And now, the shipping forecast: Viking, North Utsire, South Utsire, Cromarty, Forties, Tyne, Dogger, Fisher, German Bight ... The lyrical sound of the daily jaunt through the weather conditions affecting our closest seas is familiar to many in the UK and Ireland, both as a comforting and reassuring constant, as well as a very real storm warning service. Stretching from the southern shores of Iceland to the tip of North Africa and from Denmark to the west coast of Ireland, the forecast areas cover some of the most varied and exposed coastlines in the world with large tidal ranges creating unique and unusual features.  I've decided to take a sea kayak and go and paddle in them all.  

My journey started in summer 2018 with the areas which only include coastlines of neighbouring countries and is as much a personal challenge as it is a voyage of discovery. The trip has come about following my own experience of a series of complex health issues, life threatening illness and bereavement resulting in a desire to push myself further and experience things I may never have thought possible.  I have been helped and encouraged along the way by many inspirational people and now hope to share this adventure with others. 

On this page, I will be posting blog updates, photos and stories as the journey unfolds, you can also see my route map and read more about the trip.  Please get in contact if you would like to know more. 

Thanks to the following companies for their kind help with the next legs of my journey:

Fellowship 2018

I am proud and excited to have been awarded a 2018 Churchill Fellowship to undertake this challenge and hope to inspire others facing their own difficulties as well as finding out more about initiatives to make more of the outdoors for all. 

More about WCMT →