You don’t need a big wave to surf a sea kayak…

I’ve paddled the coastline around St Abbs head many times, the dramatic cliffs and wonderful beaches never failing to delight. But after a gentle start, I soon put the camera away…

Strong tides, incredible shell sand beaches, vast raised cobble beaches, water-colour sunsets, perfect camps, and not a midge in sight – such are my memories of a three-day trip from Islay, out around Colonsay before crossing to Jura and then back to the ferry on Islay.

On the tail end of a long day’s paddling, we followed the low cliffs north around Rhoscolyn Head, exploring various gullies and caves before passing through the White Arch.

The Skerries are one of those must-do trips for any sea kayaker visiting Anglesey.

Arriving on Anglesey in the teeth of a gale, the rain falling in sheets, was, worryingly perhaps, not an unfamiliar experience.

It had been some time since I visited Pembroke but with high winds and rain forecast for the north-west while the south of Wales was due to bask under blue skies, it seemed a good time to endure the drive south. We set out with aspirations to round St Davids Head, taking in Ramsey Island and, if things went well, take a sly look at the race between the two: The Bitches.

On possibly the calmest seas I have ever paddled, we launched from the South Landing beneath Flamborough Head, making the most of the lack of swell to explore every cave of which there are literally hundreds, between here and North Landing. Only in Shetland do I know of caves, arches and subterranean passages that are the equal of these.