19-07-2025
Kayaker pops into Pembrokeshire for Welsh cakes on incredible European tour
An intrepid round-Europe kayaker has been welcomed to Pembrokeshire this week with a bag of Welsh cakes - thanks to a local teacher who he met in Spain last year.
Urban Heupgen from Germany and Dylan Davies, who teaches at Haverfordwest High, had a chance encounter last August while Dylan was on a summer tour in his camper van.
Dylan, from New Hedges, near Tenby, was astonished to learn that Urban had paddled thousands of miles on his incredible journey, encountering all kinds of marine hazards on his way.
'I bumped into Urban last August in Spain, and when I asked how far he had come, he surprised me and said 'Germany," explained Dylan
'We got talking and it turned out he was on a multi-leg trip over a few years from Estonia through the canal and river system in Germany into the Med.
"He has been met with range safety vessels, multiple species of whales, container ships, ferries and even a close call with a helicopter.'
Dylan was fascinated by Urban's voyage which the solo kayaker has documented on his social media pages.
Urban can be followed via on Instagram and his blog
The Pembrokeshire reunion was 'a special moment', said Dylan, pictured here as he greeted Urban (centre). (Image: Dylan Davies) 'He was so unassuming," said Dylan. "When I met him, he had around 100 followers and minimal specialised kit - his sea kayak, paddle and lifejacket.
"Though he isn't doing it for any fanfare or recognition he will be the first to circumnavigate Europe when complete."
Dylan kept in touch with Urban through his social media, and last Saturday, July 12, he boarded his own boat to sail out for a rendezvous on Caldey Island.
'It was a very special moment," said Dylan.
"The weather couldn't have been better and as he didn't have any shorts with him, as he didn't expect a hot British summer I gifted my swim shorts and a bag of Welsh cakes.'
Dylan's dog Larry, was all aboard for his master's meet-up. (Image: Dylan Davies)
Urban is now paddling his way across the Irish sea to the east coast of Ireland, from where he will work his way clockwise around Ireland, then to Scotland, hoping to finish this year in the Shetlands.
Added Dylan: "It would be great if people could give him a follow to watch his epic and unassuming journey."
You can follow Urban's voyage on his social media pages, linked above.
