First Escape of the Summer: Loch Etive

Glen Etive As soon as my exams were over, the plan was to head up to Scotland and spend some time paddling for photography. An Instagram buddy, who was keen to get out in his boat, wondered if he might join me for a trip and so to keep things manageable, I proposed an easy … Continue reading First Escape of the Summer: Loch Etive →

Paddle Guides: N. Yorks – Runswick Bay to Staithes (and back) 12km

The North Yorkshire Coast is famous for its quaint fishing villages and stunning beaches nestled at the foot of tall sea cliffs, and a paddle from Runswick Bay to Staithes is a perfect way to see two of the area’s prettiest. With a rich mining history, you’ll see evidence of ironstone and alum workings, as … Continue reading Paddle Guides: N. Yorks – Runswick Bay to Staithes (and back) 12km →

Difficult Times Call for Difficult Decisions

It’s two weeks since I had expected I would be setting off for the trip of a lifetime in Ireland. I’ve suspected since March that it wasn’t going to happen as I’d hoped, however I think I’ve pretty much just been in denial since then, crossing my fingers and pretending not to listen to how … Continue reading Difficult Times Call for Difficult Decisions →

Bute-iful: 66km Around Bute

I’ve been eyeing up Bute for a while now and figured it would make an easily accessible last-minute trip when all else looked grim or when time was short. I'd lived in Largs for a while and had incredible views over Bute, Great Cumbrae and Arran from the front room window, but on remembering how … Continue reading Bute-iful: 66km Around Bute →

The Scottish Sea Kayak Trail – Part 3: Arisaig to Ullapool 222km

I knew I’d be passing Mallaig and had already started dreaming about Fish and Chips, and having been thwarted in both Oban and Tobermory, I was determined today was the day. A leisurely start and a promise to explore more, took me into the Arisaig Skerries, where I spotted my first fellow kayakers of the … Continue reading The Scottish Sea Kayak Trail – Part 3: Arisaig to Ullapool 222km →

The Scottish Sea Kayak Trail – Part 2: Oban to Arisaig 120km

Wheeling my kayak down the hill at Gallanachbeg, it was difficult to guage what the water was doing beyond the shelter of Kererra. Instead of heading immediately north and through Oban’s natural harbour, I opted to head South and make the crossing to Mull by jumping off Bach Island on Kererra’s South West corner. This … Continue reading The Scottish Sea Kayak Trail – Part 2: Oban to Arisaig 120km →

The Scottish Sea Kayak Trail – Part 1: Tayinloan to Oban 123km

I’ve had the guide book by Simon Willis for a while, mainly to mine the info for short trip inspiration, however it was only a couple of months ago that I realised I’d quite like to undertake the whole journey. With Ireland in mind, this would be a great exercise in spending an extended period … Continue reading The Scottish Sea Kayak Trail – Part 1: Tayinloan to Oban 123km →

In Search of the Rough Stuff – Anglesey July 2019

A few of us from Wansbeck Club are particularly interested in expanding our skills out in bigger water and tend to get together every now and again to go looking for trouble (don’t worry, risks are meticulously calculated). This week has been one of those occasions and Andrew, Cara and I headed down to Anglesey … Continue reading In Search of the Rough Stuff – Anglesey July 2019 →

Eco Expeditioning – Part 1

Photo by Rasande Tyskar Unless you've been living under a rock, it's hard to miss the messages about reducing waste and living within our means, and we all know we should be doing more about it. It's one thing to get your recycling bin out on time, however we really should be striving to reduce … Continue reading Eco Expeditioning – Part 1 →

Circumnavigating Arran – June 2019

I figured Arran would be a good place for a few days paddling. It’s pretty convenient to reach, yet still feels like you’re far away from regular life, so, setting off from North Yorkshire at 03:30, I planned to take the 08:20 ferry from Ardrossan. Leaving the car there meant I could walk the kayak … Continue reading Circumnavigating Arran – June 2019 →