Dorset Kayaking - Poole Harbour

Poole harbour is the the largest natural harbour in Europe extending for 14 square miles and dotted with islands the largest of which

Brownsea Island, is owned by the National Trust.With this amount of safe, enclosed water the harbour just begs to be explored by kayak. Not owning one isn't an excuse as you can can hire(see below)

View from the slipway

I launch from an unpretentious slipway at the end of a suburban road in Hamworthy; no parking charges to irk you and quiet. 

To find it, turn off the A35 and follow the signposts for Hamworthy the road is straight (watch out for speed cameras)Soon after passing under a railway bridge look out for a right turn with what used to be a garage on the corner. Follow this road under a narrow bridge and passing a tall chimney. The road finally ends at the slipway. 

Coffee at the helm

Turning right will take you towards the River Frome which you can paddle as far as Wareham: right takes you towards Sandbanks and Brownsea Island.

The rest is up to you.

The low tide makes the harbour shallow except in the shipping lanes Landing on the islands is not allowed (of course).

Kayaks for hire

Water Sports Academy

Rockley Watersports

Capturing Dorset- J.W.T. Turner

FOR YOUR REGULAR DOSE OF DORSET ENTER YOUR EMAIL IN THE BOX ON THE RIGHT!

A surprising number of celebrated artists have visited Dorset over the centuries ( That isn't an invitation Damien...) 

Turner was a prolific painter and made many painting tours throughout Britain and the Continent.

Lyme Bay

He travelled almost every year and in 1811 toured the southwest producing a series of paintings which in turn were reproduced as a book of engravings entitled 'Picturesque Views of the Southern Coast of England.'

Poole Harbour

 While in Dorset, he painted many of the landmarks still recognisable today; including Corfe Castle, Lulworth Cove, Poole Harbour, Lyme Regis and Weymouth.

Weymouth Bay