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Ireland - sea kayaking exploration, with over night Bothy & camping - running next in late summer 2011 (dates to be confirmed on publication of ferry timetable).
Strangford Lough
Designated as Northern Islands first Marine Nature Reserve, Strangford Lough is internationally renowned for its abundance and diversity of habitats and species. It is the largest inlet in the UK & Ireland covering 80 square nautical miles. It is full of small islands with a myriad of channels and routes to explore.
A relaxed paddling holiday exploring this unique location, open to all members of the adventure club.
This trip is ideal for those new to this type of experience, a general itinerary is described below, this may need to change slightly to accommodate tides, weather or other factors.
Day 1
Ferry from IOM to Belfast. Drive to the Castle Ward estate on the “narrows” the entrance to Strangford Lough. This National Trust owned site will be the base for our first evening where we will explore the area on foot that evening and enjoy a meal and a few beverages in Strangford village.
Day 2
Kayaks will be packed with kit and we will depart from Castle Ward approx 10am – paddling and exploring the area to the South West of the Lough including the Quoile River estuary. Late afternoon we will arrive on Salt Island, one of many small islands in Strangford Lough. Stay in the Canoeists Bothy or choose to camp in the grounds.
Day 3
Set off and paddle deep into the Lough, taking in the many islands teeming with birdlife etc…. The area is great for navigation and we will include some challenges along the way under the guidance of our instructors. Pub lunch at “Daft Eddy’s” on Sketrick Island before taking a different route back to Salt Island. We return to our Bothy for the final evening in this tranquil setting.
Day 4
Return paddle to Castle Ward where we will pack up kayaks and kit before taking the ferry across the Lough and the narrows to Portaferry inspecting the tidal generator along the way! If theres time we will go for a walk in the area before returning to Belfast and the ferry to the Isle of Man.
