Kayaking Around Mainland Britain — 2026

“Adventure happens when the outcome is uncertain.”

It’s with this in mind that I’ve committed to tackling what, for me, is a pretty sizable and definitely uncertain challenge: kayaking around mainland Britain in 2026.

Not only that, I’m choosing to take on the 2,500 miles solo and (mostly) unsupported.

Note - That’s “mostly” unsupported as I’ll readily accept spontaneous offers of help from strangers if that comes in the form of a meal, a bed, or a shower — or all three. Friends and family will be there at some points too, I guess, probably to tell me to stop blubbing and get on with it. My wife, Lisa will meet me at times, I’m sure, and there’ll be folks joining me to paddle for a way, too, I expect. All of which will be very welcome!

Why This, and Why Now?

I was inspired by my mate Kev, who was diagnosed with terminal prostate cancer in 2019.

Kev quit his job (retired) and brought forward his dream of cycling around Britain — which he successfully completed. Truly inspirational, and not without the challenge of maintaining his treatment along the way.

Defying the odds, Kev is still biking, still completing inspiring journeys (check him out on Instagram @Compass4Cancer) and thankfully stable thanks to new medical treatments that have extended his life expectancy.

The lesson:

Get on with doing what you dream about, before you can’t.

Could I Do Something Like That?

Perhaps I could paddle around Britain.

Is it feasible? It’s a huge challenge for anyone, with a stunning coastline by any standard. It’s also on my “doorstep,” not the other side of the world.

Being a Lowestoft boy — and still living close by — I’d start there and head clockwise. That gives me East Anglia and the South Coast to warm up before it really gets serious.

Crucially, Ive got time as I’ve just retired from teaching and I’m determined to have a go at what, I’ve been reminded by friend and another inspiration, Mark Attenburrow, educators call “stretch and challenge” projects!

But before I go further, I thought it would be useful to do a self-assessment to test feasibility and perhaps inform my preparations. here it is…

A Reality Check: The Balanced Scorecard

Experience — 8/10

I’m an all-round outdoor sort of guy: climbing, surfing, sailing, biking — but paddling has always been my main thing.

My paddling background includes:

Slalom - Div 3 as a teenager
Surf kayaking - formative years, North Sea, Devon, Cornwall and Wales
White Water - Forays in the UK and Alps Grade 3-5
Sea kayaking - since age 15 including a few solo trips in the UK
Marathon and sprint racing - DW, Trans-Penine, National Masters Titles in both disciplines.
Open canoeing - Advanced Canoe Leader

I’ve also been a trainer and assessor for various coaching and leadership awards for decades. I did a lot of sea kayaking in my teens and twenties and have returned to it strongly over the last decade.

Motivation — 8/10

I’ve done plenty of short, sharp adventures — the “weekend-warrior” type.

What’s missing is a sustained expedition, lasting weeks or months, relying entirely on my own mental and physical resources. This feels like a rite of passage as I enter my tertiary age, underpinned by a determination to Get Old Strong.

It’s also a chance to help others and shine a light on some great charitable causes (more on that later).

Knowledge — 8/10

I’m pretty clued up.

Qualified Mountain Leader
Decades of land and sea navigation
Yachtmaster (Part 1 theory)
VHF licence holder
First aid trainer for REC

Camp craft is solid too, having taught and practiced it for years as a teacher, scout leader, and DofE supervisor/assessor.

Equipment — 9/10

Shortly after this brainwave in 2020, I bought a Kirton C-Trek 18 and have been accumulating and upgrading kit ever since.

Equipment is very much within my control and central to minimising risk. Good kit — including proper clothing — is essential and an investment, not a luxury.

Time — 9/10

After 43 years in full-time work, I retired in 2025.

One of the reasons for that decision was to take on projects like this. With the support of my wife, Lisa, and our family, I have the time — although it’s amazing how busy retirement can be!

Resources — 8/10

Having retired, I don’t have to worry about losing an income while I’m away.

That said, I’m not yet sure I fully appreciate the total cost of this trip!

Physical Fitness — 6/10

Let’s be realistic.

I’m in my late 50s. I don’t recover like I used to. I don’t mend like I used to. Sometimes my “get-up-and-go” feels like it’s “got up and gone.”

Add chronic back issues and a history of Atrial Fibrillation into the mix, and performance can feel like a lottery.

That said, I’ve been a club-level athlete all my adult life and have held national masters titles in sprint and marathon racing. Until recently, I was Director of Sport and Outdoor Education at Norwich School, so I know a bit about training, strength, and conditioning — and I try to practice what I preach.

Still, even though Dyson Pendle, Head Coach at Norwich Canoe Club, once said to me:

“Anyone can paddle a long way slowly”

…I’m not convinced one winter of training will be enough. We will see!

Mental Resilience — 5/10

Who knows?

I’ve never put myself in a position where I’ve had to be this self-reliant for so long — on my own, making continuous decisions about safety.

A comfortable lifestyle may count against me when it gets relentlessly tough and constantly uncomfortable. I’m genuinely curious to see how this one plays out. So, I need to get “comfortable with being uncomfortable”.

Summary of Self-Assessment

Area	Score
Experience	8/10
Motivation	8/10
Knowledge	8/10
Equipment	9/10
Time	9/10
Resources	8/10
Physical Fitness	6/10
Mental Resilience	5/10

Conclusion

I can draw on experience and knowledge. I’m in control of equipment and clothing. I have time and support.

The question marks are physical and mental. Having time means I can rest and recover, not take (too many) risks and enjoy the odyssey!

There is uncertainty… and that’s the challenge. On balance, I think I should give it a go.

What’s Next?

With a pencilled-in departure of Spring 2026, I have four to five (very wintery) months to prepare.

Preparation will focus on:

Philosophy
Refining my approach, limits, goals, and what I actually want from this journey beyond a circumnavigation.
Planning and Logistics
Information gathering, documentation, and speaking with others who have completed similar trips.
Anchor Protocols
Developing communication systems. Adam Williams will be my primary “anchor,” supported by others, providing remote support and timely information.
Fundraising
Building partnerships with chosen charities.
Clothing, Kit, and Equipment
Refining and testing the boat setup and all marine and land systems.
Safety
Practicing self-rescue and communication techniques.
Partnerships
Working with suppliers, sponsors, voluntary agencies, and support charities (e.g. Coastwatch).
Navigation Training
Both digital and traditional methods.
Reliability and Resilience
Building stamina and strength through real-world testing and mini-expeditions.
Nutrition Strategy
Developing and trialling a sustainable approach before departure.
Publicity
Mastering (!!!) social media, blogging, video editing, and hashtags — whatever they are.

Follow the Journey

Instagram: @goosejuice_adventures
Facebook: GooseJuice Training and Adventure
YouTube: GooseJuice Adventures
LinkedIn: Ian Hayward