Scarborough to Robin Hood's Bay

This is a stretch of coast that is beginning to capture the hearts of more than just local paddlers. The iconic headland complete with castle, stands between North Bay and South Bay. Both of these have sweeping sandy beaches that are popular with surfers, as well as the bucket and spade brigade. We headed off north in search of rockhopping, secluded bays and towering cliffs...

Rockhopping can be found immediately to the north of Scarborough at the headland of Scalby Ness. Swell surges through reefs and amongst jagged rock structures from here to the evocatively named 'Sailors Grave' in the shadow of Cromer Point.

Claughton Wyke is a small bay with cliffs rising on each side. The southern entrance has a submerged reef upon which swell can unexpectedly break and unleash powerful breaking surf. This caught all three of us unawares. Two of us escaped the breakers but the remaining poor soul was dealt a punishing swim followed by a barnacle dance.

The next bay is called Hayburn Wyke and is far more welcoming. There are tall cliffs and tree lined slopes with a small waterfall that cascades down onto the pebbly beach. No reefs, no punishing breakers, just some smelly seaweed. Comparatively heavenly!

Curious seals surrounded us as we neared Ravenscar and the entrance to Robin Hood's Bay. As ever we tried to take pictures but for the most part they were camera shy, or perhaps just teasing us.

We set a good pace for the return to Scarborough. The enticing view of the castle and headland drew us closer. As we rounded the headland the unmistakable chip shop aroma hung in the air. Soon after we landed we each awarded ourselves a generous helping of fish, chips and mushy peas.

There are a few more photos from the day's adventures here.

Bottled in Rhoscolyn

I embarked upon a spontaneous weekend to Rhoscolyn, close to Holyhead at the western end of Anglesey. Along with some good friends, I engaged some of the less hospitable waters that the Irish Sea can throw upon Welsh shores.

It is such a joy to paddle in the swell and chop. The breaking waves and sea air, combined with warm southerly breezes are so exhilarating and invigorating. Yet, it is well to remember that these conditions are not for the faint hearted, nor the less experienced venturer...

The local seals chose to take it easy and have a snooze in their typical 'bottle' posture in the shelter of Borthwen that day. After all, Mother Nature knows best.

Chorlton Beer Festival

The dry sunny weather has left gardens and lawns parched and a hosepipe ban looming. Another of the first signs of summer is Chorlton Beer Festival. It is usually best to sample the fine ales on the opening Friday evening session, as by half way through Saturday, some of the more popular potions may have been guzzled away.

The event was impeccably organised by the Trafford and Hulme branch of CAMRA. There were over 50 real ales to choose from as well as around 30 traditional ciders and a selection of Belgian beers too.

Thanks to St Clements Church providing the perfect venue, this annual festival continues to thrive and has become a real focus for a broad cross section of the community from Chorlton and beyond.

Woodmill Sea Symposium

This inaugural event was hosted by the Woodmill Canoe Shop at the adjacent Woodmill Outdoor Activities Centre. The venue is situated on the banks of the River Itchen where it meets tidal waters in the Southampton suburb of Swaythling. The weekend workshops included: first aid, navigation, VHF radio, rough water handling and guided trips. The 'paddle to the pub' was by far the most popular of the guided trips on offer.

Saturday evening brought an opportunity to borrow a short boat from the canoe shop and try a few moves in the play spot of the Itchen Weir. The traditional slide show preceded an excellent barbecue. Generous portions of meat and bread were used to stem the flow of alcohol to our senses. Later, desert was cooked over a huge bonfire. Seered marshmallows and spiced rum... Yum!

The highlight of the paddling was the trip around The Needles at the western end of the Isle of Wight. Dodging the ships in The Solent, rounding the mighty chalk stacks and riding the tide races in brilliant sunshine. This may seem like a simple recipe, but these ingredients work every time!

The event was really well organised by the staff from the shop and outdoor centre who are a really friendly and helpful bunch. It is worth keeping an eye on next years calender as the organisers hope to make this an annual event.

Stackpole Sea Kayaking Festival

Following a week of kayaking and walking in north Pembrokeshire, Kirstine and I met up with around 80 other sea kayaking enthusiasts at the outdoor centre known as 'Stackpole for Outdoor Learning'. The centre is set in beautiful grounds, just back from the coast in the rolling south Pembrokeshire countryside.

The emphasis of the weekend was on 'Paddling Lightly', or in other words; enjoying our sport with the minimum impact upon, and with the greatest respect for our wild and beautiful marine environment. The modern sport of kayaking can involve heavy use of motor vehicles. But last weekend's events showed that with careful planning impact upon narrow lanes, small car parks and the wider environment can be minimised.

The events on the water were largely organised by Pembrokeshire's collective 'Sea Kayak Guides'. The staff at 'Stackpole for Outdoor Learning' were amazing too. Louise Smithson and the rest of her team were extremely efficient, especially when it came to meal times when great food was turned out in plentiful dish loads.

Peak UK and P&H Custom Sea Kayaks turned up in force to support the event and brought kit and boats to try & buy, a splash of colour and a bouncy dog called Georgie!

On the Saturday the blustery weather kept the paddlers in sheltered waters of the Cleddau and other sheltered shores. In the evening we were kept well informed by a local wildlife expert and local sea kayak guide Nigel Robinson. Afterwards the adventurous Olly Sanders recounted tales of how he clung to walls, paddled amongst icebergs, caused an explosion in a hunting cabin and watched helplessly as his compatriots were kidnapped by murderers.

The stories grew taller and taller and and we drank late into the night ...

On Sunday a more adventurous group went to circumnavigate the exposed island nature reserve of Skomer. The tides here proved as entertaining and tricky as a bucking bronco. Circumnavigating the monks haven of Caldey Island, or traversing the rugged coastline between Solva and Porth Clais was quite enough for mere mortals in the chunky rolling swells of the day.

The evening started with a sumptuous barbecue before descending into a musical furore instigated by a local ceilidh band.

Bank Holiday Monday was more sedate. A few more gentle palling trips before tea and cakes and home to reality. Ho hum...

There are more photos from the weekend on the festival Facebook page.

Pembrokeshire's Wild & Rugged North

Kirstine and I took a week off to explore the Pembrokeshire National Park. Naturally we took our sea kayaks but we also took walking boots. Initially, it looked as though the weather would allow us to tour the coastline by kayak with a spot of overnight wild camping along the way. A cold stiff breeze from the north that would remain for the next 3 days soon put a stop to that plan.

We headed off for the sheltered campsite at Whitesands Bay where we based ourselves for 3 days of walking the windswept coastal path and paddling along some of the more sheltered shores.

The caves and arches close to Solva's natural harbour gave us plenty to do in sheltered waters. Occasional downdraughts from winds swirling around the cliffs kept us on our toes and served as a reminder of the overall blustery conditions out at sea.

Eventually the wind dropped enough for a trip out of Whitesands Bay, through Ramsey Sound and round to Porth Clais. A little swell from the south was enough to make the rockhopping conditions perfect on the swirling surges among the many channels and gullies.

At the end of the week, we headed south for a quick walk around St Anne's Head then off towards Stackpole Head for the Stackpole Sea Kayak Festival. Before heading for the centre we decided to make the most of the beautiful evening and met up with Pete Astles for a paddle along the red sandstone shores of Marorbier.

The Delights of the Gower

Last weekend's work commitments took me to the Gower peninsula in south Wales. Without hesitation I packed my kayak and got in touch with local paddler Eurion Brown. We met up on the Friday evening at Port Eynon for a short sunset paddle and quickly discovered that this coastline is something special.

This smugglers cove has a tower built of stone set deep into its gully. If these walls could talk they would tell tall tales of smuggling brandy, tobacco and pirates booty.

The lack of air traffic left the skies clear of vapour trails. A wonderful sunset was our cue to head back to reach Port Eynon before dark.

The following day Eurion and I paddled the section from Port Eynon to Llangennith. This classic journey took us past Paviland Cave and on towards Three Cliffs Bay before rounding Worms Head. The towering limestone cliffs and pinnacles with sweeping grassy meadows between them are reminiscent of summer alpine scenes. No doubt this is why walkers and climbers are drawn to these shores.

Northumberland at Easter

The Northumberland is blessed with a wild, bleak and beautiful coastline full of adventure. Kirstine and I braved the A1 with thousands of others for the great Easter get away. By late evening we were established in our lodgings at Farne Diving Services in the village of Beadnell.

On Good Friday morning the beach at Beadnell Haven was bristling with wildlife. Eider ducks were so busy squabbling over who should mate with who that they hardly noticed me sneaking up on then with my camera.

The tide was on its way out and the wading birds were tucking into the fresh feast exposed along the sands.

Most interesting were a small group of 'bar tailed godwits' possibly part-way through migration to their breeding grounds in higher lattitudes.

On Saturday Kirstine and I paddled out to the Inner Farne to look for some more wildlife. Before long we spotted the first of what seemed like a million puffins. Kittiwakes, guillemots, razorbills and shags have also arrived in readiness for the breeding season.

Sunday morning was a little fuzzy due to a few extra beers in the Craster Arms. I left Kirstine to rest whilst I met up with local kayak guide Ollie Jay for a trip out to the Longstone. The Longstone is one of the outermost Farne islands and after stopping for a hot drink beside the lighthouse we had fun nipping in and out of the tide races that rush between the kelp infested rocks. Some of the seals followed us for over a mile until we were well on our way back to St Aidan's beach near Seahouses.

Anglesey Chill

Kirstine and I broke Manchester's Friday surface tension and catapulted ourselves towards north Wales for a weekend of kayaking fun with North West Sea Kayakers. Its always good to meet up with old friends. Soon enough we were washing down some spicy broth with a glass or two of warming winter ale topped off with slack handful of tall stories.

Most of the collaborators were hatching plans for a late start but I was feeling too enthusiastic to hang around. By 8 o'clock on Saturday morning 5 of us were scurrying around dragging kit to the bay at Rhoscolyn in readiness for a 35km anti-clockwise circumnavigation of Holy Island. By the time we had crossed the Inland Sea and approaching Holyhead Harbour I was feeling my lack of fitness. Waiting for a fast ferry to pass in front of us gave a welcome breather.

The tide race at North Stack was in fine foamy form and comanding respect with its legions of munching waves. We had a brief respite resting and exploring the caves of Gogarth Bay before moving on. My new carbon fibre paddles from Mitchell Blades were making all the difference in my tiring state. The smooth crisp entry to the water combined with their light weight deliver plenty of power when its needed but requiring a little less effort.

We left South Stack behind us as we crossed Abrahams Bosom and Trearddur Bay and soon arrived back at Rhoscolyn in the chilly late afternoon.

Thawing out from a chilly adventure is a fine art. A careful blend of freshly baked pizzas, and a plenty of good wine lead to cheery banter and ultimately sound sleep.

The following day started with a lot of plotting and scheming of future trips. Sundays paddling was shorter but sweeter in the dazzling sunshine. Once Kirstine got hold of my shiny new paddles it was difficult to retreive them!

A trip to the Mitchell Blades paddle factory

In the the darkness of mid-winter I was dreaming of warm the sunny sea kayaking days and the coming summer season. It was time to think about a change of paddle. I had become quite attached to my old blades but they were a little heavy and outdated.

There are plenty of lovely paddles to choose from in the shops, but I quickly became curious about nearby Chester based paddle maker Lance Mitchell. Having worked with relatives Dave & Peggy making paddles in the USA, Lance returned to Chester in 2002 to set up his own company, 'Mitchell Blades'. I like to support local small businesses so I got in touch with Lance and before I knew it I had placed an order.

When I arrived at the modest-sized workshop, Lance was applying the finishing touches to my paddle. He is fanatical about attention to detail and proud of his unique manufacturing techniques. Before I left Lance talked me through the manufacturing process and gave me a quick guided tour.

All that remains is for me to get my new paddles wet!

Kayak Coast2Coast - The Movie

The Kayak Coast 2 Coast team have gathered up some of the footage and photographs from last years trip to make a short film to tell the story. I asked my friend Helen Lagoe if she would help and she kindly agreed. Helen has done and wonderful job with the video editing. She has whipped up a really watchable film out of a collection of photos and what must have seemed like an endless string of footage.

Another friend, Michael McGoldrick let us use some of the music from his albums: 'Morning Rory' and 'Fused'.

The 12 minute film will be featured at the increasingly popular Sheffield Adventure Film Festival in one of the 'On the Edge' evenings. Kayak Coast 2 Coast can be viewed at 'Cafe Euro' 7.00pm Saturday 6th March.

7th March update - If you missed the screening in Sheffield you can watch it by clicking here. 

A thaw comes to north Wales

Most of the snow and ice has now dissapeared from Manchester but my apetite for fun in the snow is still as healthy as ever. My brother Chris and I have been for a spot of wintry walking in the Carneddau hills of northern Snowdonia.

The quick ascent of Pen yr Ole Wen brought us stunning views across the Ogwen Valley. The strange morning light refracted through the low cloud to colour snow patches from pinks and oranges to different shades of blue. The rest of the ascent was a chore as my hill fitness is in great need of improvement right now.

From the summit of Pen yr Ole Wen we stumbled into a cold icy cloud in search of Carnedd Dafydd. After an uphill slog over icy stones and through deep snow drifts we arrived at the summit and checked in at the shelter. It was a good opportunity to check the map but we also made time for a well earned snack.

We took the gentler slopes that lead back to the Ogwen Valley via Cwm Lloer. The snow conditions allowed us to simply sit back, relax and enjoy the view whilst descending at a fair rate of knots.

All too soon we were leaving the melting snows behind and heading back into the valley and mentally preparing for the journey home.

At home on the piste

During this last couple of snowy weeks it has been like living in a different country. The recent cold snap has delivered more snow than I can remember. The journey to work has taken longer and much more effort so when the weekend arrived with blue skies and sunny weather it was time to make the best of the conditions.

Plenty of deep powdery snow meant that Kirstine and I could ski nordic style right from the garden into the wide open spaces of the Mersey Valley.

Unfortunately, our afternoon of fun was cut short when Kirsine's boots started to come apart like comedy clown shoes. We headed home to study shoe repair manuals over steaming mugs of hot chocolate.

Don't eat yellow snow

Huge and characterful snowmen and imaginative snow sculptures have sprung up everywhere in the lest few days.

This snow toilet certainly made me flushed with excitement. There is even a mini chocolate bar floating in the pan waiting to be dispatched!

...on a cold an frosty morning!

The main roads in Manchester have provided plenty of challenges for people trying to get  to work. Snow and ice have closed most schools and left the emergency services heavily stretched. At times bus services have been suspended. Driving is difficult, walking any distance is tricky and this is no weather for cycling to work. So just how do you get to work on a day like this like this?

I have been making good use of the current conditions and remembering the old nursery rhyme: "This is the way we go to work on a cold and frosty morning!"

Gath'ring winter fu-u-el

Its official! This is the most prolonged cold snap in the las 30 years. It seems a long time since the first snow affected transport in Manchester back in late December.

Christmas and New Year came and went with many people having to make difficult choices to change their plans for the festive season. A few of us managed to gather up a few logs and huddle round a fire in the back garden. We donned warm hats and big coats for a festive barbeque in the snow with mulled wine and German sausages.

And still the snow comes...