Beaumaris (Gallows Point) to Red Wharf Bay - 4th January 2015

My first paddle of 2015 saw a group of us from Macclesfield Canoe Club set off from Gallows Point on a glorious winter's day. Little wind and bright sunshine meant it did not feel that cold, but the snow-capped mountains of Snowdonia reminded us that we were in the depths of winter.

We headed out N/NE en route to Puffin Island with the hope of seeing the resident seals. We were not disappointed - a large colony was hauled up on the beach on the SW corner of the island, and then we met several more seals as we paddled to the NE end where another significant group was on the rocks. The seals of Puffin Island are very inquisitive (perhaps because they are so used to kayakers and the summer boat trips) they come very close to the boats to check you out.

We left the seals and continued around the island and across the ebbing tidal stream to visit the Trwyn Du lighthouse followed by lunch on the beach.

Suitably refreshed we made our way around the coast rock-hopping and admiring the cliffs and into a now freshening breeze. Paddling under the cliffs took us out of the sunlight, so we began to feel the chill of the January afternoon and we soon reached our destination at the E end of Red Wharf Bay.

With the tide now well out we had a long carry/trolley to get the boats back to the cars. Once this chore was complete we could reflect on another great day paddling on Anglesey.

Approx. 20km paddled and 4 hours on the water.