launch from Mylor Harbour Slip
River state: Smooth. Estuary: Choppy
Kayaks: Nigel Dennis Romany, P&H Scorpio

   Mylor to Truro

Click map to enlarge