Northern Ireland Outdoors Forum - Hiking, camping and more

Information => Outdoor News and Events => Topic started by: CAAN Chris on November 24, 2011

Title: BBC Countryfile to showcase North Coast Sea Kayak Trail
Post by: CAAN Chris on November 24, 2011
Hi all,

Just a quick note to let you know that the soon to be launched North Coast Sea Kayak Trail (http://www.canoeni.com/canoe-trails/north-coast-sea-kayak-trail/) will feature on BBC Countryfile (http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b017ynbk) on Sunday 27th November. 

Despite some grim November weather, presenter Ellie Harrison enjoyed a great day paddling along the trail with Robin Ruddock from Ruddock Sea Kayaking and Canoeing (http://www.canoeni.com/have-a-go/canoeing-providers/ruddock-sea-kayaking-and-canoeing/)

Check out our latest blog (http://www.outdoorni.com/blog/2011/11/21/bbc-countryfile-showcase-north-coast-sea-kayak-trail/) to find out more about Ellie’s trip and for further details on the North Coast Sea Kayak Trail and Port Moon Bothy.

To keep up to date with Northern Ireland Canoe Trails why not

Like CanoeNI on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/canoeni)
Sign up for our regular e-newsletter (http://www.canoeni.com/SignUp.aspx)

Enjoy the show on Sunday

CanoeNI Chris
www.canoeni.com

Title: Re: BBC Countryfile to showcase North Coast Sea Kayak Trail
Post by: RedLeader on November 27, 2011
Just watched this and it was awesome. I'm no fan of farming programs but between the section on the canoe trail and a few bits on the North Coast in general it was a great watch, especially the aerial footage. Now I want a sea canoe and some time in the Glens!

It'll be on iplayer from tomorrow, check it out!
Title: Re: BBC Countryfile to showcase North Coast Sea Kayak Trail
Post by: velvetmonkey on November 27, 2011
Right with you Red............

Sea Kayaking looks pretty cool, as does those wooded Glens.

Well worth a watch anyone if you get the chance
Title: Re: BBC Countryfile to showcase North Coast Sea Kayak Trail
Post by: VMCC on November 27, 2011
It was brilliant! I do watch countryfile, it's full of all sorts of outdoorsy stuff, not just farming! The weather report is useful for planning your week.

I can really imagine how amazing all those familiar touristy things would be from sea level, a whole new world of appreciation!
Title: Re: BBC Countryfile to showcase North Coast Sea Kayak Trail
Post by: RedLeader on November 28, 2011
Here it is on iPlayer:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b017ynbk/Countryfile_27_11_2011/ (http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b017ynbk/Countryfile_27_11_2011/)
Title: Re: BBC Countryfile to showcase North Coast Sea Kayak Trail
Post by: LennyJ1 on November 28, 2011
Where is that building they where talking about?
Title: Re: BBC Countryfile to showcase North Coast Sea Kayak Trail
Post by: RedLeader on November 28, 2011
It's the new Giants Causeway Visitors Centre:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/7449603.stm (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/7449603.stm)

Where is that building they where talking about?
Title: Re: BBC Countryfile to showcase North Coast Sea Kayak Trail
Post by: LennyJ1 on November 28, 2011
It's the new Giants Causeway Visitors Centre:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/7449603.stm (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/7449603.stm)

Where is that building they where talking about?

No not that one, the one for people who Kayak or walk to sleep in. it is past the causeway.
Title: Re: BBC Countryfile to showcase North Coast Sea Kayak Trail
Post by: RedLeader on November 28, 2011
Ahh, looks like they've just got permission from a local landowner to put a bothy on the shore, probably working much the same as Salt Island. They did mention it was for both canoers and walkers which made my ears prick up :D
Title: Re: BBC Countryfile to showcase North Coast Sea Kayak Trail
Post by: LennyJ1 on November 28, 2011
thats what i'm thinking
Title: Re: BBC Countryfile to showcase North Coast Sea Kayak Trail
Post by: Spud on November 28, 2011


http://www.newsletter.co.uk/news/local/restored_fishing_cottage_all_set_to_reel_in_tourists_1_3281668
Title: Re: BBC Countryfile to showcase North Coast Sea Kayak Trail
Post by: ChuckMcB on November 28, 2011
Port Moon Bothy: not a bad wee spot:

(http://www.countrysiderecreation.com/Ti.ashx?p=news%5c92482f89-132e-4108-afa0-796c73898d41.jpg&mw=380&mh=680) (http://www.countrysiderecreation.com/Ti.ashx?p=projects\22b3503d-1cc2-43ea-94fa-ec51f8b21c6e.jpg&mw=380&mh=680)

Quote
If you have walked the Causeway Coast Way in recent years and have been brave enough to peer over the edge, down towards Port Moon Bay, half way between Dunseverick and the Giant’s Causeway, you will have noticed a small, derelict cottage with distinctive red corrugated roof. This was once the ‘nerve centre’ of a busy salmon fishing operation, which some records indicate, was thriving in Port Moon Bay since as far back as 1872.

Used as a base to transport crates of fresh fish out to passing ships on their way to the Liverpool markets, stocks eventually dwindled due to changing patterns of industry and the rise in seal colonies in the area. These factors eventually resulted in the fishery closing down in 2002 leaving the old fisherman’s cottage to fall into disrepair

(source (http://www.countrysiderecreation.com/project/port-moon-bothy/) & source (http://www.countrysiderecreation.com/news/all-funding-confirmed-for-port-moon-bothy/))
Title: Re: BBC Countryfile to showcase North Coast Sea Kayak Trail
Post by: LennyJ1 on November 28, 2011
Cheers Chuck
Title: Re: BBC Countryfile to showcase North Coast Sea Kayak Trail
Post by: VMCC on November 28, 2011
Do you think it would be a safe wild camping spot?
Title: Re: BBC Countryfile to showcase North Coast Sea Kayak Trail
Post by: CAAN Chris on November 29, 2011
Hi all,

Great to see the interest in the North Coast Sea Kayak Trail and the Port Moon Bothy following the excellent feature on BBC Countryfile.

Sorry for the delay in response but I was out of the office yesterday.

Just to confirm the North Coast Sea Kayak Trail will be officially launched in March 2012.  However we have made the information available online so you can begin planning your trip now http://www.canoeni.com/canoe-trails/north-coast-sea-kayak-trail/

The Port Moon Bothy will also be launched in March 2012.  It is currently undergoing extensive refurbishment.  Once open, the bothy will be managed and maintained by the Causeway Coast Kayak Association  www.ccka.co.uk. 

Canoeists using the trail will be able to book the bothy via the CCKA.  There will be a limited space for wild camping - about three tents. The bothy is only accesible by the water so unfortunatley it will not be accesible by walkers due to the very steep walk down.

As I am sure you can imagine we are all pretty busy ensuring the bothy refurbishment keeps to the timeline.  But we will be sure to keep you up to date of progress and of how you can book your first stay in the bothy.

Thanks again for all you interest in the project.  We'll keep in touch but in the meantime if you have any questions then please post them up here.

Kind Regards,

CanoeNI Chris
www.canoeni.com   
Title: Re: BBC Countryfile to showcase North Coast Sea Kayak Trail
Post by: RedLeader on November 29, 2011
A camping spot only accessible by water sounds like heaven!
Title: Re: BBC Countryfile to showcase North Coast Sea Kayak Trail
Post by: LennyJ1 on November 29, 2011
Thats a shame. they said on countryfile it would be accessable by walkers. Would it be impossible to reach by land?
Title: Re: BBC Countryfile to showcase North Coast Sea Kayak Trail
Post by: CAAN Chris on November 29, 2011
LennyJ1

The Countryfile feature did mention that it would be accesible by walkers.  Unfortunatley this was in error.  I think Robin got a wee bit excited and this came out in error.

The bothy is at the bottom of a very very steep hill.  This is displayed well on the top photo in Chuck's previous post.

It is hoped we may be able to extend the project in the future to include a walk way to the bothy but this would be an expensive project as we would have to ensure it was safe enough to be promoted.  Consideration would also have taken as to the potential vandalism that could arise by making it more accessible.

The plan is to get the bothy up and running for canoeists using the North Coast Sea Kayak Trail and progress from there.

In the meantime it is hoped that the bothy will be a great incentive for people to learn how to Sea kayak and enjoy the north coast from another perspective.

Kind Regards,

CanoeNI Chris
www.canoeni.com 
 
Title: Re: BBC Countryfile to showcase North Coast Sea Kayak Trail
Post by: LennyJ1 on November 29, 2011
Ok I hope you dont get to many people trying to access it by walking in..
Title: Re: BBC Countryfile to showcase North Coast Sea Kayak Trail
Post by: Oisín on November 29, 2011
Quote
The bothy is only accesible by the water so unfortunatley it will not be accesible by walkers due to the very steep walk down.

That sounds like a challenge.  :P
Title: Re: BBC Countryfile to showcase North Coast Sea Kayak Trail
Post by: LennyJ1 on November 29, 2011
Is it possible to walk the coast line to the bothy area????? How steep is the hill and if its steep would you need ropes????
Title: Re: BBC Countryfile to showcase North Coast Sea Kayak Trail
Post by: MG1 on November 30, 2011
You thinking bout abseiling in Lenny?

Looks cool i would try some sea kayaking. Would it be possible to get guided groups taken to the bothy? 
Title: Re: BBC Countryfile to showcase North Coast Sea Kayak Trail
Post by: LennyJ1 on November 30, 2011
You thinking bout abseiling in Lenny?

Looks cool i would try some sea kayaking. Would it be possible to get guided groups taken to the bothy?

I was more thinking SAS running forwrd on a rope lol.
Title: Re: BBC Countryfile to showcase North Coast Sea Kayak Trail
Post by: whoRya on November 30, 2011
Is it possible to walk the coast line to the bothy area????? How steep is the hill and if its steep would you need ropes????

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