TBC - Email to register interest
£440
Old Harry from a Kayak

Dates & Requirements


We welcome all abilities, however, you need to have some experience of paddling a kayak. Feel free to contact us to discuss further as we can help bring your skills up to speed.

2023 /2024
 
TBC Register your interest  

If you are not able to book this trip then it is at full capacity. Please do contact us if you would like to be added to the waiting list or have  group of friends, family or workmates that you wish to book on and we can look at booking a bespoke trip for your group.

 

Trip Description


Sea kayaking and exploring some of Britain’s most iconic coastal locations is an exciting prospect with Old Harry, the Needles, Poole Harbour, Brownsea Island, Durdle Door, and Lulworth Cove to choose from.

The Jurassic Coast is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with incredible geology and sites of interest. From the historic Poole Harbour with Brownsea Island, the birthplace of the Scouts to the chalk stacks and cliffs at Old Harry it is a Mecca for sea kayaking.

Many of our adventures, training trips, and magazine articles have featured the Jurassic Coast and the Isle of Wight. Explore this beautiful area of Britain’s Coast with the Canoe Trail team and enjoy the adventure and sharing our love of the sea and wild areas.

"Canoe Trail took us on an incredible microadventure to Dorset's Jurassic Coast last weekend. The first day was spent giving us our first real taste of sea kayaking, paddling 16 miles from Wareham to Swanage. We had privileged views of a Peregrine Falcon as we rounded the cliffs of Old Harry's Rocks and the day ended with a beautiful sunset as we paddled our way across Swanage bay. Our second day, after a night in a pub and a tee-pee, was spent exploring the coves and caves around Durdle Door and finished with an educating skills and drills session in Lulworth Cove. All in all, an awesome weekend spent in great company with brilliant tuition. I would certainly highly recommend Canoe Trail to anyone looking to get out onto the water! "

Ed Taylor

Important Info

Our ever-popular sea kayaking trips are led by experienced coaches, that said you need to be prepared for changeable weather. We will have dry suits (for-hire) and waterproofs available. You do need to be physically fit and able to paddle at British Canoeing 2 star or Discover Award standard. (Don't worry you can book these courses with us in advance if you are not sure). We may need to change timing, logistics, and locations on this trip dependent on weather, tides, and conditions. We will have some double sea kayaks available which are more stable and quicker.

Included
  • Breakfast and evening meals
  • Expert tuition from professional experienced guides
  • Hire of drysuits is available for the week on a first come first served basis
  • Kayaks, BA’s, Cags, Trousers, Helmets, Drybags, Paddles, Maps, Tents and safety equipment
What you will need to bring
  • We provide camping equipment - but you can also bring your own.
  • We have stopped transportation due to COVID
  • Sleeping Bag & Roll Mat
  • Cutlery, Cup, Bowl, Knife & Fork
  • Personal Kit
  • A Sense of Humour!

Trip Itinerary- subject to change at any time if deemed necessary by Canoe Trail

Day 1

Lulworth Cover and Durdle Door

Sea kayaking this iconic section of the Jurassic Coast is one for the bucket list. We will launch nearby at Kimmeridge and paddle westwards towards Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door. There are many incredible arches, tunnels and caves to play in along the route. We will have lunch near Man O' War beach or under 'Scratchy Bottom' headland. Over the years we have featured in Bollywood movies and even found a gaggle of skinny dippers as we have paddled this stunning coastline.  We cant guarantee either but we can deliver an epic paddle with countless picture postcard opportunities.

Distance circa 13-14 miles

Day 2

Poole Harbour, Brownsea Island and Old Harry

Its the triple crown of exploring by sea kayak as we launch at the quaint town of Wareham following the meandering estuary before it opens up into Poole Harbour with fantastic birdlife. As Brownsea Island drifts into view with its smaller sibling islands there is a further sense of anticipation and excitement. After a brief stop, we head out onto the high seas past the chain ferry and track round towards the chalky towers of Old Harry following the golden sands of Studland Bay.

Distance circa 13-14 miles

Day 3

The Needles

Threading the Needles off the western tip of the Isle of Wight is one of the 'must do's' of sea kayaking. The backdrop of white cliffs and rocky knife shaped islets is breathtaking. Canoe Trail Rich filmed one of his TV snippets with BBC 1 here back in the day using the Needles Lighthouse as the focal point. Around the corner, we will make land for a well earned lunch at Freshwater Bay. Returning back across the Solent waters to the mainland via Hirst Spit we will visit the castle before finishing what promises to be a brilliant day of sea kayaking adventure.

Distance circa 15-16 miles

Day 4

River Beaulieu to the Solent

Another day in sea kayaking paradise as we explore the charming estuary of the River Beaulieu which has been at the forefront of maritime naval history. Bucklers Hard nestled along our route has been a shipyard for centuries including building three vessels that fought in the Battle of Trafalgar, HMS Euryalus, HMS Swiftsure and HMS Agamemnon. It was also a hiding place for allied landing craft during Operation Overlord.  Round the world yachtsman Sir Fancis Chichester also launched the Gypsy Moth from Bucklers Hard. The estuary opens up into the North Solent National Nature reserve teeming with with wildlife before flowing into the Solent. We will explore some of the Solent Water depending on conditions.

Distance circa 12-13 miles

 

 

COMMON QUESTIONS

What are the accommodation arrangements?

The accommodation will be two campsites which we book. Accommodation is included in the trip price. Once the trip is fully booked we send further information to the customers. You can also stay local if you wish and join us each day.

What food do I need to bring?

Breakfast and evening meals are provided at the campsites. You will need to sort lunch for each day. Lunch will need to be on the kayaks with you unless the group arranges to stop somewhere once you are all together.

What is the plan for transportation?

Transport is not included. You can either drive to start locations or arrange lifts once there. Your car will be with you during the trip.

What are the plans in terms of weather & safety?

The most important part of our job is to keep you safe. We constantly review and make decisions based on safety. The itinerary may change subject to weather conditions. Just be aware you may need to do a slightly longer drive from your accommodation if we need to reach calmer water. We profile and match the kayaks to our customers.

What do we need to bring for camping?

Tents will be provided but will need any other camping equipment. You can bring your own tent if you wish.


MEET OUR GUIDING TEAM

Calum Steel

Scottish born and bred! Calum is a White Water Kayak Leader, Canoe Leader, Expedition Leader with 14 Years of Experience in the Outdoors.

He has paddled white water all over the world, BASI Level 3 Ski & Snowboard. Scottish born and bred, he has led many canoe and kayak expeditions across Scotland. Calum is an advanced canoe leader, kayak leader and moderate water endorsed coach as well as British Canoeing tutor for safety courses.

Calum paddled around his beloved Scottish homeland as part of his degree

Richard Harpham

Richard has completed over 12,00 miles of human-powered adventures all over the world including sea kayaking the channel, 1000 miles from Vancouver to Alaska, canoeing the Yukon River as well as many iconic trips and expeditions closer to home.

Richard has over 30 years experience of in paddling and is a UKCC Level 2 coach, advanced canoe leader, sea kayak leader, moderate water coach, British canoeing tutor for instructor and leadership courses and an endorsed guide / trainer.

You can read Richard's article on Sea kayaking the Jurassic Coast and surrounding areas here.

 

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