The Roof of Britain and hunting for Nurdles!

On the 15th April 2017 we begin our journey to paddle around the 'Roof of Britain' (RoB) a journey of 400 nm and with some of Britain's most exciting, committing and beautiful coastline.   Basically its the top half of mainland Scotland, involving Cape Wrath and the Pentland Firth.  

The team is made up of Alan from Sheffield, Don from Portsmouth area, Gerry form the Isle of Man, Craig from Anglesey and myself.

Thanks to Tavi for this original creation!

We have had two intensive training weekends over the last 10 months and with a chilly overnighter mid January, to test kit, tents and equipment.  Back in 2015 we got surprised by snow on a couple of beaches!!  Since January action plans have been further worked on and emails have flown back and forth.  

Where we will start the RoB, will depend on the weather at the time and for the forecast for the following week. We have 4 weeks in total to work with and to get as far as we can and complete the loop if the weather and bodies allow.   

In 2015 we lost 10 days to storms and ended up with some big mileage days to try and complete the loop.  It was a truly stunning expedition with a couple of exceptional mammal sightings - three Orca on the North coast and a Minke Whale, South of The small Isles (on the West coast).  If you want to read our 2015 adventure then a couple of Blogs area here:

On the North coast of the RoB and a totally magic day with a BIG ground swell and a super sunny blue sky day.

The other exciting news is we have team up with FIDRA to map Nurdles (raw plastic).  Nurdles, really, yep!  One month ago I had never heard of these and just thought it was broken down and worn out plastic.  As I became aware of the problem I started to see then more easily on the sandy beaches near the high water mark. The plan is as we paddle the RoB, on each beach we land, the intention is to do a 2 minute collection.  As well as observe and record is there more, so as to provide further evidence of how bad the spread is.  Hopefully this will further support the work this company is doing in education and management.

Ive since learnt its better to ware gloves due to the toxins!

So, I wonder what weather we will experience in April/May 2017?   We will keep a weekly updates via Twitter and Facebook on our progress and if the weather is bad, then there will be time for a blog!

Hoping for many days of the sun on our faces and the wind on our backs - wish us luck  ;)

Greenland - Eat, Paddle, Sleep, Climb 2017

Back in 2008 Olly first invited me to Greenland but at the time it was my first real season with Coastal Spirit, so I said no!

When discussing the possibility of a trip in the summer of 2017, I was really keen to be part of it.  That possibility has now become a reality with funding from the Artic Club and supported by Gino Watkins Memorial Fund; A & J Simpson Award.  Many thanks for this!

The plan is to be self contained and journey in sea kayaks going North of Upernivik (on the North West coast) to explore the numerous potentials for climbing on the many islands in this area. The main objectives will be climbing alpine style roures we come across, accessed in a low impact approach from sea kayaks.  

We will have 28 days in total.  This will allow us to travel to the area, and probably 24 days  in Greenland.  We will need to pack our sea kayak with all of our food, camping kit, paddling and rock climbing gear for the whole time.

Im really looking forward to my 

first time in Greenland and my second time above the Artic 

circle.  I'll aim to keep you all updated with progress.

I would also like to thank Tent Meals  for their support towards our expedition, with great tasting, natural high energy breakfasts and evening meals.  

Photo taken by Olly Sanders

Photo taken by Olly Sanders

Photo taken by Olly Sanders