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

Porthallow to Coverack

Today we joined some dots on our journey around Cornwall. Easy launching at Porthallow from a shingle beach, turn right and head down the coast towards Porthkerris and Porthoustock. You will see the Cornish Sea Salt Company and Porthkerris Dive Center. We kept to the inside of the Manacle Rocks (Cornish: Meyn Eglos, meaning church stones) and continued past Lowland Point. Both of which have been the end of many an unfortunate ship, and continued our journey to Coverack.

We had lunch on a boulder strew beach on the far side of Coverack Point and continued to Black Head, there we headed back to the outer Manacle Rocks where we played in the powerful tidal currents (made me happy), we then followed the reefs and currents back to Porthallow.

Wildlife Observed: Gannet, Mediterranean gull (10+), Turnstone, Oystercatcher, Common sandpiper, Raven, Rock pipit, Stonechat, Swallow (lots feeding over sea), Grey seal.

Look For:
The Manacle Rocks (best at low tide)
Cornish Sea Salt Works
Torpedo Tracking Station
Dean Quarry
Porthkerris Dive Centre

Hazards:
Reefs and Rock Pinnacles
Strong Tidal Currents
Dive and Fishing Boats

Details:
Paddle No: 10
Date: 10/08/2013
Wind: Force 2-3 SW
Temperature: 18 degrees
Weather: Sunny, Cloudy, Showers.
Distance Covered: 10.8 miles
Duration: 4.5hrs
Access: Easy launch, landing and exit
Sea State: Smooth but strong tidal flow on outer Manacles creating disturbed water
Kayaks: P&H Scorpio,  Easky 13

   Porthallow to
   Coverack

Click map to enlarge