This may be of interest to anyone who paddles in the Dee estuary in the vicinity of West Kirby and Hilbre Island. Over the last few months, the amount of sand and silt being deposited on the tidal flats around West Kirby has increased significantly – several feet in places – and the nature of the sand/silt appears to be changing too. The coastguard was recently called out to rescue… Read More »Hilbre Island / West Kirby – Changing Sand Conditions / Top Tips for Safe Paddle

Day 04 Wednesday 20th Kilchiaran Bay Beach to Nave Island by Andy B We rose around 7 am, struck camp, carried boats to the water’s edge, packed, and were paddling by 9 am. We left Kilchiaran Bay, crossed Machir Bay and paddled steadily northwards in calm conditions, assisted by the tide. Before long, we had rounded Coul Point and made our first elevenses break in the Saligo Bay area. As… Read More »2025 Islay and Jura Sea Kayak Trip Day 4 Kilchiaran Bay Beach to Nave Island

Anglesey Camping Weekend 12/13/14 September 2025 – Wind and Waves by Francesca Annan The last Anglesey weekend of the season had a rather windy forecast with the likelihood of poor conditions for a sea journey. Having arrived whilst most of the occupants of the tents and vans were in the pub, and not feeling like braving the rain that started just after my tent went up -phew, I checked the… Read More »Anglesey #4 – Wind and Waves

Anglesey Camping Weekend 12/13/14 September 2025 – Better than expected by Sally Parker Unlike the previous Anglesey weekend (number 3) of scorching sun and calm waters, weekend number 4 was the polar opposite.  Daunted by the Met Office warnings, the turnout of members was predictably lower.  However, the event was not cancelled, and a stalwart of regular campers attended with a few newbies, myself included. After careful selection of the… Read More »Anglesey Camping Weekend #4

Day 03 Tuesday 19th Ghillie Brae to Kilchiaran Bay Beach by Ella A 7.00 am start on the water meant that some alarm clocks were set as early as 5.00 am. The early start was to ensure we made it through the narrow channel of water by Portnahaven during the slack period of tidal movement.  We had made good time, so we opted for a quick elevenses on the shore,… Read More »2025 Islay and Jura Sea Kayak Trip Day 3 Ghillie Brae to Kilchiaran Bay Beach

Day 02 Monday 18th Eilean Imersay (Ardbeg) to the north end of Laggan Bay (Ghillie Brae – Laggan Estate) by Debbie Packed up and on the water promptly at 9.00, no time for faffing, we are now a fully trained and slick team, urged on by the knowledge that in the next 6 Kilometres there are 4 of the best distilleries Islay (Whisky capital of the world!) has to offer.… Read More »2025 Islay and Jura Sea Kayak Trip Day 2 Eilean Imersay to Laggan Bay

Open Canoe Trip – River Dee – by Bardia K A great turnout as 14 paddlers, including some novices, took to the water at Farndon in a dozen open canoes. With a light breeze on our backs, we set out on the ten-mile journey to Eccleston Ferry. No sooner had we set off than the grey skies above us began to pour with rain. Bailers and sponges were deployed to… Read More »Open Canoe Trip – River Dee – organised by Mike Alter 07/09/25

2025 Islay and Jura Sea Kayak Trip Day 1 Port Askaig to Ardbeg by Catriona Day 1 of our trip started with me mentioning the need for sunscreen for peel-wally people (not quite correctly) and Ella announcing that we were on our own for medical emergencies, as she is not back at work for 6 months. We left our camp just north of the Feolin Ferry on Jura with enough… Read More »2025 Islay and Jura Sea Kayak Trip Day 1 Port Askaig to Ardbeg

2025 Islay and Jura Sea Kayak Trip Day 0 to Port Askaig This year’s trip was to be the Inner Hebrides, with backup plans to base ourselves from Leachive Caravan Park – Tayvallich in poor weather, but with good conditions, we were to trolly the kayaks onto the ferry at Kennacraig and paddle from Port Askaig on Islay. As usual, the trip was fully booked from early in the year.… Read More »2025 Islay and Jura Sea Kayak Trip Day 0 to Port Askaig

Paddle UK Coaches, Leaders and aspirants are invited to the Cumbria ‘CPD Live Event’, on Saturday 24th January 2026, a great opportunity to:Qualify for 10 CPD points for your Coach/Leader Update Scheme.Meet other coaches, leaders and club paddlers to share and network.Participate in workshops to develop coaching/leadership and paddling skillsLearn from Britain’s best, including some National Trainers on the delivery team. Free for Cumbria Canoeists Volunteer Coaches and leaders, and… Read More »Paddle UK Coaches, Leaders and aspirants are invited to the Cumbria ‘CPD Live Event’