St Ives to Solva

24th to 26th April
St Ives - Padstow - Skomer - Solva
(Route http://www.a-trip.com/tracks/view/129360 )


Before leaving St Ives we rowed ashore for a walk through the art-filled backstreets. We found some pasties too. Then, when launching the tender through waves, swamped ourselves (plus broke an oar) - but saved the pasties. There's a bright side to any calamity!

It was good to reach the tranquil harbour at Padstow a few hours later. The visitor moored behind us was also from the River Exe. Peter is on Tela and sailing round Britain, and also raising funds for charity. His website is http://roundbritainforimpact.wordpress.com/about/ It was good to have him aboard briefly to share a glass of plonk and share plans.

Peaceful (at this time of year) Padstow

Next day, we left Padstow quite early. It took a long time to cross from Padstow to South Wales. At about 80 miles, it's quite a long way. Starting with good breeze and broad reach, and cruising chute pulling us along beautifully through the grey and misty murk, we ended plodding into the eye of the wind with motor, across a cool clear sea.

Sunset while crossing the Bristol Channel

We reached Skomer long after dark and, thanks to the wonders of electronic gadgets, found our way to the visitors' moorings off Skomer.

This morning we woke early with boisterous sea and freezing wind (F.6/7), and quickly left to beat with furled genoa to the enchanting harbour at Solva.

North Haven, Skomer

A bright morning leaving N. Haven