Circumnavigation of Britain 2012 - attempts

[Bazza S]

I can say hand on heart that I don't care a hoot if records are broken or not. The UK coast is so, so much more than just a race track. It's all about enjoying an incredible journey safely, in whatever way works for the paddler(s).

I will have to agree with Mark, having the opportunity and the courage to go round mainland Britain and not having the time to enjoy the coastline and meeting some great people along the way.

When Harry, Phil and I did this trip it took us 80 days which is probably quite quick. We met lots and lots of amazing people who we all still talk about seven years later.
It also Marcus Demuth 80 days and he always goes on about all the amazing people who he met along the way.
Up to now John Willacy seems to be going quickly. In fact it has taken him 36 days to get just South of Scarborough which is the exact same place that we got to after 36 days as well. Reading his blog he seems to be meeting lots of people and seeing plenty of the wonderful coastline.

So who isn't having the time to enjoy the coasline and meet some great people?

Barry

[Graham T]

Hi Barry while I know it reads like it, I am not sure that others are saying JW or Joe are missing the pleasure of the journey. They both seem to be making great progress with less than helpfull weather, but I have been struck by for example Joes references to the Dolphins and another ambition fullfilled in being close withe the Minkey whale.
I don't know JW but he has made me laugh several times the fisherman who was so interesting he did not wish to leave and the Scottish swearing championships, not to mention the multiple people he has met and thanked or his impression of the North South divide.
I think it is perhaps more a case of others would choose to take the journey at a pace they could appreciate the scenery etc which may of course be at half the pace JW or Joe might set, kind of like a Formula one driver feeling stationary at 100 mph.

I note JW has thanked you more than once for the trolley he is using, given the 45 minute pull to one campsite may I ask is it home made as it does not look like any of the commercial units I have seen

[Bazza S]

Hi Graham,
I've sent you a PM,
Barry

[Mark R]

I am not sure that others are saying JW or Joe are missing the pleasure of the journey.

Indeed, I'm certainly not. JW's accounts (or those of Sean Morley etc etc) show how much he appreciates the environment and the adventure. Just keen not to see the great adventures currently underway (which I for one am enjoying living vicariously by) regarded as just a stopwatch exercise by onlookers.

[carpyken]

I'm thinking John W may try for the Humber crossing today, a fond farewell from all of us here in Yorkshire John, apologies for not getting to see you personally but hope you have a safe and pleasant journey around the rest of the UK.

Ken

[JP9]

Today Natalie & Michal have started the crossing from Amlwch in Wales to the Isle of Man, around 80 km an estimated 14 hours paddling. Please donate 10p per km or £1 per hour to cheer them up, on this very demanding crossing. ( all proceeds will be divided between the two charities, please check the blog for more details)
To follow their progress http://homeseahome.com
The photo below was taken by Neil Gibbons

[Summit to Sea]

the "with land on our left" team left yesterday.

[nigelhatton]

These new fellas I realise are going anti-clockwise against the regular SW winds on the west coast and the NE winds on the east coast or maybe it'll all work out fine.
Hopefully I'll meet someone passing by Kent or Devon and help in anyway I can. I do keep thinking of such a trip but then I think myself out of it with too many excuses, loss of earnings, loneliness, surprise expenses, the cost of it all, not having enough support ie my motorhome, difficulty in handling the kayak out of the water, lack of motivation, great expectations backfiring, tiredness, pain in my feet, dehydration, bad weather, not sleeping enough in a tent, being mugged by gypsys or other kinds.

Well done to all of you, especially the solos.

[Fast Pat]

These new fellas I realise are going anti-clockwise against the regular SW winds on the west coast and the NE winds on the east coast or maybe it'll all work out fine.

Against the prevailing winds - someone should tell JW. But then again I think he was a very bad boy in a previous life and is just getting his comeupance!

[GregS]

I've just added a thread on a slightly different 2012 round-Britain attempt...

[JP9]

Today Natalie and Michal crossed from northern Ireland to Scotland ( Mull of Kintyre ) check their blog for more details.
Homeseahome.com

[sleepybubble]

These new fellas I realise are going anti-clockwise against the regular SW winds on the west coast and the NE winds on the east coast

I'd quite like to see a SW wind on the west coast, 3 months of Nor'Easterlies is getting trying. Weather aint what it used to be.

Mark

[Mark R]

Sounds like Martin is having a tough day... https://twitter.com/martin_kayaking/sta ... 0804548609

[EmpressofEasy]

I know Joe Leach extremely well indeed and would just like to assure any followers that Joe's main priority is to see the amazing coastline of the UK and meet new friends along the way.
Unfortunately time is an issue. Not because his priority is to break the record at the cost of absorbing this experience but because of financial constraints.
I have been overwhelmed by the amount of support the paddling community and the wider community as a whole have given Joe and I can say it has most definately restored my faith in human nature.
I wish all those taking on the challenge of circumnavigation this year all the very best of luck.
Karen
Joe's immensely and extremely, very, very proud mum. x

[eddyswimer]

Craig & Stuart Leslie and Lee Wilson are the 3 lads going anti-clockwise, some members of the Wansbeck Paddle Club met up with them as they paddled into Portknockie harbour on their 9 day (3/5/12), looking a little sunburnt but happy.

Their Website; http://withlandonourleft.co.uk/ where you can track their progress.
and their Facebook page: With Land On Our Left - 2012 Kayak circumnavigation of Britain
I have just added some pictures of them paddling across Cullen Bay and coming into Portknockie harbour.
They mentioned they also passed a fellow circumnavigator heading towards Fraserburgh.

[Mark R]

Sounds like Martin is having a tough day... https://twitter.com/martin_kayaking/sta ... 0804548609

He took a swim, but sounds okay - account on his FB page - https://www.facebook.com/story.php?stor ... inkayaking

[Mark R]

John W went from Swanage to West Bay via Portland Bill yesterday; that's got to be c45 miles, more if he took in the Purbeck coast.

[Mark R]

http://homeseahome.com/2012/06/06/always-thinking/

[PhilAyr]

I wouldn't want to be doing that ! :-S

http://joeroundbritain.wordpress.com/

Phil

[Mark R]

Sounds like the Maderas could use a boost - http://homeseahome.com/2012/06/14/a-day-off/

[jonnyhawkins1]

Bruce and I were lucky enough to paddle with the home sea home crew around Applecross and Torridon during our Scotland Circumnavigation. They were very inspiring and shared many incredible stories of their journey so far. We both wish them the best of luck with the rest of their journey and would like to thank them for the tea and cake at Applecross and hope they enjoy the rest of their "medicinal" Jura!

[sanddabber]

Martin arriving at Newbiggin from Embleton on 16th June 2012
http://youtu.be/etZ1LDZooCY

[Mark R]

The campsite on Lundy is 500 feet above sea level and over a mile from the landing bay...WTF?

http://clockwisekayak.blogspot.co.uk/2012/06/lundy.html

[Graham T]

The campsite on Lundy is 500 feet above sea level and over a mile from the landing bay...WTF?

http://clockwisekayak.blogspot.co.uk/2012/06/lundy.html

Obvious isn't it ? got to keep fit and give the legs a work out !

I once posted curious why the start so early in the year to whit to get miles in the bag before bad weather in September hmmmmm still don't understand it

[Mark R]

Mr Willacy is a machine...

[jamesl2play]

Looks like Natalie & Michal are fast approaching Cape Wrath and Jon has a nice day for his crossing.

[Graham T]

J W might in fact not even be legal has anybody had him examined for Terminator parts ?
I thought Joe in saying he was in a hurry really put it on the line but he was not kidding either.

I had an instinct long each would take to complete the journey and while I wont post this it looks as though I will find out soon enough now

[JP9]

Natalie & Michal have made it round Cape Wrath today.
http://share.findmespot.com/shared/faces/viewspots.jsp?glId=0bvhipbO42Yq4SZfBPWmIZvz8mBtvF057

[Aled]

JW's getting closer, could this be his final day?

[johnb]

Bloody long warm up paddle for the Conwy Ascent. Perhaps John is getting scared of you Aled?...