Mylor Harbour to Nare Head & Gull Rock

This could well be the last good day of Summer 2016. The sun was shining and warm and the sea was calm so we did not waste it. As I had to be back on shore by a given time perhaps it was not the best idea to paddle 21 miles but the day was too good to waste on a lesser trip. Mylor yacht harbour was as busy as any summers day when we set off and the Carrick Roads was full of boats of all sizes. After turning the corner at St Anthony lighthouse the traffic was quieter but we were accompanied for a short while by a double sea kayak heading towards Bohortha Beach.

Passing Towan beach and then Portscatho we started to head out to Nare Head and Gull Rock which is just under a mile from Nare, on the way we did see a few Porpoises in the distance which was very pleasing as they were the first I have seen all of this summer. As the tide was working against us it took a bit more effort to make the last mile as the tidal flow accelerates between Nare Head and Gull rock but as we approached closer to the rock this eased off. Just off the rock there were a couple of kayak fishermen taking advantage of the calm weather and having fun.

After circumnavigating this large rock, we rafted up to drink tea, have lunch and take in the view. It was a bit of a distance to cover given my time schedule but I am happy to say that I did get back in time to eat and go to a music concert in the evening. Unloading kit at 11.30 at night in my neighbourhood is a bit anti-social I know, but the day was worth it.

Wildlife Observed: Gannet, Grey heron, Little egret Kestrel (1), Curlew Purple sandpiper (1), Oystercatcher, Mediterranean gull (2), Raven (1), Rock pipit Linnet (20+), Porpoise (3+), Grey seal (6)

Look For: 
Carrick Roads
Falmouth Docks
St Mawes Castle
St Anthony's Lighthouse
Bohortha Beach.
Porthbeor Beach
Towan Beach
Portscatho
Pendower Beach
Carne Beach
Nare Head
Gull Rock
Gerrans Bay
Portloe 

Hazards:
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.
Tidal flow between Gull Rock and Nare Head


Details: 
Paddle No: 36
Date: 3/10/2015
Wind: Force 1 - 2 SW
Temperature: 15 degrees
Weather: Sun
Distance Covered: 21 miles
Duration: 6hrs
Access: Easy launch from Mylor Harbour no landing on Gull Rock
Sea state: Smooth
Kayaks: Nigel Dennis Romany,  P&H Quest

    Mylor Harbour to
    Nare Head
    & Gull Rock













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

Portscatho to Portloe

Kevin, Guy and I go on a super smooth paddle from Portscatho to Portloe via Gull Rock. The water was like a millpond across Gerrans Bay and only became disturbed when we came across a gentle tidal flow between Nare Head and Gull Rock. The trip from the rock to Portloe was straightforward and Portloe is a little gem of a Cornish fishing village, with a small harbour wall and safe landing.

We had an uneventful trip back in calm waters, the coastline is pretty with many sandy beaches between Nare Head and Portscatho.

Wildlife Observed: Fulmar, Common tern, Oystercatcher, Kestrel.

Look For:
Gull Rock
Nare Head

Hazards:
Tidal flow between Gull Rock and Nare Head

Details:
Paddle No: 12
Date: 26/08/2013
Wind: Force 1 Northerly
Temperature: 16 degrees
Weather: Hot, Sun and Haze
Distance Covered: 10.2 miles
Duration: 4hrs
Access: Easy launch, landing and exit
Sea State: Smooth
Kayaks: P&H Scorpio, Easky 13 and North Shore Atlantic

   Portscatho to
   Portloe

Click map to enlarge