Wastwater – Mid-week Sea kayak trip

Tuesday 29 November 2022

What an amazing day to be in a sea kayak, and what a stunning location.

Brilliant sunshine at the eastern end of Wastwater coaxed our sleepy bodies onto the water at around 10.30am. It had been an early start for everyone; many had to load boats in the dark, before having to scrape ice off their windscreens and drive across the county.

A pod of a dozen paddlers made their way amicably across the calm water towards Wasdale Head….. where we took the time to ‘sit and stare’. Out came the cameras and mobiles as we all took in the fabulous scenery; grateful to be free of work and able to take advantage of the gorgeous weather.

We continued in a clockwise direction to the famous Wastwater Screes. The temperature fell as we moved into the shade created by this towering feature. The steep slopes of broken rock rise over 500m above the lake surface and include some rocks the size of large cars. It was therefore quite something to be beside them and unnerving to look into the clear water and see them extending beneath us. As stories about past murders and lost bodies were told, embellished and re-told…. the temperature seemed to drop further, spurring us all on to paddle a little faster…

At the western end of the lake, the outflowing River Irt was green and lush, a real contrast to the stark monochrome scree section. Annette was an assistant leader on the trip and a mine of local information, helping us to appreciate the area fully.

Lunch was a grand affair. We found a sunny beach overlooking the screes. Flasks of soup and sandwiches were chased down by a kind donation of spirits from Mike Sunderland (a leader who truly understands the meaning of team spirit) and smiley Ray.

The circuit took us around 3.5 hours including a lunch break.

It was a fabulous paddle with a super-supportive and friendly group of people. This was my first paddle with the club and the bar has been set at a very high standard.

Many thanks to Mike Sunderland for organising and leading this grand day out.

Sue R