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Challenge:
Ramsey Sound
Route Distance: ~8 nm / 14.8 kmPrevailing direction: CCW
Record: 2025 - 01:31:07
Solo: 4
Team: 0
Records
| Ben Fothergill | K1M | 01:31:07 | 2025 |
| Eurion Brown | K1M | 03:46:48 | 2024 |
| Eurion Brown | K1M | 04:20:41 | 2023 |
| Eurion Brown | K1M | 06:05:18 | 2022 |
Ramsey Island lies close to the shore of Pembrokeshire, West Wales. It is separated from the mainland by the infamous Ramsey Sound. Here you will find some extremely fast tidal flows and the world-famous 'Bitches' tidal rapids, which has provided white-water sport for many over the years.
This challenge starts on Whitesands Beach and takes in a lap of Ramsey Island before returning to Whitesands. The route and direction of the lap is down to you. The clock starts and finishes as you leave/reach the beach. Your GPS track must cross-over at start/finish close to the beach.
Challenge course suggested by Ben Fothergill. Description by Ben:
"This circumnavigation can be done on the flood or the ebb. It needs careful planning and you will have to fight the flow in several spots.
This is a committing trip around a wild island exposed to the Atlantic and the Irish Sea. Flows in excess of 6 knots are coming during springs and even on neaps it can flow surprisingly fast. Don’t underestimate ground swell or wind against the strong flows as it can make for exciting conditions.
Crux points are bitches, the twll ( midland gap) and the NW tip of Ramsey, there are lots more but these often tend to be the most dynamic.
During the flood tide horse rock in Ramsey sound should be avoided as it creates significant whirlpools ( dangerous in springs). The surf can be fun/challenging at whitesands (depending on how much you like surf)
This is a great challenge with a major part being the planning and reading the water.
The tide today was 6.48m HW at Milford haven. "
PSK Note: As Ben points out, this route requires good tidal planning and understanding. It is not a place to be in bad weather or for the uninitiated. Whitesands Beach is also known as a surf beach. Ramsey Island is a popular spot for seals and bird life. Give wildlife a wide berth at all times and cause no disturbance.
Treat the area and this challenge with respect.
This page is provisional only!
Send your GPS file (as .gpx or .tcx) to:
PSK FAQsChallenge: Ramsey Sound
Solo
Click column header to sort.| Posn. | K1W | Cat | Paddler | Elapsed | Date | Start | Boat | Verified | Note | Link1 | 1 | K1M | Ben Fothergill | 01:31:07 | 12-Oct-25 | Whitesands Beach | P+H Valkyrie | Yes | Note | 2 | K1M | Eurion Brown | 03:46:48 | 01-Nov-24 | Whitesands Beach | Yes | Note | 3 | K1M | Eurion Brown | 04:20:41 | 14-May-23 | Whitesands Beach | Yes | Note | 4 | K1M | Eurion Brown | 06:05:18 | 30-Apr-22 | Whitesands Beach | Yes | Note |
|---|
4 solo paddlers
Notes
Eurion Brown (30-Apr-22)Note.
This trip from Eurion also included a venture out to the Bishops and Clerks offshore. A legacy trip, added to 'seed' the page records, courtesy of Eurion.
Eurion Brown (14-May-23)
Note.
A legacy trip, added to 'seed' the page records, courtesy of Eurion.
Eurion Brown (01-Nov-24)
Note.
A legacy trip, added to 'seed' the page records, courtesy of Eurion.
Ben Fothergill (12-Oct-25)
Note.
This was the first trip to attempt a time for the Ramsey Sound Challenge.
Summary:
Challenge: Ramsey SoundSolo paddlers: 4
Team paddlers: 0
Teams: 0
Recorded Start Points:
- Whitesands Beach (4)