PSK Coastal Counties Challenge 2023

The PSK Coastal County Challenge is an advanced level challenge, taking in the counties of the UK Coastline. Pick a 'county' and paddle across it.

We have set boundaries at either side of each PSK 'Coastal County'. Points are awarded for paddling from one boundary to the other, with points roughly equal to the distance involved.

Additional bonus points are given for the following:

A 50% Bonus for the first paddler(s) to complete a county

A 20% Bonus for a 'sequential completion' of a county

Details Here

READ THE INFO SECTION

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Coastal Counties Challenge
Leaderboard

Posn.	Paddler	Counties	Pts
1	Mike Ellicock	4	367
2	John Willacy	2	348
3	Giles Hudson	2	251
4	Phil Smith	2	214
5	Neal Ricketts	1	206
6	Nick Cunliffe	1	144
6	Tim Haines	1	144
8	Billy Butler	1	107
8	Rhys Hunt	1	107
8	Andy Ironside	1	107
8	Peter Miller	1	107

Selected: 0 - ,

Row	Paddler	County	Country	Date	Pts		%		%		Totals

+ 50% is for the first paddler(s) to complete a county
+ 20% is for a 'sequential completion' of a county

Counties Completed

Who's done what in 2022:

Row	County	Country	Paddler	Date	Pts		%		%	Lap Total
1	South Devon	England	Neal Ricketts	18-Oct-23	137	+	50	+	0	206
2	Isle of Wight	England	Billy Butler	02-Oct-23	89	+	0	+	20	107
3	Isle of Wight	England	Giles Hudson	02-Oct-23	89	+	0	+	20	107
4	Isle of Wight	England	Rhys Hunt	02-Oct-23	89	+	0	+	20	107
5	Isle of Wight	England	Phil Smith	30-Sep-23	89	+	0	+	20	107
6	Isle of Wight	England	Andy Ironside	15-Sep-23	89	+	0	+	20	107
7	Isle of Wight	England	Peter Miller	15-Sep-23	89	+	0	+	20	107
8	Isle of Wight	England	Phil Smith	15-Sep-23	89	+	0	+	20	107
9	Anglesey	Wales	Tim Haines	03-Sep-23	120	+	0	+	20	144
10	Isle of Wight	England	Mike Ellicock	02-Sep-23	89	+	50	+	20	152
11	Anglesey	Wales	Nick Cunliffe	01-Sep-23	120	+	0	+	20	144
12	Anglesey	Wales	Giles Hudson	01-Sep-23	120	+	0	+	20	144
13	Anglesey	Wales	John Willacy	16-Aug-23	120	+	0	+	20	144
14	Hampshire	England	Mike Ellicock	29-May-23	57	+	50	+	20	98
15	Brighton and Hove	England	Mike Ellicock	28-May-23	13	+	50	+	20	23
16	West Sussex	England	Mike Ellicock	28-May-23	55	+	50	+	20	94
17	Anglesey	Wales	John Willacy	07-Apr-23	120	+	50	+	20	204

[Isle of Wight]     	 => 8
[Anglesey]          	 => 5
[South Devon]       	 => 1
[Brighton and Hove] 	 => 1
[West Sussex]       	 => 1
[Hampshire]         	 => 1

Counties List
Brighton and Hove         
(England) 	 13 pts	

Boundary 1: 	TQ 382,008  	Line N of wpt - Saltdean
Boundary 2: 	TQ 256,036  	Line N of wpt - Portslade By Sea

Note: 
Rebound off marina wall.

Cornwall                  
(England) 	293 pts	

Boundary 1: 	SX 435,588  	Start/finish beneath Tamar Bridge (A38)
Boundary 2: 	SS 200,175  	Line E of wpt to Marsland Mouth

Note: 
Plymouth Sound - busy + military traffic. MOD Tregantle Range. Falmouth traffic. The Lizard. Land's End. Have a pasty for me.

Cumbria                   
(England) 	110 pts	

Boundary 1: 	SD 238,622  	Line to W of wpt to Haws Point.
Boundary 2: 	NY 106,552  	Line to SE of wpt to Silloth East Cote lighthouse.

Note: 
Bound 1 at entrance to Barrow Shipyard channel. Seal Colony on S of Walney Island - do not disturb. MOD ranges on route.

Devon - North             
(England) 	 84 pts	

Boundary 1: 	SS 200,175  	Line E of wpt to Marsland Mouth
Boundary 2: 	SS 800,504  	Line S of wpt to Glenthorne

Note: 
xxx

Devon - South             
(England) 	137 pts	

Boundary 1: 	SY 335,906  	Line NW of wpt to Underhill Farm
Boundary 2: 	SX 435,588  	Start/finish beneath Tamar Bridge (A38)

Note: 
MOD Straight Point Range. Plymouth Sound - busy + military traffic.

Dorset                    
(England) 	115 pts	

Boundary 1: 	SZ 218,924  	Line NW between wpt and Chewton Bunny
Boundary 2: 	SY 335,906  	Line NW wpt to Underhill Farm

Note: 
Poole Harbour entrance - fast ferries. Portland Bill. Chesil Beach.

Durham                    
(England) 	 17 pts	

Boundary 1: 	NZ 428,519  	Line W of wpt to Ryhope Dean (close S of Pincushion).
Boundary 2: 	NZ 493,372  	Line SW of wpt to Crimdon House Farm.

Note: 
xxx

East Riding of Yorkshire  
(England) 	 82 pts	

Boundary 1: 	TA 170,765  	Line S of wpt to Dulcey Dock.
Boundary 2: 	TA 420,103  	Line W of wpt to Spurn Head.

Note: 
RAF Cowden Range - beware uxb washing up. Spurn Head. Mouth of Humber shipping and flow.

East Sussex               
(England) 	 69 pts	

Boundary 1: 	TQ 980,174  	Line N of wpt - Broomhill Farm - to W of Lydd Range boundary
Boundary 2: 	TQ 382,008  	Line N of wpt - Saltdean

Note: 
MOD Lydd Range - avoid. Newhaven Ferry Port.

Essex                     
(England) 	 59 pts	

Boundary 1: 	TM 268,314  	Start/finish at E end of Harwich Breakwater.
Boundary 2: 	TQ 930,955  	Start/finish opposite slipway on N bank (Creeksea).

Note: 
Halliday Rock Flats powered craft recreation area SW of Harwich Breakwater. Sand and mud in south. Ray Sand dries + nature reserve.

Gloucestershire           
(England) 	 12 pts	

Boundary 1: 	ST 628,983  	Start/finish on line W from Severn House Farm.
Boundary 2: 	ST 556,904  	Start/finish under Sevenr Bridge (M48).

Note: 
Extensive shallows, sand banks + mud flats. Large tidal range, fast flows and confused water.

Hampshire                 
(England) 	 57 pts	

Boundary 1: 	SZ 750,974  	Line N between wpt and Eastoke Point
Boundary 2: 	SZ 218,924  	Line N between wpt and Chewton Bunny

Note: 
Harbour entrances: Portsmouth, Southampton. Solent heavy + large traffic.

Hartlepool                
(England) 	 11 pts	

Boundary 1: 	NZ 493,372  	Line SW of wpt to Crimdon House Farm.
Boundary 2: 	NZ 544,284  	Start/finish at E End of North Gare Breakwater

Note: 
Tees Mouth shipping.

Isle of Wight             
(England) 	 89 pts	

Boundary 1: 	N/A         	xxx
Boundary 2: 	N/A         	xxx

Note: 
Island: Full lap required - no boundary to start/finish. Busy traffic in the Solent.

Kent                      
(England) 	123 pts	

Boundary 1: 	TQ 912,758  	Start/finish at N Cardinal Bouy (BY Q W)
Boundary 2: 	TR 110,168  	Line from wpt to Dungeness lighthouse to W.

Note: 
River Medway mouth. Ramsgate Port. Dover Port - extremely busy for confined traffic - permission required to cross. Hythe Range. Dungeness. Avoid Lydd Range.

Lancashire                
(England) 	 53 pts	

Boundary 1: 	SD 354,264  	Line to E of wpt (Church Scar - sailing club).
Boundary 2: 	SD 425,648  	Pass to N of stone pier at Morecambe. (Alternative at Silverdale - N of line directly W of beach side car-park. NOTE: THIS ALTERNATIVE IS NOT POSSIBLE AT ANYTHING OTHER THAN HW!)

Note: 
Boundary 1 Mud - recommend HW acces. River Ribble extensive shallows, mud, training walls + tidal bore. Blackpool area extensive sea defences makes HW exit very difficult. Busy + confined shipping channel long from Heysham. V.extensive soft sand/mud from Fleetwood to Heysham - no safe get out. Mud at Morecambe. Quicksand/mud a real hazard in River Ribble, Morecambe Bay and any estuaries.

Lincolnshire              
(England) 	 57 pts	

Boundary 1: 	TA 349,061  	Start/finish at Haile Sand Fort.
Boundary 2: 	TF 572,578  	Line W of wpt to Gibraltar Point Visitors Centre.

Note: 
MOD Donna Nook Range -  requires range closed days to transit. Sandbanks both ends.

Medway                    
(England) 	 24 pts	

Boundary 1: 	TQ 704,766  	Start/finish at Cliffe Fort.
Boundary 2: 	TQ 899,760  	Start/finish at Grain Tower.

Note: 
Extensive mud. Beware of Thames VTS shipping. Yantlett range. River Medway mouth.

Merseyside                
(England) 	 43 pts	

Boundary 1: 	SJ 393,810  	Line to SW of wpt to car factory - Eastham Sands.
Boundary 2: 	SD 269,195  	Line to E of YBY Cardinal Bouy - VQ(9)10s

Note: 
River Mersey busy for large raffic. Upper Mersey shallows and mud. Training walls + confined shipping channel in Crosby Channel. Extensive shallows and sands at Southport.

Norfolk                   
(England) 	118 pts	

Boundary 1: 	TF 660,400  	Line E of wpt to slipway - caravan park.
Boundary 2: 	TM 546,994  	Line W of wpt to S edge of village

Note: 
Hunstanton extensive sands. Scolt Head Island - ask Frank.

North Somerset            
(England) 	 28 pts	

Boundary 1: 	ST 275,595  	Pass W end of Howe Rock.
Boundary 2: 	ST 477,781  	Line S of wpt to Portishead Pier

Note: 
Shallows and extensive mud. Large tidal range.

North Yorkshire           
(England) 	 60 pts	

Boundary 1: 	NZ 785,198  	Line S of wpt to Staithes Harbour entrance.
Boundary 2: 	TA 170,765  	Line S of wpt to Dulcey Dock.

Note: 
Scampi + Chips at Whitby. Filey Brigg.

Northumberland            
(England) 	 96 pts	

Boundary 1: 	NT 984,579  	Line to SW of wpt (E of Maryfield).
Boundary 2: 	NZ 352,760  	Line S of wpt to St Mary's Lighthouse.

Note: 
Nature reserves along the route inc. Holy Island, Coquet Island, St Mary's Island: Do not disturb any wildlife.

Redcar and Cleveland      
(England) 	 25 pts	

Boundary 1: 	NZ 558,284  	Start/finish at N End of South Gare Breakwater.
Boundary 2: 	NZ 785,198  	Line S of wpt to Staithes Harbour entrance.

Note: 
Tees Mouth.

Somerset                  
(England) 	 55 pts	

Boundary 1: 	SS 800,504  	Line S of wpt to Glenthorne
Boundary 2: 	ST 275,595  	Pass W end of Howe Rock.

Note: 
Shallows and extensive mud from Burnham on Sea north. Large tidal range.

Suffolk                   
(England) 	 77 pts	

Boundary 1: 	TM 546,994  	Line W of wpt to S edge of village
Boundary 2: 	TM 293,311  	Line W of wpt to Landguard Point.

Note: 
Lowestoft Harbour. Orford Ness. Harwich Harbour shipping.

Tyne and Wear             
(England) 	 26 pts	

Boundary 1: 	NZ 352,760  	Line S of wpt to St Mary's Lighthouse.
Boundary 2: 	NZ 428,519  	Line W of wpt to Ryhope Dean (close S of Pincushion).

Note: 
St Mary's Island nature reserve: Do not disturb any wildlife. Tynemouth. Whitburn Range. Sunderland. 

West Sussex               
(England) 	 55 pts	

Boundary 1: 	TQ 256,036  	Line N of wpt - Portslade By Sea
Boundary 2: 	SZ 750,974  	Line N between wpt and Eastoke Point

Note: 
Selsey Bill

Wirral                    
(England) 	 52 pts	

Boundary 1: 	SJ 288,708  	Pass beneath A548 bridge.
Boundary 2: 	SJ 393,810  	Line to SW of wpt to car factory - Eastham Sands.

Note: 
Extensive shallows and mud in Dee Estuary. Tidal Bore on River Dee. River Mersey busy for large traffic. Upper Mersey shallows and mud.

Isle of Man               
(I.O.M.)  	115 pts	

Boundary 1: 	N/A         	xxx
Boundary 2: 	N/A         	xxx

Note: 
Island: Full lap required - no boundary to start/finish. Douglas ferry port.

Aberdeenshire             
(Scotland)	173 pts	

Boundary 1: 	NJ 528,687  	Line to S of wpt to Logie Head.
Boundary 2: 	NO 750,626  	Line to W of wpt to mouth of River North Esk.

Note: 
MOD Blackdog range. Busy ports of Fraserburgh, Peterhead and Aberdeen.

Angus                     
(Scotland)	 37 pts	

Boundary 1: 	NO 750,626  	Line to W of wpt to mouth of River North Esk.
Boundary 2: 	NO 567,336  	Line to N of wpt to train station - car park.

Note: 
MOD Buddon Training Area range.

Argyll and Bute           
(Scotland)	287 pts	

Boundary 1: 	NS 294,819  	Start/finish at Helensburgh Pier.
Boundary 2: 	NM 960,535  	Cross line between Eilean Balnagowan and mouth of Salachan Burn.

Note: 
River Clyde / Firth of Clyde busy for shipping/ferries. Numerous ferries on route. Mull of Kintyre. Sound of Jura. Clachan Sounds allowed. Oban Ferries.

Dumfries and Galloway     
(Scotland)	164 pts	

Boundary 1: 	NX 991,542  	Line to W of wpt to Southerness Point lighthouse.
Boundary 2: 	NX 032,717  	Line to W of wpt to Lady Bay/Portencalzie.

Note: 
Unsurveyed at Southerness Point. MOD Ranges on route: Kirkcudbright Training Area and West Freugh. Mull of Galloway. Busy + confined ferry lane into/out Loch Ryan. Wash in confined loch from fast ferries.

East Lothian              
(Scotland)	 54 pts	

Boundary 1: 	NT 334,739  	Line to S of wpt to Fisherrow Harbour.
Boundary 2: 	NT 778,731  	Line to SW of wpt to Bilsdean Creek

Note: 
xxx

Edinburgh                 
(Scotland)	xxx pts	

Boundary 1: 	N/A         	xxx
Boundary 2: 	N/A         	xxx

Note: 
Excluded due to Leith Port.

Fife                      
(Scotland)	103 pts	

Boundary 1: 	NO 462,293  	Start/finish at Pile Lighthouse.
Boundary 2: 	NT 133,800  	Pass beneath Forth Bridge (Rail).

Note: 
MOD Buddon Training Area range. Abertay shipping chasnnel. Abertay Sands hazardous. Avoid Tentsmuir Nature Reserve. Firth of Forth shipping.

Highland                  
(Scotland)	600 pts	

Boundary 1: 	NM 960,535  	Cross line between Eilean Balnagowan and mouth of Salachan Burn.
Boundary 2: 	NH 888,580  	Line to S of wpt to mouth of River Nairn piers.

Note: 
Ferries: Oban / Sound of Mull / Mallaig. Kyle Rhea. MOD BUTEC, Inner Sound. MOD Cape Wrath. Pentland Firth. Whiterow Range nr Wick. Tain Air Weapons Range. Cromarty Firth/Moray Firth shipping. Remote and exposed.

Inverclyde                
(Scotland)	 12 pts	

Boundary 1: 	N/A         	xxx
Boundary 2: 	N/A         	xxx

Note: 
tbc

Isle of Arran             
(Scotland)	 85 pts	

Boundary 1: 	N/A         	xxx
Boundary 2: 	N/A         	xxx

Note: 
Island: Full lap required - no boundary to start/finish.

Moray                     
(Scotland)	 69 pts	

Boundary 1: 	NH 888,580  	Line to S of wpt to mouth of River Nairn piers.
Boundary 2: 	NJ 528,687  	Line to S of wpt to Logie Head.

Note: 
Binn Hill range.

North Ayrshire            
(Scotland)	 41 pts	

Boundary 1: 	NS 310,340  	Line to E of wpt to Barassie - north edge of village.
Boundary 2: 	NS 184,680  	Line to E of wpt to Upper Skelmorlie.

Note: 
Various ferries: Ardrossan,Largs, Wemyss Bay

Orkney Islands            
(Scotland)	219 pts	

Boundary 1: 	N/A         	xxx
Boundary 2: 	N/A         	xxx

Note: 
Island: Full lap required - no boundary to start/finish. Include Papa Westray, North Ronaldsay, South Ronaldsay, Hoy. Significant flows and crossings.

Outer Hebrides            
(Scotland)	463 pts	

Boundary 1: 	N/A         	xxx
Boundary 2: 	N/A         	xxx

Note: 
Island: Full lap required - no boundary to start/finish. Include Butt of Lewis and Berneray.

Scottish Borders          
(Scotland)	 29 pts	

Boundary 1: 	NT 778,731  	Line to SW of wpt to Bilsdean Creek
Boundary 2: 	NT 984,579  	Line to SW of wpt (E of Maryfield).

Note: 
xxx

Shetland Islands          
(Scotland)	262 pts	

Boundary 1: 	N/A         	xxx
Boundary 2: 	N/A         	xxx

Note: 
Island: Full lap required - no boundary to start/finish. Include  Mainland, Sumburgh Head, Unst. Significant flows and crossings.

South Ayrshire            
(Scotland)	 74 pts	

Boundary 1: 	NX 052,711  	Line to E of wpt to Marchburn.
Boundary 2: 	NS 310,340  	Line to E of wpt to Barassie - north edge of village.

Note: 
Busy + confined ferry lane into/out Loch Ryan. Wash in confined loch from fast ferries.

Anglesey                  
(Wales)   	120 pts	

Boundary 1: 	N/A         	xxx
Boundary 2: 	N/A         	xxx

Note: 
Island: Full lap required - no boundary to start/finish. Holyhead ferry port.

Bridgend                  
(Wales)   	 13 pts	

Boundary 1: 	SS 852,755  	Between wpt and mouth of Afon Ogwr/River Ogmore.
Boundary 2: 	SS 768,830  	Line NE of wpt to mouth of Afon Cynffig, Kenfig Sands.

Note: 
xxx

Camarthenshire            
(Wales)   	 29 pts	

Boundary 1: 	SS 443,976  	Start/finish at Whiteford Point Lighthouse - dries, get close-ish.
Boundary 2: 	SN 183,065  	Line N of wpt. Close W of Telpyn Point.

Note: 
MOD Pendine Range.

Cardiff                   
(Wales)   	  9 pts	

Boundary 1: 	ST 254,774  	Line NNW of wpt to Rumney Great Wharf.
Boundary 2: 	ST 194,712  	Line between wpt and Penarth Pier.

Note: 
Extensive shallows, sand banks + mud flats. Large tidal range + fast flows. No get out at Boundary 1. Beware entrance Cardiff Harbour at Boundary 2.

Ceredigion                
(Wales)   	 68 pts	

Boundary 1: 	SN 157,490  	Start/finish at beach at Poppit Sands.
Boundary 2: 	SN 582,94   	Start/finish line to E of Aberdovey Outer Buoy Iso.4s (Fairway Buoy)

Note: 
MOD Aberporth Range. Aberdovey Bar.

Conwy                     
(Wales)   	 39 pts	

Boundary 1: 	SH 647,770  	Line to SSE of wpt.
Boundary 2: 	SH 991,822  	Line SSE of wpt to mouth of River Clwyd.

Note: 
Lavan Sands dries extensively.

Denbighshire              
(Wales)   	 11 pts	

Boundary 1: 	SH 991,822  	Line SSE of wpt to mouth of River Clwyd.
Boundary 2: 	SJ 090,857  	Line to SSE of wpt - E of golf course.

Note: 
xxx

Flintshire                
(Wales)   	 27 pts	

Boundary 1: 	SJ 090,857  	Line to SSE of wpt - E of golf course.
Boundary 2: 	SJ 288,708  	Pass beneath A548 bridge.

Note: 
Extensive shallows and mud in Dee Estuary. Tidal Bore on River Dee. Traffic from Mostyn Port.

Gwynedd                   
(Wales)   	159 pts	

Boundary 1: 	SN 582,949  	Start/finish line to E of Aberdovey Outer Buoy Iso.4s (Fairway Buoy)
Boundary 2: 	SH 647,770  	Line to SSE of wpt.

Note: 
Aberdovey Bar. MOD Aberporth Range. Bardsey Sound. Menai Straits. Lavan Sands dries extensively.

Monmouthshire             
(Wales)   	 14 pts	

Boundary 1: 	ST 556,904  	Start/finish under Sevenr Bridge (M48).
Boundary 2: 	ST 458,809  	Start/finish on line to E of Denny Island.

Note: 
Denny Island dries - no get out. Avonmouth Docks. Extensive shallows, sand banks + mud flats. Large tidal range + fast flows.

Neath Port Talbot         
(Wales)   	 12 pts	

Boundary 1: 	SS 768,830  	Line NE of wpt to mouth of Afon Cynffig, Kenfig Sands.
Boundary 2: 	SS 696,901  	Start/finish red can bouy Fl.R.5s

Note: 
Port Talbot Harbour. Training walls in entrance to River Neath.

Newport                   
(Wales)   	 21 pts	

Boundary 1: 	ST 458,809  	Start/finish on line to E of Denny Island.
Boundary 2: 	ST 254,774  	Line NNW of wpt to Rumney Great Wharf.

Note: 
Denny Island dries - no get out. Extensive shallows, sand banks + mud flats. Large tidal range + fast flows. No get out at either Boundary.

Pembrokeshire             
(Wales)   	127 pts	

Boundary 1: 	SN 183,065  	Line N of wpt. Close W of Telpyn Point.
Boundary 2: 	SN 157,490  	Start/finish at beach at Poppit Sands.

Note: 
Numerous MOD Ranges - research required. Entrances to Milford Haven + Fishguard Port. Ramsey Sound. Jack Sound.

Swansea                   
(Wales)   	 46 pts	

Boundary 1: 	SS 696,901  	Start/finish red can bouy Fl.R.5s
Boundary 2: 	SS 443,976  	Start/finish at Whiteford Point Lighthouse - dries, get close-ish.

Note: 
Swansea Harbour.

Vale of Glamorgan         
(Wales)   	 42 pts	

Boundary 1: 	ST 194,712  	Line between wpt and Penarth Pier.
Boundary 2: 	SS 852,755  	Between wpt and mouth of Afon Ogwr/River Ogmore.

Note: 
Beware entrance Cardiff Harbour at Boundary 1. Barry Docks.

PSK Coastal Counties Challenge Info

* updated 16-Jan-2022 *

The Challenge

This is a high-level challenge that will require advanced and even elite level skills and knowledge.
As a paddler for this challenge you are expected to have advanced level skills in areas such as:

planning
tidal knowledge
technical paddling skills
navigation
and safety.

Much of the UK coastline is remote, exposed and subject to the vagaires of tide and weather. Do not underestimate it.
Avoid disturbance to wildlife at all times.

Format:

Each county has two boundaries, to complete the county you need to paddle from one boundary to the other.

The county can be paddled in either direction.

The paddle can be single or multi-day.

No portages allowed.

Teams or solo paddlers are eligible.

Each county has a number of points available, roughly depending on the distance involved ~1pt per km. We allocate the points.

A 50% bonus (of the county points) is awarded to the paddler(s) who first complete a county.

All 'first completions' finished on the same calendar day are eligible for the bonus.

A 20% bonus (of the county points) is awarded for any sequential completions.

A 'Sequential Completion': a paddle from the start boundary to the finish boundary, with each intervening leg in the same direction and starting where the previous leg finished.

Single day completions are classed as sequential.

Points are recorded per individual.

Paddle legs must be recorded by GPS. No GPS track - no points.

No entries from within organised events

GB Circumnav, Ireland Circumnav, Wales Circumnav and Scotland Circumnav paddles are not eligible for this challenge.

Any islands completed as part of this challenge will also be recorded on the Performance Sea Kayak - Performance Circumnav webpages as applicable.

Send in your GPS file via email:

(A guide how to download a .gpx file from STRAVA here).

The Counties

We have tried to stick to 'county boundaries' as much as possible, however we have tweaked things here and there, for convenience or safety. Please note that this is a paddling challenge, not a lesson on or a debate into the various kinds of local government or historical boundaries within the UK. See it for what it is. However please let us know if we have made any glaring errors.
These counties have varying levels of difficulty. Some are short, some are long, some may only be possible on rare occasions. All this is part of the challenge. You need to make the decision personally whether you can or even should attempt then. Just because it is in the list does not necessarily mean it should be attempted!

Boundaries:

The county list gives a 6 figure OS/British National Grid ref for boundary 1 and boundary 2 of each county. Please use these, unless you deem them unsafe at any time.
The county boundaries set in the challenge are no more than a start and finish point for the purpose of this challenge:
THESE BOUNDARIES MAKE NO CLAIM TO SAFETY, CONVENIENCE OR RIGHT OF PASSAGE. YOU NEED TO RESEARCH ANY CHOSEN LEG AND SET A PADDLING PLAN AND RISK ASSESSMENT ACCORDINGLY.
Many county boundaries have no practical launch/landing points nearby.

Notes:

Most counties in the list have a small note added with points of interest. This is only a short aide-memoire for OUR purposes and not designed to be an exhaustive list. YOU need to research each chosen route in detail.

Northern Ireland:

Currently we don't have detailed mapping of Northern Ireland, we are working on it and will add N.I. as soon as we can. Apologies.

Islands:

We have 'awarded' certain islands notional county status for this challenge.

Safety:

Safety is YOUR responsibility. This challenge aims to give you goals and a format to paddle to, that is all.
THIS CHALLENGE MAKES NO CLAIM AT ALL THAT ANY OR ALL PARTS OF THESE ROUTES ARE DEEMED SAFE TO PADDLE.

ALL PADDLERS MUST UNDERTAKE A RISK ASSESSMENT BEFORE SETTING OUT AND UNDERSTAND THE TASK AT HAND. PLAN AND PADDLE ACCORDINGLY.
You really do need to think these paddles through before you go!
Read the safety summary below.

Mud and Quicksand:

Large areas of the UK coastline involve extensive amounts of mud and quicksand along the water's edge. Understand this as a significant life-threatening hazard and avoid accordingly.

Ports, Harbours and Shipping Channels:

The UK Coastline has many ports, harbours and shipping channels. Some are very busy areas with shipping confined to narrow channels. Only cross at the designated crossing points and directions, contact port authorities as required. You most comply with all instructions, advice and byelaws at all times. If in doubt then do not cross!

Firing Ranges:

There are numerous ranges along the UK coastline. You need to research the specific details and timings and only enter a range when and where it is allowed to do so. You most comply with all instructions, advice and byelaws at all times.

Craft

Kayak, Ski, SUP or Canoe - Any craft you choose must be specifically designed to be suitable for your chosen venue and conditions, and it must be in a seaworthy and safe condition.
All paddlers should be capable and experienced in paddling their chosen craft safely in all possible conditions for the chosen location.
All craft are to be rendered unsinkable, either by manufacturer design (bulkheads etc.) or via extra buoyancy devices (fitted airbags etc.)
We do not consider inflatable craft as suitable for this challenge.

Assistance

No sails, motors, support craft etc. - human paddle power only.
No assistance from outside the paddling group.

Safety Summary!

All paddlers must undertake an assessment of risk - for their chosen route, venue, craft, personal ability and conditions.
Ensure you and your group are capable of handling any conditions or hazards possible on your chosen route.
The management of any risk is entirely the responsibility of the paddler(s).
Ensure your route avoids any exclusions or danger areas. Avoid shipping channels where possible and follow all local/national regulations as applicable.
We make no claim or assurance that any of the counties listed are fully navigable. YOU need to research and plan to ensure they are a safe and realistic proposition.
Paddlers are to wear a PFD (Personal Flotation Device) at all times whilst on the water.
PFDs should meet ISO 12402 or be CE approved, and must be in good condition.
Helmets and leashes should be worn where applicable (helmets on moving/shallow water - quick-release leashes on Skis, SUP's etc where necessary).
All craft are to be rendered unsinkable, either by manufacturer design (bulkheads etc.) or via extra buoyancy devices (fitted airbags etc.)
Safety equipment such as VHF radio, PLB, flares, mobile phone, map, compass, shelter etc. should be carried as deemed appropriate in your risk assesment.
Leave details of your route and time of return with a shore party and inform HM Coastguard as necessary.
If you choose to paddle solo be aware of the significant extra risks involved.
If you have any doubts - THEN DO NOT GO!

* Info updated 16-Jan-2022 *

Performance Sea Kayak2

PSK Coastal Counties Challenge 2023

Send your GPS file (as .gpx or .tcx) to: document.write('\u0070\u0065\u0072\u0066\u006f\u0072\u006d\u0061\u006e\u0063\u0065\u0073\u0065\u0061\u006b\u0061\u0079\u0061\u006b\u0040\u0067\u006d\u0061\u0069\u006c\u002e\u0063\u006f\u006d')

Coastal Counties Challenge Leaderboard

2023 - Counties By Paddler

Selected: 0 - ,

Counties Completed

Counties List

Brighton and Hove

Cornwall

Cumbria

Devon - North

Devon - South

Dorset

Durham

East Riding of Yorkshire

East Sussex

Essex

Gloucestershire

Hampshire

Hartlepool

Isle of Wight

Kent

Lancashire

Lincolnshire

Medway

Merseyside

Norfolk

North Somerset

North Yorkshire

Northumberland

Redcar and Cleveland

Somerset

Suffolk

Tyne and Wear

West Sussex

Wirral

Isle of Man

Aberdeenshire

Angus

Argyll and Bute

Dumfries and Galloway

East Lothian

Edinburgh

Fife

Highland

Inverclyde

Isle of Arran

Moray

North Ayrshire

Orkney Islands

Outer Hebrides

Scottish Borders

Shetland Islands

South Ayrshire

Anglesey

Bridgend

Camarthenshire

Cardiff

Ceredigion

Conwy

Denbighshire

Flintshire

Gwynedd

Monmouthshire

Neath Port Talbot

Newport

Pembrokeshire

Swansea

Vale of Glamorgan