2026 06 21 Open Canoes on the Straits

Menai Straits, Fathering Sunday 21^st June 2026 by Sue Lowndes

Rookie mistake number one… didn’t check the weather.  Well, in my defence, the sun was shining, and we needed no excuse to be on the water.  We arrived in good time to find parking along the front at Y Felinheli and gathered with our fellow paddlers for greetings.  Open Canoes were off-loaded, but no one appeared to be making a move to get on; indeed, the relaxed arrival suggested we had time not only for coffee (excellent café up the road at Llofft) but second breakfast as well!  Most enjoyable start.  With the right water levels (second rookie mistake, not paying any attention to what the water was doing; just grateful there was water), we put on and quickly discovered that while the water flow was in our favour, the wind certainly wasn’t.  So glad I took stern!  We paddled hard against the wind and stopped for elevenses at Plas Newydd.  I’d marvelled at how the solo canoe paddlers seemed to make it look effortless in the wind; no need for the gym today! 

We got back on, and I was soon distracted by an orange-beaked duck-sized bird flying in front of and along us.  An oyster-catcher, according to our keen ornithologist.  Then, to our amazement, we spotted a red squirrel running along the wall at the edge of the Straits.  Colin and I were so chuffed.  I mean, the paddling was excellent, the company was excellent, but the sight of a red (wild) squirrel was just fab!  At the Fisherman’s Cottage, we played for a bit, but at this point I’d bottled it and took bow.  With everyone having fun and staying dry (but only just on our part!), we continued along the Straits and under the Suspension Bridge, where we stopped for lunch and watched the world go by.  The slip was busy and kept us entertained while we ate and waited for the tide to turn to help take us back.  Back on, and the Straits were quieter with less traffic (especially the tourist speed boats).  With the wind and tide in our favour, we were soon back at our put-in.  John had a go with his sail, and while we chuckled at the effort of putting up the sail, he overtook us.  Um… who’s laughing now!  What a day for being on the Menai.  Our very grateful thanks to Mike, Keith and John for excellent company, for the wildlife along the Menai and for the chip shop at the end of the day.  When can we do this again, Mike?