2.2 Weekend trips

2.2.1 First trip - Dorset

Our first trip will leave on the evening of June 7th and return on the evening of June 9th. We’ll head to Dorset to explore the Jurassic coast. Depending on conditions, we’ll likely focus on:

  • Planning trips

  • Map/chart reading on the water

  • Working around other water users and large vessels

  • Maintaining direction in wind

We will be staying at Cumulus Outdoors in Swanage, using their self-catering bungalow.

The address is: Cumulus Outdoors Residential Centre, Cobbler’s Lane, Swanage, Dorset, BH19 2PX. Swanage has a one-way system, so I suggest using a satnav.

If you arrive after 9pm, the gate to the site will be locked. We have the combination to open it, but please close and lock it after you have come in. The bungalow is just after the entrance to the center site, on the right. It has it’s own parking area adjacent to it:

The key is located by the front door in a lock box.

A few notes / rules for this accommodation:

  • The center is located in a residential area and they ask that we don’t make noise outside after 9pm

  • No smoking

  • Linen & towels are not supplied - please bring your own. Pillows & single duvets are supplied

  • Toilet paper, soap, washing up liquid and sponges are supplied

  • We need to depart by 10:00 on Sunday (although we’ll likely plan to leave somewhat earlier!)

  • We are asked to use only the car park at the bottom of the site (I think this is the closest one to the accommodation)

  • We are welcome to use the grass area opposite the accommodation, but not the football field adjacent to it

  • We should leave the key in the lockbox when we leave the site, rather than taking it with us

  • Gates to the site are locked at 9pm. We have the code to the gate lock, but should lock it behind us if we do open it.

  • The Site Manager can be contacted on 07881 794931

2.2.2 Second trip - Anglesey

Our second trip will leave on the evening of June 28th and return on the evening of June 30th. We’ll head to the island of Anglesey - a truly world-class sea kayaking venue, which gives us many options. Depending on conditions, we’ll likely focus on:

  • Planning trips - we’ll be expecting participants to be coming up with their own plans by this point in the course

  • Rockhopping - the art of exploring rocky channels close to the shoreline

  • Paddling in more demanding conditions

  • Rescues and towing

We will stay at Anglesey Outdoors in the Ty Pen Annexe. Anglesey Outdoors is on the Porthdafarch Road out of Holyhead, postcode LL65 2LP.

Driving directions are as follows:

  1. Arriving at the last roundabout from the A55 you will see McDonalds and Asda supermarket on the left hand side of the road.

  2. Take first left off the roundabout (signed to Trearddur Bay B4545).

  3. Immediately take the first right turn between the Angel Chippy (red Building) and an old Pub, currently being refurbished. There is a white road sign for Porthdafarch Road. This turning is before the pelican crossing you see ahead of you.

  4. Continue out of Holyhead along this road for 1.5 miles.

  5. There is a tarmac road on the left called Mill Lane. Immediately after this, there is a track to the left signed to Anglesey Outdoors and the Paddlers Return Bar.

  6. The track runs past a camping area on the right to the main centre building. The Ty Pen Annexe occupies the far end of this building.

Here’s a map of the Anglesey outdoors site:

If you arrive late and can’t find us at the accommodation, it is most likely that we will be in The Paddlers Return Bar.