Summer Challenge
70 Counties, 70 Days, 70th Year
My last post about my Summer Challenge, was posted back in February this year. Since then I have managed to undertake quite a few paddling trips but if I am honest my summer activity has always been at the back of my mind. Preparations are complete, the route is planned, accommodation booked, training undertaken, car serviced etc. So this time next week I will be in England.
My start date is Sunday 6th July from Flushing, close to Falmouth. I am starting with a 10 nm paddle north, on the Carrick Roads and the River Fal, to reach Malpas. From there I head to Brown Willy, on Bodmin Moor, to complete my first day. The first of 70.
I have spent hours poring over maps, looking at the Go Paddling website, contacting local Club Clubs etc to develop what is hopefully a reasonably straightforward route. Although I am clearly going to have drive quite of few miles I have tried to keep it as low as possible. The longest single days drive is after walking up The Cheviot I have to drive to Wasdale Head for the next day’s activity, Scafell Pike. According to Google maps the journey will take about 4 hours to drive the 143 miles.
Two days tie for the shortest daily distance, Rutland Water and the Lancaster Canal. On both days the return journey from my accommodation is only 10 miles, an easy drive. Uniquely there is only one day when I don’t need to use the car. The last day, when I will take the bus from Capel Curig to Pen Y Pass, to start my walk up Snowdon.
I was hoping to be able to undertake the trip without buying any new kit, unfortunately the pockets on my buoyancy aid wore out last week, so I have had to buy a new one. I have used Reed Chillcheater buoyancy aids for years, fortunately their shop is in Braunton, close to my route, so I am able to pop in and collect a new one, plus hopefully have a few words with Chris Reed, who I haven’t seen for a few years.
One thing that I am having to prepare for, which is a totally new experience for me, is Check Clean Dry. Cleaning and drying the kayak equipment that I am using on fresh water to help stop the spread of Invasive Non-Native Species. I have spent several hours reading up what is required and have ordered the PaddleUK recommended Bio Mate, to ensure that each time I launch on fresh water, which is in 51 of the 70 counties, that I will have played my part in helping to stop the spread of invasive species.
My accommodation is varied over the duration of my journey. Camping, staying with friends and family, hotels and possibly most interestingly staying on a yacht. I couldn’t find anywhere under £250 a night and the campsites I checked wanted a minimum of 3 nights, so Pete is sailing his yacht to Yarmouth to provide a comfortable nights accommodation on the Isle of Wight.
With the planning complete, equipment sorted and training finished I am eager to get underway but have to hold fire until the 6th July. No doubt there will be a sense of relief as I push away from the slip in Flushing and head up the Carrick Roads, the first 10 miles of 700 miles plus. Although 10 days away the forecast is looking reasonably promising, a pleasant 20 degrees with a westerly breeze.
This link takes you to the links for my Instagram plus the two charities that I am raising money for, both of which have personal connections. Dementia Jersey and Fanconi Hope. I am planning to publish a weekly update on my progress plus the usual daily Instagram to keep people informed about my progress until completion on the 14th September.
If you could share this post with other people I would appreciate it.