The 4-2-1 Challenge Around Britain

Aug 31, 2023

The 4-2-1 Challenge Around Britain

The 4-2-1 Challenge Around Britain

Jeff Allen

A circumnavigation of Great Britain including the coast of Northern Ireland.

The challenge will take us through Four Seas, around Two Capes and along the north western fringe of the Atlantic Ocean before setting us south again towards Falmouth in Cornwall which is our start point.

The Route:

Heading south west from Falmouth the journey will first see us heading towards that place which was so feared by the Romans and aptly named Bolerium or the ‘Seat of Storms’. Lands' End can be a challenge to get around, on even a relatively calm day, where the complex tides first hit Britain's Southwest Peninsula, the tides here are complex and change direction rotationally around the clock, creating many conflicting currents and areas orf rough water. This area also feels the full might of the Ocean as heavy ground swells can radiate outwards from the North Atlantic. Once rounding Lands' End we shall follow the north Cornwall coast, very quickly coming upon the first of the two Capes, Cape Cornwall, then paddling as far East as Hartland Point where we shall then cross to Lundy and commit to the first of several long open crossings, paddling northwards ,crossing first the Bristol Channel to Pembrokeshire in South Wales and then westwards across the Celtic Sea to Rosslare in the Republic of Ireland.

Once we reach the shores of Ireland, we shall follow the coast of Ireland northwards, sampling the Guinness along the way no doubt, as far as Lough Foyle, before back tracking on ourselves to the small harbour of Ballintoy (The Iron Islands from the Game of Thrones) and then commit to another crossing of the infamous North Channel, the section of water that separates Ireland from Scotland. Crossing to the island of Islay and then on into the Hebridean Sea and the many islands of Scotland.

Once amongst the Inner and Outer Hebrides, we shall island hop to the northern aspect of the Outer Hebrides, passing the Small Isles, Mull, Skye across to The Shiants (home to the Blue Men of the Minch), South and North Uist, Harris and Lewis, until we cross over eastwards, from the Butt of Lewis back to the mainland of Scotland, rounding Cape Wrath at 59 degrees North.

The Pentland Firth and the roof of Scotland now lies before us, one of the remotest areas of Great Britain and these rugged shores are swept by some of the fiercest tides in the world, the fiercest and most dangerous race here is known locally as the ‘Merry men of Mey’ and can reach speeds of up to 30 kilometers an hour and when coupled with strong winds can create seas which mariners have come to fear the world over.

As we approach the Island of Stroma we shall have to decide whether to head north through the ‘Swilkie’ or south through the Inner Sound before rounding Duncansby Head and proceeding southwards into the North Sea and beyond……………..

Throughout the expedition we shall be monitored by SAFE Global using their SafeApp and shall also be using the Garmin Inreach for satellite communications when required.

Supporting

World Land Trust Logo
World Land Trust

Environment | 1001291

12.5%

Since its foundation in 1989, World Land Trust has funded partner organisations around the world to create reserves and give permanent protection to habitats and wildlife.

Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) Logo
Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI)

Community | 209603

12.5%

We are the charity that saves lives at sea.

Special Boat Service Association Logo
Special Boat Service Association

Community | 1168876

12.5%

Supporting members of the Special Boat Service and their families.

Surfers Against Sewage Logo
Surfers Against Sewage

Environment | 1145877

12.5%

Together, we are the Voice of the Ocean. We create Ocean Activists everywhere for a thriving ocean and thriving people.

Man Down Logo
Man Down

Community | 12356174

12.5%

Man Down UK is a non-profit Community Interest Company originating in Cornwall. We provide informal peer-support talking groups all over the UK for men with mental health concerns. Together we can end the stigma and reduce the number of male suicides.

Ovarian Cancer Action Logo
Ovarian Cancer Action

Health | 1109743

12.5%

Women don't just deserve better, they deserve the best. Through knowledge, breakthroughs and fairness, help us make ovarian cancer a survivable disease for all women.

Barnardo's Logo
Barnardo's

Children | 216250

12.5%

Barnardo's is a children's charity that protects and supports the UK's most vulnerable children and young people.

The Royal Marines Charity Logo
The Royal Marines Charity

Community | 1134205

12.5%

The Royal Marines Charity exists to help the entire Royal Marines family.

Supporters 19

  • J

    1 year, 7 months

    John W

    Best wishes and great charity's

    £ 40.00

    (+£10.00) Gift Aid
  • S

    1 year, 7 months

    Sally Gow

    Happy paddling guys , great to meet you at Bunna . Hope you had a good voyage to Colonsay !

    £ 10.00

  • J

    1 year, 7 months

    Jonathan Shaw

    Good luck Jeff and your team. Great to see you in Harlyn Bay and nice to chat. Its the first time I've ever been referred to as a Bubble Head! I'm flattered as I was mobility troop up the road so can scarcely swim! But I had such a great time at Poole I always support Royal when I can. Good luck!

    £ 50.00

    (+£12.50) Gift Aid
  • 1

    1 year, 7 months

    12f

    Good kick from Port Ellen

    £xx.xx

  • P

    1 year, 8 months

    Phil

    Jeff, i recall your tip from last year's paddle to Achnacarry....deep water is your friend. Stay safe.

    £ 20.00

    (+£5.00) Gift Aid
  • P

    1 year, 8 months

    Paul M

    Good luck to the team, great endeavour and causes. @Lee, few pints waiting in the pug when your in town

    £ 20.00

    (+£5.00) Gift Aid
  • A

    1 year, 8 months

    Alex

    Great to meet you all this morning in Cadgwith- good luck for the months ahead! You’re doing a great thing

    $ 20.00

    (+£3.90) Gift Aid
  • J

    1 year, 8 months

    Jonny Shanmuganathan

    Go Adam! Best of luck and looking forward to hearing all about it when you get back from your epic adventure!

    £ 100.00

    (+£25.00) Gift Aid
  • A

    1 year, 8 months

    Alex and Peter

    Good luck everyone - hope weather is kind - will be keeping a looknout on your Nrn Irn leg!

    £ 30.00

    (+£7.50) Gift Aid
  • M

    1 year, 8 months

    Mike H

    Great adventure for great causes. Well done guys. One day at a time will get you there. 🛶

    £ 250.00

    (+£62.50) Gift Aid
  • A

    1 year, 8 months

    Anonymous

    Good luck guys, great challenge.

    £ 20.00

    (+£5.00) Gift Aid
  • P

    1 year, 8 months

    Peter k

    Enjoy the journey lads , good on you .

    £ 50.00

    (+£12.50) Gift Aid
  • A

    1 year, 8 months

    Anonymous

    Wishing you the best of luck and as a RM daughter love your choice of charities! Don’t forget to call in at the head of Loch Leurbost xx

    £ 40.00

    (+£10.00) Gift Aid
  • A

    1 year, 9 months

    Adam

    Got to believe in yourself if you want others too... Good luck Team it's going to be an EPIC trip. Adam :-)

    £ 100.00

    (+£25.00) Gift Aid
  • J

    1 year, 10 months

    James and Yvonne Gleeson

    All the best on your epic adventure Lee!!

    £xx.xx

  • B

    1 year, 10 months

    Billy Perham

    A real challenge for some superb charities. I genuinely look forward to following your progress.

    £ 20.00

    (+£5.00) Gift Aid
  • N

    1 year, 11 months

    Neil

    Good luck Lee! Amazing challenge! Hope the weather is good for you!

    £ 20.00

    (+£5.00) Gift Aid
  • D

    1 year, 11 months

    Dan Hunt

    £ 20.00

    (+£5.00) Gift Aid
  • B

    1 year, 11 months

    Baz

    Paddle hard and enjoy

    £ 100.00

    (+£25.00) Gift Aid
19%

£965.60

+ £223.90 Gift Aid

£5,000 target | 19 supporters

£0.00

 Offline donations

Charities Supporting

World Land Trust

13%

Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI)

13%

Special Boat Service Association

13%

Surfers Against Sewage

13%

Man Down

13%

Ovarian Cancer Action

13%

Barnardo's

13%

The Royal Marines Charity

13%