Towards the end of May H2go coaching had planned to go to Scotland, paddling to some of the islands on the west coast of Scotland. Unfortunately the weather forecast for most of the week was high winds of F5 and above. So we had a rethink. The weather in the south west looked like it would be better allowing us hopefully to paddle. Saving on travelling time and fuel costs.
We headed for Boscastle on the North Cornwall coast. The next day the winds were F5 and gusting higher, coming from the North West, straight in to Boscastle harbour. Sea state 4 or 5. We had planned to paddle from Polzeath to Boscastle, so we headed for Polzeath to see if it was any better along the coast. When we arrived the surf looked good and we decided to surf instead. What a brainwave to put the Surf boats in when we changed our minds and went to Cornwall.
The next day was slightly better, so we decided to get on at Port Gaverne. A shorter trip than we had planned for the day before, but still ending at Boscastle.
The sun came out just as we got on, the wind was forecast to increase from F3 to F5, Westerly, pushing us along. The sea state once out of the bay was 3 or 4 with lots of clapotis.
At Tintagel, the tunnel under the headland was not passable because of the sea state. We went around and landed for a stretch on the beach. (Tunnel is bottom of right cliff in this photo.)
Sea state just off tintagel.
It was difficult taking photographs in these conditions.
Boscastle Harbour being easily identified by the tower on the Western side and pole on the eastern side. A successful trip.
A view of Boscastle tower from the Harbour.
View out of Boscastle harbour.
Boscastle Harbour wall and the end of the trip.
view of Boscastle from Boscastle Harbour.
The next day the wind was up again, so off to Bude and some more surfing.
We broke camp and moved to Maenporth near Falmouth on the other coast. Paddling to Helford river and back.
Maenporth beach
The next day we paddled from Port Hallow to Coverick return. Past and through the notorious Manacles
On the way back to Port Hallow we noticed a campsite on the beach. We moved on there that night. Port Kerris.
The next day was fantastic, Sunny and very little wind. We paddled from the campsite towards the Lizard, the most Southerly point of the UK. We had not intended actually getting there but as we paddled towards it. We thought why not so long as the tide was with us. We arrived at the Lizard just as the tide turned. Perfect. A quick lunch then back exploring the coast line on the way back.
Approaching the Lizard.
The Lizard.
New lifeboat station being built, Church bay.
Church Bay
Where we had to head to on our way back from the Lizard. The headland was only half way back!
Some of the caves on the way back.
Some of the caves on the way back.
Some of the caves on the way back.
Some of the caves on the way back.
Some of the caves on the way back.
Some of the caves on the way back.
We gave ourselves the day off and a cream tea the next day. Moving on to Praa sands the day after.
Praa sands to Port Leven, windy but offshore and hot and sunny. Lots of caves to explore on the way. The paddle back was not as hard as we had anticipated, but the surf had come up when we returned to Praa sands. Not enough to cause us problems, but bringing out the bathers into the water. Choosing a suitable place to land took a while. But we landed without incident.
Port Leven.
Port Leven.
We stayed at Praa sands that night, to paddle the other direction to St Micheals Mount. Spotting a Basking Shark or something on the way. as well as a seal.
Basking shark?
St Micheals Mount.
St Micheals mount.
The next day we went and looked at Lands end, the wind was to strong to paddle, so we went for a walk. A great week. Shame it was not Scotland. The weather in Scotland during the week we were in Cornwall, looked like we had made the right choice in going to Cornwall. Scotland had continued to have high winds and bad visibility all week.
Fancy a similar trip, get in contact with us at h2go coaching.
