WARNING! THE CONDITIONS AT WICKLOW HEAD CAN BE DANGEROUS. IF YOU HAVEN'T DONE MUCH PADDLING IN TIDAL CURRENTS BEFORE, BRING A MORE EXPERIENCED COMPANION.
ALL OPEN SEA SAFETY ADVICES APPLY.
THIS MULTI IS INTENDED TO BY DONE BY BOAT. THERE IS NO PUBLIC ACCESS TO STAGE 2 FROM THE LAND.
Wicklow Head is one of the most popular sea kayaking spots at the East Coast. The tidal currents run north at flow (starting 3:45 after Dublin HW) and south at ebb (1:15 before Dublin HW), with speeds up to 6kn in spring tides.
The recommended starting point is the Wicklow Town Harbour - the jetty near the RNLI Lifeboat boathouse is a good launching spot.
To get the final cache coordinates, you have to find two stages, each of them containing three clues of the ABCDEF set: one at a pebble beach at Bride's Head (the posted coordinates), and another in a narrow cove south of Wicklow Head (the Stage 2 waypoint). Then you can pick up the final cache on your way back.
- Plan your trip carefully regarding the tide tables: the good start time is 2 hours after Dublin HW - about 1.5 hours before the current direction changes from south to north.
- Avoid the eastern winds: the combination of waves and tidal currents can be extremely challenging.
- Be careful at Stage 2: the entrance to the cove is obstructed by rocks and you may need to do some rock hopping.
- Be sure you can handle rescue and re-entry techniques when capsized.
Find the final cache at
N 52° 58.ABC W 006° 00.DEF
Enjoy the paddle!