http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/ Welcome to Been there. Your tips on the places you know - that you love, live in or have just visited - are what make this guide. http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/33923 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/33923 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/25869 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/25869 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/24636
I feel that not enough people who visit Seattle (or the state of Washington, for that matter) end up exploring the majesty that is the San Juan Islands. I didn't end up doing it until I was much, much older. It is absolutely gorgeous, feels worlds away from Seattle and is relatively easy to get to thanks to the state ferry system. You won't have to take some crazy expensive tour to get there.

You probably won't have time to go to Alaska, and might only be in town for a week, so go for the next best thing. Sea kayaking is really popular in the area and a number of outfits will rent you one. If you get lucky or time your visit right, you might even get to see a pod of orcas - one of the main attractions. In my mind, a must-see of Washington.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/24636 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/24546
Suitable for the whole family and a really tranquil / at-one-with-nature experience.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/24546 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/24250 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/24250 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/23917
Dolphins may be seen as you cross the Minch. Try the peaceful and quietly swanky Observation Lounge if the deck's too blustery.

If you manage to catch an early ferry, why not book a sea-kayaking lesson from Uist Outdoor Centre in the afternoon - you can explore the tiny islands in the harbour at Lochmaddy spotting otters, birds and seals then surf back to the centre on the next ferry's wake.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/23917 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/23069 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/23069 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/23052 Kayak for days or weeks, camp on deserted beaches, fish salmon and cook it over an open fire. Then return to Tofino and stay at a nice hotel, eat great food and enjoy some surfing, walking, whale and bear watching ...]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/23052 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/23047 Follow the meandering river heading away from the Bridge, although Stour means 'the strong powerful one' the course is suitable for novices, the river is full of Mullet, Bass and Flounder head for Tuckton Bridge and on towards Christchurch, you will hear the bells of the priory and enjoy the ambiance of Christchurch Quay from your priviledged position and opposite the unspoilt village of Wick where the ferry takes foot passengers across to the quay.
At Christchurch the Stour meets the Avon, the main river flows past historic Hengistbury Head (also a site of special scientific interest) dating back to 10,000BC one of only 25 from the Old Stone Age period.
Head towards the colourful beach huts at Mudeford Sandpit and take a leisurely break for lunch at The Beach House Cafe - the view is great and the food is fabulous.
At Mudeford the river enters the sea through a narrow channel known as 'The Run' which is best avoided unless you are extremely brave and experienced! If you enjoy sea kayaking the sandy beaches of Avon and Southbourne are close by and offer a contrast to the serenity of the river for those wanting to enjoy the surf.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/23047 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/23040 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/23040 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/23038 The hotel is clean and has a lovely terrace and restaurant, which serves fresh fish chosen from a plate and lovely pizza.
Pick a nice day and ask to hire a kayak (1000 leke = £6) take this north for about half an hour and enjoy the mile long white sand (and bunkers!) of Drymades beach. There is a little beach bar further down if you fancy a drink.
The sea is bright blue and view of the rocks and snow capped mountains is awesome.
In the evening walk up the hill and get a 2 litre plastic bottle of wine from the shop for 300 leke a bargain. Pleasant and no hangover!
The best part of my Balkan tour.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/23038 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/23031
It's a fantastic kayaking destination for people who are more adventurous. Tere are a large number of fantastic white water rivers nearby at a range of grades from 2/3 upwards. The Roy, the Upper Spean and the Arkaig are almost on the doorstep. For those in need of an introduction there are a number of guiding companies who operate locally and if the weather is not right for kayaking there are a host of other activities in the area to entertain you.

The hostel is family run and the owners are always welcoming. They have fantastic drying facilities – very important for a kayaking holiday - and a good knowledge of the area. It also sports a sauna, which is a great way to unwind of an evening.

Starting at £12 a night, if you are looking for a cheap base for a fantastic white water kayaking holiday then this a great place to start, either for a small or larger group of people.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/23031 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/23029 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/23029 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/23028 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/23028 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/23027
We visited in July 2006 and stayed at Osta Stugby – the ‘camp’ consists of 40 modern cabins nestled among trees close to the waterside. The cabins were large and comfortable - three bedrooms and a combined kitchen and living room, and well equipped with a shower, bathroom, refrigerator and a stove with an oven. Each cabin had a little terrace area and there is space for parking a car. The beach by the camp was brilliant – very shallow water for the most part so very safe for our children then aged two and six. There are loads of places to discover by canoe and plenty of places to put a canoe into the water.

We took our own canoe but you can hire canoes from the camp, as well as small motor boats and bikes. The shop on the site was very small, but had most basics and there were plenty of villages around with larger shops for stocking up with food etc.

I understand that there are several cabins in the National Park for rent as well now. For more information contact naturum, 0291-47 10 40.

We would have visited again, but DFDS unfortunately closed the direct route from Newcastle to Sweden, followed by the Norway route.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/23027 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/23025 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/23025 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/23000 Canoes and kayaks can be hired from Roquebrun, with a choice of excursions ranging from a gentle ninety minute meander, to a three day 'adrenelin' descent. We chose a five hour trip, which involved a few minor gorges, just enough to make us feel a tinge of recklessness. Our route had many lovely sandy bays, perfect for stopping and having a picnic, swimming or snoozing. The arrival back at the canoe base gave us a stunning view of Roquebrun. It's an impossibly pretty village, which sprawls up the cliffs above the Orb.
We stayed in Les Mimosas, a splendid 19th century maison de maitre, in Roquebrun and fell in love with it from the moment we saw it.


www.canoe-france.com
lesmimosas@southfrance.com]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/23000 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/22954 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/22954 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/22952
From Dinant, make your way to Anseremme, where a little mountain train takes you to the town of Houyet. Here the five-hour, 21km kayak trip sets off. It’s also possible to alight earlier at Gendron and take a shorter, 2.5-hour and 12km, trip back.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/22952 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/22942 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/22942