Blog – Page 4 – Steve Banks Outdoors

The Drongs

https://www.stevebanksoutdoors.co.uk/sea-kayak/trips-and-expeditions/

The Drongs are a tough, rocky remnant of an earlier coastline now eroded back to form the Hillswick peninsula. They are both spectacular and enticing, as they were stationed offshore, clearly visible from our basecamp at all times. With the fantastic weather and after several long days out, we decided a visit to The Drongs was in order. We combined this with a circumnavigation of the peninsula, which did require a short use of a portage trolley at the start across the narrow neck of land from one side to the other. Another stunning paddle.

steve@stevebanksoutdoors.co.uk

07796 213817

By Steve|July 1st, 2023|Sea Kayak|Comments Off

Muckle Roe

The complex and incredible coastline and cliff architecture of Shetland is a result of a combination of geology and a position in the North Atlantic exposed to huge seas on a regular basis. The sea has exploited any weakness in the rocks, or softer relative to harder rocks, to create caves and to drive tunnels as far as its energy can reach. These too are subject to erosion and collapse leaving blowholes, stacks and wave cut platforms. Most of Shetland’s most outstanding coast, from a sea kayaking perspective, faces this prime shaping force, the open ocean – the West.

Muckle Roe’s magical West coast is often difficult to access due to swell, wind and waves, but on this occasion the weather more than made up for previous disappointment and allowed us a long day’s circumnavigation and much exploration of this intricate and spellbinding place. Some of the group thought this the best day’s sea kayaking they had ever had; it was hard to disagree.

steve@stevebanksoutdoors.co.uk

07796 213817

By Steve|July 1st, 2023|Sea Kayak|Comments Off

Papa Stour

The amazing weather meant, for the first time on a Shetland trip, we could pack our boats and take on a two day outing with an overnight wild camp. With cars loaded with provisions we headed to Sandness to circumnavigate Papa Stour – a swiss cheese-like coast of subterranean tunnels, huge caves, towering stacks and amazing wildlife.

A long first day saw us explore every nook and cranny: we experienced a tide race running through one large and very long tunnel and, headtorches to the fore, paddled for three hundred metres through a passage under a headland. Our camp on the North coast of the island gave us magical views and a beautiful evening walk on which we had an abundance of wild flowers and, most notably, a pair of Arctic Skuas close by.

Following the coast back round to Sandness the following day we completed a stunning and memorable trip.

steve@stevebanksoutdoors.co.uk

07796 213817

By Steve|June 30th, 2023|Sea Kayak|Comments Off

Eshaness

Day one of our Shetland paddling adventure dawned misty but very calm with, critically, no residual swell. Steve decided that the overcast and still conditions would lend themselves very well to exacerbating the elemental and foreboding nature of the volcanic coastline of Eshaness.

We paddled from Hamnavoe to Tangwick taking in the huge cliffs, stacks and multiple caves, all whilst surrounded by myriad seabirds. The highlights were Britain’s largest cave next to Calder’s Geo (yes, bigger than Gaping Gill) and the spectacular arch and tunnel through Dore Holm. An amazing first day.

steve@stevebanksoutdoors.co.uk

07796 213817

By Steve|June 30th, 2023|Sea Kayak|Comments Off

Shetland Sea Kayaking trip

Steve is recently returned from a two week Sea Kayaking trip to Shetland. We had the best conditions ever so were able to access parts of Shetland’s amazingly coastline that had hitherto been out of reach. Even the locals commented that the sea was the calmest they had ever seen it – in their lives! To try and do better justice to what was a fantastic experience for all, we’ve uploaded a series of blog posts and photos depicting some of the best parts of the trip – enjoy!

If you’re interested in sea kayaking trips or days out, call Steve for a chat about your paddling needs. He’ll be pleased to hear from you and happy to help on 07796 213817 and steve@stevebanksoutdoors.co.uk

By Steve|June 30th, 2023|Sea Kayak|Comments Off

We’re going batty!

A recent walk in an unfamiliar area caused us to happen on this structure. We were initially unsure as to what it was, though closer inspection revealed it to be a bat roost. As with many other of our wild creatures, bats have had their habitats disturbed and destroyed by human activity to the point where numbers are hugely reduced – to critical levels for some species. It was therefore heartening to see a local community wildlife trust trying to provide for bats (and other creatures) with this artificial roost and other wildlife friendly installations.

If you’re keen to explore nature and to learn more about what’s hiding on your doorstep, and what we need to take greater care to protect, Steve will be happy to help. Get in touch for natural history and environmental walks at steve@stevebanksoutdoors.co.uk and on 07796 213817

By Steve|May 30th, 2023|Environment, Keswick Guided Walks, natural history|Comments Off

Cave Leader assessments, Yorkshire Dales

Steve ran two group day caving assessments this past week, one in Long Churn for a Cave Leader candidate and the other in Alum Pot for a Vertical Cave Leader candidate. The weather was kind and both days went to plan – the Vertical day in Alum (image) was particularly spectacular and the candidate did an excellent job of providing a great day out for his group.

If you are interested in trying caving or pursuing the BCA’s Cave Leader awards, Steve will be pleased to hear from you and happy to help. All forthcoming dates are advertised on the caving pages. Currently, the next date for Cave Leader training is July 13-14, whilst the next training date for Vertical Cave Leader is 17-18 July. All courses and private guiding can be run on a bespoke basis too, just call or email to discuss your needs: 07796 213817 and steve@stevebanksoutdoors.co.uk

By Steve|May 8th, 2023|Cave|Comments Off

Walla Crag

A group of Indian women who had been to university together 40 years ago, and who now live around the world, had a reunion in the Lake District. Steve was asked to provide a day out to engage with the environment, so a walk along the shore of Derwentwater with a traverse of Walla Crag to Keswick provided a fitting excursion. The weather was kind and a super day was had with lots of interesting natural history, stunning views and not a little exercise! We were keen to enjoy the vistas and also to examine the flora and fauna – including these different lichen species on a hawthorn tree.

If you would like Steve’s support for your day out in the Lakes, whatever your needs, he’ll be pleased to hear from you. Please get in touch on 07796 213817 or steve@stevebanksoutdoors.co.uk

By Steve|April 28th, 2023|Environment, Keswick Guided Walks, Mountain|Comments Off

Shetland Sea Kayaking trip

Steve is running his Shetland sea kayaking trip over two weeks from June 12th – 16th and June 19th – 23rd. Shetland is one of the world’s best sea kayaking destinations due to its incredible coastline with cliffs, stacks and caves galore. Steve has been running this trip, for competent sea kayakers, since 2005 and has excellent knowledge of the possible venues and excursions. Shetland is also a UK wildlife and geological gem, so there’s always something to explore on any non-paddling days – you’ll definitely need your binoculars!

You can come for one or two weeks, so if you’re interested in a sea kayaking holiday at 60^o North please call Steve for a chat. He’ll be pleased to hear from you and happy to explain the trip: 07796 213817 & steve@stevebanksoutdoors.co.uk

By Steve|April 24th, 2023|Sea Kayak|Comments Off

Bowscale Tarn

The sun has finally made an appearance in the Lake District following what seems like eternal rain and wind. This led many people to rush to the hills to enjoy the warmer and dry conditions. Not to be left out, we had a half day stroll to Bowscale Tarn which was still quiet and tranquil. Many Lakeland tarns have now become interesting to wild swimmers, an activity which has developed very rapidly in recent years. We did dip a hand in the water and, despite the relatively warm air temperature, the water was bitterly cold – there was still snow clinging to the Northern headwall of the corrie. We’d certainly want a wet suit to go in there!

If you’d like Steve’s support to explore the Lakes, up high, down low or somewhere in between, he’ll be pleased to help – though not necessarily keen to swim! Get in touch on 07796 213817 and steve@stevebanksoutdoors.co.uk

By Steve|April 20th, 2023|Environment, Keswick Guided Walks, Mountain|Comments Off