Sennen Cove to Newlyn

This paddle has been waiting to go on the blog for some time and the Kevins x 2 will now be pleased that I have at last uploaded it. It’s a good paddle for anyone with a sea kayak but not really suitable for a sit-on due to the distance of over 15 miles. We left Sennen Cove in thick fog but the sea was calm with little swell. The Longships lighthouse was not visible so we kept fairly close to the shore, there was just a little current around Lands End and the light wind was in our favour but the fog hung around. Moving towards Gwennap Head, we saw three other kayakers coming towards us through the gloom. It was a friend of mine Sam with two of her buddies paddling from Porthgwarra to Sennen.

Stopping for a quick tea break at Porthgwarra we went past Porthchapel beach and on to The Minack and Porthcurno beach and past Logan Rock. Fortunately by this time the mist had cleared and the sun started to burn through at St Loye. The next port of call was Tater Du lighthouse then Lamorna Cove for a short break before heading NE towards Mousehole then on to our landing spot at Newlyn.

As usual we saw much bird life and many seals who were happy to follow us for a mile at a time.

Wildlife Observed: Gannet, Fulmar, Razorbill (40+), Grey heron, Oystercatcher, Redshank, Kittiwake, Mediterranean gull (1), Rock pipit, Grey seal (20-30)

Look For: 
Sennen Lifeboat Station
Cowloe Rocks
Longships Reef and Lighthouse
Wolf Rock Lighthouse
Old Coastguard Lookout
60m Cliffs
The Wreck of the Mulheim
The Armed Knight Rock
Enys Dodnan Arch
Mill Bay / Nanjizel
Pendower Coves
Folly Cove
Porth Loe
Gwennap Head
The Runnel Stone
Porthgwarra Cove
Porthchapel Beach
St Loy Beach
Tater Du Lighthouse
Lamorna Cove
St Clements Isle
Mousehole
Penlee Lifeboat Station

Hazards:
Not a trip to do in large swell or strong wind
Tidal flow and reefs at Lands End
Many reefs and currents around points and headlands (get your tides right)
Strong tidal flow just off Porthgwarra Cove between Runnelstone and shore on full Ebb and flow.
Fog

Details:
Paddle No: 35
Date: 21/6/2015
Wind: Force 1-2 SW
Temperature: 16 degrees
Weather: Foggy turning to sun
Distance Covered: 15.3 miles
Duration: 5hrs
Access: Easy via Sennen Cove slipway
Sea state: Smooth
Kayaks: Nigel Dennis Romany x 2, P&H Quest

   Sennen Cove
   to Newlyn

Click map to enlarge

Glenfinnan to Isle of Muck

OK it's not in Cornwall I know but it is a worthy entry. This was a late August 2015 paddle starting at the Glenfinnan Memorial at the top of Loch Shiel and ending on the Isle of Muck. Our route took us the length of Loch Shiel on which we had interesting 40mph gust’s blowing from behind, a quick visit to St Finnans Chapel on Eilean Fhianain and our first night on the shore of the loch. The following day we followed the river Shiel (very scenic and a favoured fishing spot) ending at the infamous spillway connection (where I fell out) and into Loch Moidart, finally reaching the coast and turning left into open water at Eilean Shona.

We then headed West along the coast until we reached Kilmory Beach where we had a another night camping and complaining about midges. In the morning we did our 8 mile open water crossing to the Isle of Muck. We were just a few miles East of Ardnamurchan Point which is well known for being the most westerly point on the British mainland and for picking up large Atlantic swell, but this was a relatively good day with smooth moving hills of water gently lifting and lowering us out of sight of each other.

Muck is a lovely little island! We were advised by a local fisherman that we could camp at the Community Centre and that they had hot showers, internet and a kitchen which could be used by all for a small fee, and they did! Muck also has the most wonderful cafe owned by Jenny (one nice lady) and also married to the Islands owner. Even if you do not kayak, take a day trip on the ferry, you will not be disappointed. http://www.isleofmuck.com

Unfortunately the weather forecast for the following few days was for high wind and waves, so we decided to catch the ferry back to Arisaig as the safe option as our next open crossing back to the mainland was going to be over 11 miles. Now it was just the 750 mile drive back home to deal with! This is an achievable adventure for many sea kayakers and a memorable 41 mile journey for me and all in the great company of Mr Kevin Jackson.

   Glenfinnan to
   Isle of Muck

Click map to enlarge