ThePADDLER 48
Strangford Lough
STRANGFORD LOUGH , NORTHERN IRELAND
Ireland , as a paddlesport destination , is well known for its world-class sea kayaking . The Atlantic coastline and its thousands of island have attracted paddlers from all over the world .
Often overlooked is the fantastic network of inland waterways , lakes and our amazing sea loughs . Some have been developed as canoe trails in Northern Ireland and blue ways in the Republic of Ireland . For UK paddlers seeking a great alternative to the well known Atlantic Coast , I would suggest a visit to the biggest sea lough in the UK and Ireland – Strangford Lough
Strangford Lough , designated as Northern Ireland ’ s first Marine Nature Reserve , is one of the most richly bio-diverse regions in Europe , with over 2,000 marine
species spread across 150km ². When journeying between the hundreds of islands , you will often come across otters , common and grey seals , arctic terns , porpoises and on occasion , you may be lucky enough to view a passing Orca !
My intrigue with Strangford Lough started some 25 years ago , and from that time , I have paddled sea kayaks , canoes and SUPs on the lough most weeks . What lures me back is the promise that no two days will be the same . I have had unbelievable experiences , from watching otters fish within four metres to cheeky young seals coming to nuzzle our sea kayaks . At the other end of the spectrum , the lough has provided adrenaline-filled days with great friends playing on the bar mouth ’ s tide races and overfalls . Big downwind runs in gale-force winds and playing on the wave at the Angus Rock have all added to the magic of this place .
Snowdonia & North Wales