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
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