Sea Kayaking Safari – Brittany – Day 3

2026 08 18 Kerpenhir Point to Crac`h River by Ian B

Early start to get best of tide and weather forecast to get windy in the afternoon. We left the campsite as soon as the gates opened drove to closest launch pioint and where on the water just after 7:30 am. The intention was to head to the right along the coast towards Crac`h River.

As we were close to local high water we followed reasonably close inshore. The coastline mainly being sandy beaches and dunes, we passed a couple of old Second World War Pill Boxes (Gun emplacements) that have been decorated by the local graffiti artist.

We made good time to the intended destination, having had to adjust course as we crossed the river mouth to avoid collision with some fast sailing boats and power boats. We had been given a reference to paddle towards a red funnel-shaped object. As we neared the boat, it was clear that the red object was a fisherman in a boat with a red cag on.

Above the beach we landed on was an old wartime gun emplacement that has been converted to an Airbnb-type cottage. All fed and watered, we decided to explore around the estuary before returning. The plan soon changed as 3 fleets of dinghies were about to start a race and every day sailor in the area was leaving the largest marina we had seen, all seemingly at the same time.

Further along the coast, we passed a couple of other sail schools on the way back. After stopping for a quick comfort break, we were soon back in our kayaks as the tide was dropping fast. We had to paddle out offshore to avoid the reefs that form at low water around the many small headlands encountered on our return journey.

Back at the launch site at Kerpenhir Point, some of us practised our rolling and rescues in the comfort of the warm water.
We returned to the campsite for lunch before afternoon trips into the village or looking at local history and visited the Megalithic archaeological site(s). On returning to the campsite, our evening plans for eating were scuppered as the local Crepes Van was not there, so we had to find alternative(s) for tea tonight.