Saturday, March 17, 2012

Greve de Lecq

Greve de Lecq is one of the most popular sea kayaking venues on Jersey.  The concentration of caves, particularly to the east of the bay is unequaled in on the island.  The only potential issue is at times the size of the swell which can be encountered along this stretch of coast, making exploration of the caves not only impossible but potentially very dangerous.  On warm summer days with no swell though it is difficult to think of anywhere better to be.  One cave after another is revealed and it is possible to paddle over 100 metres into at least two of them, making for a truly memorable paddle.
In addition to coastal exploration Greve de Lecq is the most popular departure point for one of Jersey's offshore reefs, the Paternosters.  Whilst paddling along the coast they will normally be visible, nearly 3 nm to the north.
In common with a number of the islands bays, at the conclusion of the paddle there is somewhere to relax and in the case of Greve de Lecq it is the Moulin de Lecq pub.
Part of the mill dates back to the 12th Century and the Germans used the water wheel to generate power for their search lights, a basic form of hydro electric power.  After a great day on the water though it is an ideal place to stop for a pint and is justifiably popular with members of the Jersey Canoe Club, it is where Committee meetings are held during the winter months.
Greve de Lecq from the air at low water.  The section of coast to the east, towards the top of this picture is riddled with caves.  It is one of the most popular areas for sea kayakers on the island.
 Looking east.  On a warm summers day this is one of the most popular beaches on the island.  Arriving too late in the summer will mean that parking is almost impossible.
 Arriving at Greve de Lecq from the westThe pier was built in 1872 and partially destroyed in a storm 13 years later.  A small stump is left with the remnants of pier providing some shelter for the fishing boats which are launched off the beach.  In certain conditions the bay provides very challenging surf.
 Looking down on the Octopus Pool, on the eastern edge of the bay.  Generations of young Jersey people have amused themselves by jumping into the obvious rock pool in the middle of the rocks.  Underneath where I was standing there is a superb cave which runs through the headland to the small beach of Val Rouget.  Paddling or scrambling out from the beach it is the cave at the head of the third gully which leads through the headland.  
 One of the main caves along the coast.
If there is any swell around I like to reverse into the caves so it is possible to see if there are any waves heading towards you.

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