The PaddlerUK magazine March 2015 issue 1 | Page 97

Lulworth Cove

Lulworth Cove is a huge natural harbour formed by the
erosion of clay and green sands, leaving a more resilient
limestone layer to form the outer perimeter. Wave
diffraction hollowed out the huge circular shape and it is a
sheltered place to launch kayaks to visit the nearby
Durdle Door. You will need to get permission for this and
there is a fair carry down from the National Trust Car
Park. Once on the water the carry is soon forgotten.
The harbour is like a massive sink hole open to the sea. Be
warned though as it can be rough outside its calm waters,
so poke your nose out into the wind and assess
conditions. There is a small reef on the right hand side of
the bay where you can practice surfing your boat. One of
my buddies had a small washing machine experience
there by not watching the following wave – luckily a quick
roll later and he avoided a swim. If you are in the area
without a kayak then there is a local provider who does
have sit-on-tops.

Durdle Door

Durdle Door sits just down the coast from Lulworth
Cove and is a stunning coastal arch. There are also plenty
of caves and inlets to explore on the way there. Unlike
the majority of sea kayaking, which is away from the
general public, this location almost guarantees pictures,
waving and the occasional cheer from the masses visiting
this picture postcard destination. We even got the
opportunity to appear in a Bollywood film last time, when
we were there with the heroine wading in the sea and
rejecting the amorous advances of a suitor. Not sure if
they wanted sea kayaks in the shot but they got them!
Heading down the coast you are overlooked by imposing
chalky cliffs and a few rocky outcrops. There is a small
archway further down the bay, which can be fun in rough
conditions. Our last trip provided more fun and sights
than referenced in any tourist guidebook. We rounded a
rocky outcrop to find a group of women and two lads
skinny dipping. Our innocent approach by stealth kayak
added to the excitement as they stampeded bare
bottomed up the beach to the safety of their towels.

Portland Bill and Chesil Beach

Portland Bill juts out into the English Channel and is truly
imposing and exposed. I have surveyed storm force
conditions from land, scary seas with thunderous crashing
waves beating the battle worn rocks. I have yet to
experience this section in my sea kayak but as you so
often hear it is good to have something to come back for.
Once you round the Bill you reach Chesil Beach which is
18 miles long and over 15 metres high and essentially
once of the biggest pebble mountains you will ever see!
Be warned the Portland Race off the Bill can reach 10
knots on the spring tides and even the smaller inside race
can be 3.5 to 5 knots.

ThePaddlerUK 97