South West Sea Kayaking

The photo above shows me at Sandwood Bay, a few miles short of Cape Wrath - Britain’s north west extremity. I waited there for three nights until the wind and surf settled enough to go around the Cape itself.

I’m back home having completed my trip at Dunscanby Head, the far north east corner of the UK mainland. Cape Wrath and the north coast were fantastic - seriously exposed, wild and rugged. Given my earlier good progress I had hoped to get much further but in recent weeks, the weather was hopelessly windy, and I spent more time ashore than paddling. Blame El Nino apparently, it has meant that for the second summer running, the Jet Stream has lurked unusually far south over the UK, creating prolonged lousy weather. My eventual progess was 557 miles over 25 days of paddling, with day paddles ranging from 8 to 35 miles. I’ve covered all of Scotland’s west and north coasts, which without a doubt offers some of the finest sea paddling to be had anywhere.

I’ve had a completely marvellous trip, experiencing some wonderful places and taking away some amazing memories. All good.

After 19 paddling days and about 450 miles covered, I’m now camped within sight of Cape Wrath - splendid! Most importantly, I’m still having fun and managing to endure my own company. However I have to take a little time out to call in at work before I resume paddling; so here I am back at home for the day.

If I make it around the Cape, I’ll certainly aim to paddle along the north coast of Scotland, but then have to make some tricky decisions based on the weather and remaining time available - do I then head north or south?

Updates still HERE.