Fowey to Pentewan Sands

Our first 20 mile trip! It was not meant to be that way but due to a miscalculation on my part we overshot the original target by a couple of miles. We left Fowey at the ferry crossing slipway and turned right at the mouth of the estuary passing to the outside of the rocks and reef off Gribben Head. We then crossed the long stretch of St Austell bay two miles out to sea, this could have been monotonous but for some good conversation and travelling close to a serious Zapcat race with 20 or more flying past us at speeds of over 40 knots. Realising we missed our original destination of Porthpean, we paddled into Pentewan beach.

After leaving Pentewan, we headed to Charlestown and had a quick harbour visit, then along a short but interesting stretch of coast to Carlyon Bay. As there was still some way to go we missed out Par beach, Polkerris and part of the coast before tucking in under Gribben Head. Do not miss this bit as it has plenty of rocks, reefs and gully's to sharpen the senses. Paddle past Menabilly Cove and we were well on the way to the mouth of the Estuary with just another fifteen minutes before we landed on the slip.

Wildlife Observed: Grey heron, Little egret, Oystercatcher, Whimbrel (2), Curlew, Turnstone (c.20), Rock pipit

Look For:

Fowey Lighthouse

St Catherines Castle

Readymoney Cove

Polruan

Menabilly Cove

Gribben Head
Charlestown

Pentewan

Par Beach

Polkerris

Hazards:

Fowey Ferry

River Current

Other river traffic. Many boats are moored in the estuary.

Reefs and rocks off Gribben Head

Details:

Paddle No: 17

Date: 5/10/2013

Wind: Force 1 Westerly

Temperature: 17 degrees

Weather: Sun and Cloud

Distance Covered: 20.2 miles

Duration: 6.0 hrs

Access: Launch and land from Fowey slipway

Sea state: Smooth to medium swell

Kayaks: P&H Scorpio,  Easky 13

   Fowey to
   Pentewan Sands

Click map to enlarge

Fowey to Lostwithiel

After planning a sea trip from Porthpean to Fowey, we were disappointed to arrive at the coast to find that the launch site was too dangerous. Time for plan B which was to launch at Fowey and paddle to Lostwithiel, we were in luck here as the tides were perfect to have a free ride upstream, lunch then another free ride on the outgoing tide.

We managed to paddle past Lostwithiel finally stopping for sandwiches at the base of the  A390 road bridge. This is a very nice inland water trip with the river flowing through some beautiful countryside. Keep your eyes open for a lot of wildlife, I saw two Kingfishers (my first ever) and some marvelous Dippers (check them out). I prefer sea paddles but this river offers a great alternative if its big out at sea. We paddled back to Fowey and continued to the mouth of the estuary and out into the sea for half a mile.

The swell was much bigger than the video shows. Kevin regularly disappeared behind the sets and care was required when turning. We spent a short time playing in the swells and having fun keeping everything upright and in control.

PS. We now have a new buddy that comes on most of our Kayak trips. He is called Blob and he likes to travel on the lens of my camera, usually taking up a prime position just when the best bits of the day are being filmed!

Wildlife Observed: Grey heron, Little egret (including 18 in one tree), Buzzard, Oystercatcher, Greenshank (8),  Turnstone (c.12), Canada goose, Jay, Kingfisher (3), Dipper (2).

Look For:
Fowey Lighthouse
St Catherines Castle
Fowey Dock
Readymoney Cove
Polruan
Mineral Railway
Golant
Lerryn Creek
St Winnow Church
Lostwithiel's 12th Century Bridge
Lostwithiel Town

Hazards:
Fowey Ferry
River Current
Tidal river: Get your tide times right for an easy, mud free trip.
Other river traffic. Many boats are moored in the estuary.
Grumpy people

Details:
Paddle No: 16
Date: 29/09/2013
Wind: Force 5 Easterly
Temperature: 17 degrees
Weather: Grey sky and cloud
Distance Covered: 15.1 miles
Duration: 5.0 hrs
Access: Launch from Fowey slipway, or park and launch from Golant
Water: River flat with light current. Sea state, medium to large swell
Kayaks: P&H Scorpio,  Easky 13

    Fowey to
    Lostwithiel

Click map to enlarge