Cumbria Canoeists Weekend Sea Kayaking Trip to the Yorkshire Coast

Cumbria Canoeists Weekend Sea Kayaking Trip to the Yorkshire Coast

Day 1 of 2, Saturday 5th July 2025 - by Neil Thompson

As our weekend approached the forecast was improving steadily, there was little rain on offer but with force 4 to 6 off shore winds forecast for the Saturday conditions looked tricky. Mike and Paul, our leaders held a 9am brief at the campsite after which we opted to head to Bempton RSPB to inspect the view. It was impressive, and wild. 
At this point we hoped for a couple of hours paddling in the small cove at the North shore landing, any further out might prove too much. 
Upon arrival at the car park we had the usual tussle with the ticket machine and then a steep carry down to the beach, dodging the bathers, kids, paddle boards and hoards. Eventually at about 11.45am, after some lunch on the beach, we set off for a play in the cove. 
The caves were impressive and we spent an hour dealing with the gusty conditions and getting assessed by Mike and Paul prior to venturing out of the shelter of the cove. Luckily this point the winds eased so we headed out north along the coast to Cat Nab just short of Bempton. Again we had several caves to inspect, masses of sea birds, Guillemots, Razor Bills, Gannets, Kittiwakes, Puffins and the odd seal for company. These cliffs are home to huge numbers of breeding birds at this time of year so we kept out a bit were appropriate to minimise disturbance.
Upon our return to the Northern landing Mike casually suggested we should inspect the caves we couldn't access earlier because of the wind so we headed to the southern side of the cove, this side is particularly worth a look. A quick vote was taken and we chose to head 6k along south to get out at the South shore landing in the calm weather. This wasn't to go quite as well as hoped!
All started well on our afternoon trip then a southerly breeze arose as did a few waves to add some light challenge.  Then we bumped into a large group of perhaps 50 plus seals so we opted to paddle a bit off shore to give them some room, the waves were now getting fairly challenging. We then found ourselves surrounded by seals all keen to inspect their visitors, they were popping up everywhere! It was excellent to see but I did find it a bit intimidating as there were so many so close. 
By now the wind had returned at perhaps force 5 plus so the last 3k to the south shore landing was a long slow haul. At one point I needed to stretch so got out and tried carrying the boat as we were making such slow progress but the gusts were too much on what was an exposed piece of shoreline, eventually we got there - to everyone's relief.  
We'd had an excellent first day with lots of fun, albeit with a tough end to the afternoon leg. Many thanks to Mike and Paul for their continuous effort and leadership and for ensuring we made the most of the day. It did look early on as if we might not get any paddling done.  Also, many thanks to the rest of the team for their excellent company and enthusiasm.
References:
Filey-Bempton Cliffs (below the RSPB a lift site:  https://www.rspb.org.uk/daysout/reserves/bempton-cliffs  ) 
Flamborough Head - https://www.ywt.org.uk/nature-reserves/flamborough-cliffs-nature-reserve 
South Landing - https://www.eastridingcoastandcountryside.co.uk/places-to-visit/find-a-place/place/?entry=south_landing_nature_reserve#facilities
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Day 2 of 2, Sunday 6th July 2025 - By Sally Colema

We woke early to less rain than expected - good start! We met at the Scarborough Caravan & Camping Reception at 8am. A provisional plan had been made the night before but we had a change of heart whilst looking at the map during a last-minute planning discussion. Final plan: put in at Staithes Harbour and paddle to Sandsend.
Happily, the wind had dropped considerably since our battle with the elements the previous afternoon and it was slightly cooler, but still sunny with a gentle northerly breeze to carry us down the coast.
We drove to Staithes and down the steep, winding street to the harbour. It was still early enough on a Sunday that the village was quiet. We unloaded the boats & gear and arranged a car shuttle to Sandsend while 3 of the group moved the boats onto the beach. We paddled out of the pretty harbour at 11.00am, heading SE around Old Nab towards Port Mulgrave
Interested to see the little off-grid shanty settlement and its occupants, who have built a life on the shore, under the limestone cliffs and in the shadow of the old iron ore workings that once occupied the north side of the bay. Originally known as Far Rosedale, it was established as a mining site & port in 1857, shipping ironstone to Jarrow until 1881. A substantial sandstone harbour wall now leans at an angle in a state of collapse. It's become something of a destination for fossil hunters on account of the early Jurassic (200 to 170 million years ago) mudstones that include an ammonite-rich shale layer. We found numerous fossil shells and ammonites, including some larger ammonites collected by one of the cabin-owners.
After exploring and eating lunch on the rocky beach, the tide was still coming in as we set off for Runswick Bay, rock-hopping and paddle-stroke practising as we went. 
Sea birds were much less numerous than yesterday owing to the shaley nature of the cliffs where there were fewer ledges for nesting and a constant risk of landslides and rockfalls. We witnessed one fall large enough to send a gull colony into the air but didn't see any casualties.
Leaving Runswick Bay, we paddled around Kettle Ness and on past Loop Wyke, Overdale Wyke and Deepgrove Wyke (a wyke is a bay or inlet) to the broad bay at Sandsend, our destination. The egress was slightly tricky as we had to lift boats off the beach onto the concrete slipway but it was right beside the car park, making for a fast getaway once we'd done the shuttle back to Staithes for the cars. 
Some folk headed straight home, whilst others searched for a tea & ice cream at a nearby cafe.
A really interesting and enjoyable day of good weather and sea conditions with just enough swell/chop to keep us on our toes. A new stretch of coastline for me and one I'll definitely re-visit. 
Thanks to Mike Sunderland and Paul Simpson for organising & leading the trip and to the rest of the team for good company: Marie-Ann, Richard, Neil T, Simon W, Chris, Amanda H & Sally C.
Referencs:  Saltburn to Runswick Bay, including Staiths (https://www.yorkshire.com/staithes/srsltid=AfmBOorkar4Em5yB2BZsAZMEZJBWf6ieKT_FjxxEQiDXsZXSpadMMId1 
Port Mulgrave  https://www.thewhitbyguide.co.uk/port-mulgrave/ (fossils/historic shanty village) Runswick Bay:  https://www.northyorkmoors.org.uk/places-to-go/runswick-bay
Sandsend:  https://www.thebeachguide.co.uk/north-east-england/yorkshire/sandsend.htm
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