Big Paddle Clean Up – Borness Bay

Date: Sunday 11th June 09:30

Grade: Peer Paddle / Walk

As part of the SCA Big Paddle Cleanup 2023 we’re heading to Borness Bay / Ringdoo Bay to litter pick the litter that’s washed up / blown there from the sea. Thank you DG Eco Warriors for the tip on this bay.

We are borrowing some kit from the Solway Firth Partnership who have very kindly offered (Litter pickers, hoops for bags and a sharps bag).

Please bring a pair of heavy-duty gloves for adequate protection from litter. If possible use washable reusable gloves to help the environment. 

The council will be providing bin bags – the rubbish pick-up point is to be confirmed (I’ll update this when I know where the council would like us to take the rubbish).
It’s likely to be hot on the day so bring plenty of water with you, suncream, insect repellant, sun hat, hand sanitiser and a picnic lunch or snack to keep you going. Note: Brighouse Bay Holiday Park has a shop and bistro.
There will be at least one first aid kit on hand and a tick remover should anyone need it (ask Rebecca or Jonah)

Paddling Information:

Low tide is around 12pm. High Tide 5:40pm
Those of us with suitable boats can paddle from Brighouse Bay (shortest route) – the bay itself is a rocky shell beach, the tide will be going out when we arrive so we may have a bit of a walk to launch. Having looked at the bay from the shore I don’t think those of us paddling will have a problem landing. Expect to carry some rubbish back with us in the boats – may be worth bringing items that will help tie bags onto boats.

Walking Information

Those of us who don’t have a suitable boat; would prefer a walk or if the weather isn’t favourable for paddling can walk the core path 175 from Brighouse Bay.

The start of walk is detailed here: https://info.dumgal.gov.uk/Core…/Walking/Brighouse-Bay.pdf

Once you reach Borness Point you need to continue along the coastal path where it splits – follow the sign to Kirk Andrews – this takes you down a field following a wall then across a meadow of long grass then through a patch of gorse following a wall until you reach the bay. You will need appropriate footwear – the ground is uneven and there are a couple of bits which go through thick gorse – passable with care – I would suggest wearing long trousers through these stretches to prevent scratches/tick bites. 

We will need to carry the filled rubbish bags back to a designated point – to be arranged with the council.

Contact Info

Let us know via kirkcudbrightcanoeclub@gmail.com if you can join or if you have any questions or even suggestions to modify the plan.

FAQ:

What is a Peer Paddle?
A paddling activity where no instructional or guiding structure exists and it is the responsibility of each member of the group to ensure the suitability of their equipment and themselves for the activity.