Pegwell Bay is located in Ramsgate in the East Kent. The Bay is a shallow inlet, surrounded by a large stretch of sea cliffs & is considered a nature reserve of international importance. Pegwell Bay has a variety of seashore habitats including estuaries, mudflats & salt marshes with migrating waders and wildfowl. The water in the Bay can be very muddy, but is lovely and warm in the summer as it is very shallow.

How to get there:

On the main road from Sandwich to Ramsgate in the village of Cliffsend.

Facilities:

Petrol station where you park up, and a pub opposite.

Hazards:

Be very wary around low tide as the bay is very shallow, and there is sinking mud in the mouth of the river. Be cautious of speedbouts in the mouth of the river, they sometimes use it to turn when pulling wake boarders.

Ins and Outs:

Park up next to the petrol station opposite The Spotsman pub in Cliffsend. From there you will be able to carry or drag your kayak across the mud flats. Head right towards the nature reserve you will soon see the mouth of the river.

Notes:

As long as you don’t mind getting a bit muddy it is well worth the trip.

Overview:

Head out across the bay and into the estuary of the River Stour, about 200 yards up on the right hab=nd bank you will see plenty of seals. They are quite friendly and will come quite close if you stay still.

Location:

Lake Vyrnwy is a reservoir in Powys, Wales.

To launch you kayak it will cost you £4.50 for the day. You will be issued with a flag and a whistle from the boat house. You are restricted to a certain area of the reservoir, nevertheless, its still a pretty decent size areas for beginners to paddle on.

You can’t launch your kayak unless someone is manning the boat house.

Bethania Adventure provide kayaks & canoes if you don’t have your own, buoyancy aids are provided & wetsuit are also available to hire.

How to get there:

Facilities:

Free parking.
Extremely clean toilets (infact it boasts ‘Loo of the year’ 2002/2003).
On-site light refreshments.

Hazards:

Dinghy sailors also use the reservoir so you need to keep your eyes pealed.

Ins and Outs:

Slipway.

Overview:

Man made reservoir (Though you would not think it) owned by Severn Trent Water, set at the base of the Snowdonia National Park. Fantastic place for beginners to go and reasonably quiet.

Location:

I took my cub-scout group there one evening and to see 25 kids having one whale of a laugh for a couple of hours was fantastic. Strongly recommended

How to get there:

It is hiden away a bit round the back of Sandhurst, Hampshire.

See their specific website for extra details

Facilities:

Rental of equipment
Good size car park
Snack/tuck shop
Changing facilities
Begineers area, protected from the main lake as well

Hazards:

Other users!
Can get very busy on occasion

Ins and Outs:

Several entry points anf a jetty

Notes:

Great enthusiastic tuition.
Not really for advanced paddlers, unless you just fancy a quick paddle and are in the area

Overview:

A great little site which caters for beginners and youngsters in particular.

Sit-ons, stand up paddlers, rowboats and the like are available for easy hire.

Location:

Lopwell Dam is a large weir that’s situated on the River Tavy and it’s possible to drop down the flowing slope in your boat. At certain times the water cascading down the weir will give you a hefty shove while at lower waters you’ll be scraping the rocks with your kayak.

The weir at Lopwell is a good introduction to white water/river paddling that closed cockpit boaters regularly participate in. Unless the water is particular strong flowing, it’s perfectly applicable to the sit on kayaking crowd. Even though it’s hardly the most extreme drop in the world, it’s still good fun to huck yourself over the ledge.

Designated a site of special scientific interest (SSSI) due to abundant wildlife that frequents the area, Lopwell is a big draw for many. Outdoor enthusiasts visit the site for various activities – the area wouldn’t handle too many boaters and the peace and tranquillity would be severely disrupted with large crowds of paddlers.

For those looking at covering a bit of distance then Lopwell Dam to Stonehouse is a pretty good route. Launch off the slipway next to the dam and then go with the tide under the multi arch bridge that bears left. You’ll end up close to Devonport Dockyard where there’s a lot of heavy boat traffic that you’ll need to steer clear of. You’ll also pass Torpoint ferry terminal which you’ll also need to avoid – for obvious reasons. A good tip is to aim for the wake of a passing boat and then paddle like the clappers.

Further along on the left you’ll end up at Royal William Yard, a group of grey buildings that signals another left turn. You then follow the creek up to Admiral’s hard slip and your final destination. This is also used by the Cremyll passenger ferry, so be aware!

Whether you choose to play about at Lopwell Dam itself or make the trek along to Stonehouse, this area of Devon is a great spot for paddling and you’ll no doubt have plenty of après stories for the pub after your session.

How to get there:

3 miles from Plymouth. Head out towards Dartmoor. Bere Alston/Lopwell Dam well sign posted.

Facilities:

A café serving light lunches, snacks, hot drinks and refreshments is right on site. From here you’ll get a good view of the river and, if you’re lucky, you may even spot a seal or otter swimming about.

The café is set in the Old Pump House which has an exhibition about the building and surrounding area. Kayaking, relaxing and learning – it’s all possible at Lopwell.

Hazards:

Paddling on any form of moving water has dangers – a lot of which may not be immediately spotted by the uneducated or inexperienced. Being caught in a recirculating body of water can be hazardous and difficult to free yourself from.

If you’re visiting Lopwell and unsure of your abilities or the conditions then always ere on the side of caution – if in doubt, don’t go out.

Lopwell is also a very Popular Fishing site so watch to not get yourself tangled on a fishing line – inconvenient for both yourself and the person whose line it is!

Ins and Outs:

There’s a small slipway that you can launch from making it easy to put in. There’s some carrying of your gear to get to the slipway though so may be worth packing light and bringing the trolley.

Notes:

If you visit Lopwell Dam for a paddle then you’re in a prime location for other kayaking adventures. The South West Lakes Trust, which maintains the Lopwell area, has an number of other inland stretches of water to choose from. And don’t forget either the North or South Devon coasts for more challenging open sea conditions.

Overview:

Lopwell Dam isn’t so much a stretch of water suitable for kayaking as a feature that paddlers head for when water levels are up and in the mood for a bit of adrenaline.

On the face of it the dam/weir at Lopwell is a beast of an obstacle although this shouldn’t put anyone off. Lopwell Dam is fine for those with sit on kayaks and an intermediate level of skill.

The area is tidal with the weir sitting at the upper mark of the River Tavy, three miles from Plymouth and seven from Tavistock. The dam is in a nature reserve that has several different habitats –saltmarsh, freshwater marsh and semi-natural woodland. Roe Deer, otters and Atlantic grey seals frequent the area and as such this part of Tamar-Tavy estuary is designated a special area of scientific interest.

Lopwell Dam is also a cracking place for bird watching and visitors who fancy a spot of walking. For cyclists; you’ll also find the Bere Peninsula cycle route close by and the Tamar Discovery Trail begins at Lopwell.

Location:

Known locally as Sandy Beach, Porth Tywyn Mawr is a sandy bay, near the village of Llanfwrog. Sandy Beach is serviced by two caravan/camp sites; one has its own launching runway they both also launch from the beach. The only drawback is that jet skis also use the area, but have found them to show consideration and giveaway to sail and paddle powered boats

How to get there:

A55 towards Holyhead, turn right at Valley and down single-track lanes to the caravan/camp sites.

Facilities:

Both sites have site shops, one has a small bar and restaurant, the other has a heated swimming pool for inclement days

Hazards:

Jet skis and the bow wave from the Holyhead Dublin ferry

Ins and Outs:

See description

Notes:

For site details visit http://www.penrhynbay.com/

Overview:

A Sheltered mile long beach, only used by two caravan/camp sites so never gets crowded. Plenty of small coves and two seaweed-covered islands to explore below high tide.

Location:

Uig Bay is a sheltered inlet of on the west coast of the Trotternish peninsula on the Isle of Skye, Scotland.

How to get there:

Ferry from mainland to Stornaway.

Facilities:

Toilets and changing at Reef beach nearby, local community shop in Uig.

Hazards:

Be aware of tides and weather subject to change at will.

Ins and Outs:

Little harbour in the lovely village of Cnip (English – Kneep) or just launch off any white sandy beach.

Overview:

The stunning beaches and little harbours are an ideal place to launch for a bit of island exploring or maybe a little bit of surf action, my personal favourite is the little island of Pabbay Mor, uninhabited with it’s own special lagoon and even a giant stone arch. Takes a bit of effort to paddle to the lagoon but well worth the effort, you may see seals porpoises and maybe the odd basking shark along the way.

Location:

The Jurassic Coast stretches from Old Harry Rocks in the east, and follows a route west all the way to Orcombe Point in Devon. Designated a World Heritage Site (England’s first) this part of the UK coastline boasts breathtaking scenery, historical points of interest and some fabulous on water sea kayaking conditions.

Beginning your journey at Old Harry Rocks just to the west of Swanage you’ll no doubt want to take in the sights of these awe-inspiring stack-like pieces of rock jutting skyward before continuing round the coast towards Kimmeridge Bay (K-Bay).

If there’s a swell running then you could stop off and play in some of the waves that break over rock ledges at K-Bay or you could finish your journey here. But, if you fancy continuing, then it’s possible to navigate all the way along the coast stopping off at the various spots; Worbarrow, Mupes Bay/Rocks, Lulworth cove, Stair Hole, Durdle Door, Bats Head, Ringstead bay and Bowleaze… and that’s just the part up to Weymouth Bay!

Likewise you could start your journey anywhere along the route where there’s access to the water, it just comes down to how much time you have and how much effort you want to put in.

There are certain areas on the Jurassic Coast that are inaccessible by road so exploring with your kayak is one of the best ways to get a true feel for this magical part of Britain.

Caves, coves, rock stacks and reefs are all begging for your attention as you slide by on your kayak. Just watch out when big swells pump up the English Channel as some seriously powerful surf can materialise, which could be tricky for intermediates to navigate.

Also be aware that the MOD uses part of this coastline as a firing range and during exercises certain areas are off limits due to stray ‘doodlebugs’ flying overhead.

How to get there:

All launching and landing spots are clearly marked on an OS map. Alternatively you can load up your wagon with your kayaking gear and go exploring until you find a suitable launch spot. Bowleaze Cove, Ringstead, Lulworth Cove, Worbarrow Bay, Kimmeridge Bay, Swanage and Studland are all suitable for dropping in.

Facilities:

You’ll find beach cafes and toilet facilities at Studland, Lulworth, Ringstead and Bowleaze.

Hazards:

Strong tidal streams around headlands, powerful breaking surf in certain spots, MOD firing grounds situated at points and inaccessible launch and landing spots (should there be a problem) are all things worth considering when contemplating a paddle mission along the Jurassic Coast.

Ins and Outs:

You can launch at Bowleaze, Ringstead, Lulworth, Worbarrow, Kimmeridge, Swanage and Studland. Trolley required for Lulworth and Worbarrow.

Notes:

There are lots of online resource websites that give information related to paddling on this stretch of coast. Some companies offer guided tours through the summer months if you fancy paddling with a group.

Overview:

With a site spanning 95 miles in total and featuring rock formations that cover three geological time periods – Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous – this is the perfect spot for those wanting to paddle through time.

Location:

Does this sound like paddling bliss or what?

‘We sat bobbing around like corks floating in the small swell as glorious morning sun peaked out above the mountains. Then a question is posed by one of the group members, a newly enrolled paddler. ‘Just how much fun can you have on a Sit-On kayak?’ The instructor grinned back and said: ‘let’s find out!’. The challenge was heartily accepted by all present, and we listened intently to our Instructor’s next words. He started at the beginning and told us how to hold a paddle properly, he told us how to steer and how to turn. We had a potter and mastered the basics. Then the real fun began.

With some safety guidelines and a goal point to aim for we headed off towards a nearby island. A gentle pace was taken with the instructor kindly stating that: ‘we go at the pace of the slowest person, which is usually me’. Doubtful that he couldn’t beat us all in the blink of an eye, but great that he didn’t feel the need to show us that! We reached the island, took a rest, snapped some photos and pottered around. Our own mini adventure across the seas to Treasure Island – Greek style.

Looking back at the mainland was stunning – a view only we paddlers were privy to. As we rounded the island, the excitement and sense of achievement was clear in the group. As a minimalist in the sports world, I couldn’t help but feel I had found a new skill to be proud of. With only a small degree of teaching, I was able and confident to go on a mini kayak adventure.

On some kayak trips people chose to take snorkels from the beach base, others enjoyed a social potter or a swim before paddling home. The point is: a sit on kayak has ample space to stow kit. If you therefore fancy taking paraphernalia to enhance you kayak adventure then you can do so. And what better place to participate in a bit of paddling fun that the warm azure water of the Southern Ionian in Greece?’

Horizon Watersports has a centre based in Nidri, Lefkada. We embrace the ideals of paddle sports – the freedom to explore, the easy learning curve and the chance to see things and gain experiences otherwise inaccessible.

Nidri has many small and large hotels, villas and rented accommodation, that suit any budget the holiday paddler has. Its shore side restaurants and bars allow a relaxing meal after paddling fun. Most overlook the views that made this ideal island, beautiful climate and friendly people known by many as the ideal holiday location.

Horizon Watersports adapted its paddling programme for the Nidri Centre to take in as much of the local beauty available here. It is located on the only sandy beach in Nidri, watched over by large mountains and sheltered in a clear blue water bay. If you’re a seasoned paddler bored of your local lakes and rivers, or a paddle newbie, we offer sessions for all.

The shelter offered by the surrounding island halts breeze and swell for the majority of the day, allowing for extended hours of fun in a kayak. We have brand new 2015 Perception Comfort Scooters and Perception Geminis so you can choose to be with a friend or stride off on your own in a single kayak. All sessions are monitored by qualified instructors and powerboat rescue so the fun keeps on going.’

So what’s stopping you? As the school summer holidays kick in, now’s the time to jump on a plane an indulge in some warm Mediterranean paddling. Give the guys at Horizon a shout for more details on info@horizonwatersports.co.uk

www.horizonwatersports.co.uk
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