Sea Kayaking in the Northeast of England

Home

"Drifting on a glassy sea we ate freshly picked strawberries as we watched the sun low on the horizon even though it was nearly 10pm.
A selkie rolled beneath us, her liquid eyes studying us curiously, before she surfaced and nosed the bow of my kayak.
Peace was everywhere."
Farne Islands, summer 2003.



This site is written to assist paddlers plan sea kayaking trips along the Northumberland and Berwickshire coastline in the north east of England. Some areas that it covers are trips around the Farne Islands, Holy Island, St Abbs Head, Coquet Island and out of Amble, Seahouses, Craster and Berwick-upon-tweed.


For further help or information on sea kayaking in this area please contact Ollie Jay, British Canoe Union Northern Region Sea Officer. e-mail - [ ollie@active4seasons.wanadoo.co.uk ] website - www.active4seasons.co.uk

Introduction

A multitude of paddling trips along a shoreline with an endless variety of towering cliffs, rugged headlands, sea caves, long sandy bays, offshore islands, seals and sea birds. Together with the numerous castles, tiny picturesque fishing villages, and friendly people. These are some of the things that make the Northumberland and Berwickshire coastline deserving of it's Special Area of Conservation status.


This area has a long tradition of over 50 years association with sea kayaking and has such classic paddles as :-

Coquet Island.

As always care should be taken as although the tidal flows are relatively weak - usually less than 2kn apart from amongst the Farne Islands - the sea is generally shallow and with a little wind can change from being placid to a short steep sea very quickly. Be aware, enjoy your trips but be prepared for the worst.

This website has been created as a BRIEF aid to planning of trips in this area, and is not intended as a guide to the theory of sea kayaking. It is assumed that if you are planning a trip you have an understanding of tides, navigation, safety and emergency equipment and procedures, and the ability to stand on the beach on the day and assess the sea and weather conditions against your own and the parties abilities.

That's the preaching over with :-)

back to the top of this list

Access

Generally there are no problems with access in the area, however due to pressure of visitors there are restrictions for trips to the Farnes and to Holy Island.
Details of any restrictions will be found on the pages describing that particular trip.

back to the top of this list

Tidal Info

Tidal flows are relatively weak along this coastline - usually less than 2kn however between the Farne Islands and around St. Abbes Head local flows can reach 6kn.
Basic the tidal flow runs south on the flood and north on the ebb.
Details of tidal flows will be found on the pages describing that particular trip.

Tidal Prediction
EasyTide

Weather Forecasts
Met Office homepage
Met Office inshore forecast
Met Office offshore forecast
Metcheck - an excellent site

BBC weather forecast - Berwick-upon-Tweed
BBC weather coastwise site - Excellent resource

back to the top of this list

Emergency Info

Always carry flares somewhere easily accessible and know how and when to use them.

I am assuming that if you are carrying a VHF radio you know how to use it and who to call!
To summon assistance by phone dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard. 

RAF rescue helicopters are stationed at RAF Boulmer

Lifeboats are stationed at :-

• St Abbs
• Eyemouth
• Berwick-upon-Tweed
• Seahouses
• Amble
  
  Hospitals :- 

  Berwick Infirmary	01289 356600
  Alnwick Infirmary	01665 626700
  Blyth Community Hospital	01670 396400
  Wansbeck General Hospital, Ashington	01670 521212

  
  Doctors :- 

  The Surgery, Coldingham	01890 771291
  The Surgery, Coldingham	01890 750599
  Union Brae Surgery, Berwick	01289 330333
  Health Centre, Seahouses	01665 720294
  The Surgery, Embleton	01665 576635
  Health Centre, Amble	01665 710481

back to the top of this list

Natural History

53,000 pairs of breeding birds of 17 different species nesting from mid-April to end July. Typical species are :- Eiders, Guillemots, Razorbills, Puffins, Shags, Cormorants, Arctic Terns, Kittiwakes.
160 species of migrant birds in the spring and autumn.
Many friendly seals, mainly Greys but some Common. Be aware that pups are born early Sept to mid Oct.
Common Dolphins
Porpoises
Basking sharks
Orcas and Minki Whales in the Autumn

Links
http://www.seahouses.org/Farne-Islands/

back to the top of this list

---

For problems with this site please contact - [ john_rae@dsl.pipex.com ].

This page was last updated on March 3rd, 2009.