Saturday 26th March - Loch Leven

The weather was perfect for our first club trip of 2022 - sunny, warm and light winds. We left Ballachulish and paddled up Loch Leven with the tide. We stopped at Caolas nan Con for first lunch then continued to Kinlochleven. Jerry picked up a passenger for this section - a bee which he saved from the sea. We had a close examination of the old concrete pier, built in the early part of the 20th century to service the aluminium works, then paddled as far as we could up the River Leven. On our return journey we had a light wind against us which we hadn’t noticed earlier. A second lunch stop on Eilean nam Ban then back to Ballachulish with a short stop on Eilean Munde, the ancestral burial ground of the MacDonalds, Camerons and Stewarts. A great start to the season and an opportunity to test, compare and swap our new gear.

Saturday 2 April - Kerrera circumnavigation

A group of ten paddlers enjoyed calm conditions and pretty much wall to wall sunshine on our circumnavigation of Kerrera. The hardest bit was navigating the parking charges at Ganavan! 
Setting off from the beach at Ganavan, we got a wee push from the wind and a bigger push from the spring tide as we headed to Kerrera where we were met by Roger. There were no ferries to dodge, so we crossed to Kerrera and paddled down the west side stopping half way down for coffee. We continued on, refreshed. and once at the south end of Kerrera, stopped at Port Dubh for lunch, finding a lovely sheltered spot out of the chilly northerly wind for lunch. Good geology too!
After lunch we continued to the Sound of Kerrera and up towards Oban, again with assistance from the tide. We stopped for a leg stretch at the north end of the island opposite Oban, then headed on to our starting point. 24k and no parking tickets. I hope this sets the standard for weather for the rest of the season.

Sunday 10th April - Rescue Day

Although the rescue day was early in the year, it turned out to be good weather which meant that we weren't  able to practice in difficult conditions.  More people than expected decided to get wet because of this, which was good. We started from outside the Glenuig Inn and the morning was dedicated to dry activities that mostly involved different methods of towing. We worked our way around the bay to Samalaman. We lunched on Samalaman Island then continued with a bit of practice doing short tows to extract victims stuck in rocky shoreline, then onto self rescues and rescuing others. Some people were new to this and took to it like old pros. We even tried paddle presentation rescues of a capsized kayaker. Everyone retired to the Inn for some warming drinks and scones and a quick discussion of the day. It was decided that we really ought to have another rescue day soon. It's great to see members enthused, having enjoyed the day. We hope to organise another rescue day very soon. 

Paddlers: Joan, Rosie, Lee, Zoe, Rob, Elvire, Bill, Lucy, Kirsty, Peter, John, Gill, Arthur and Mike

Tuesday 17th. May - Loch Linnhe to Ballachulish

Six paddlers met at Loch Linnhe Picnic Site for a tide-assisted paddle to Ballachulish. The picnic site is an excellent put-in spot and we paddled up the loch to Seal Island, then back down to the Corran Narrows with minimal effort and round Rubha Cuil-Cheanna, stopping just past Ardrhu House at a lunch spot which featured views, swooping House Martins and beautiful wild flowers including cowslip, red campion and bluebells. Other wildlife on the journey was a large flock of eider ducks, swans, geese and heron. We had a leisurely paddle along the shores of Onich and North Ballachulish then through the Ballachulish Narrows with the incoming tide. Once in Loch Leven, we paddled round the Burial Islands and then landed at Ballachulish. Luckily, the shuttle was complete and we were all packed up before the torrential rain began.  A very pleasant 19k.

Paddlers: Tony and Elizabeth Laidler, Sheila Kingswood, Joan Smith, Moira Broadhead and Ruth Sime

Summer Cruise 2022 - Tuesday 24th May - Inverie

Two weeks before the start of the Summer Cruise the weather pattern  looked extremely promising but the closer we got to our departure date, the more the wind seemed to ramp up making it clear that we weren't going to get perfect weather, or possibly not even be able to achieve our goal at all!
Two  days before, it appeared that the first day would be light winds followed by three very windy days, the rest being less so with the last day being light winds. We opted for a one day paddle, a couple of non paddling days then taking the ferry out to the Small Isles once the wind had reduced to salvage what we could of the rest of the trip.
Day 1.
Inverie and back
The group chose to visit Inverie and The Old Forge in particular to offer congratulations for the community buy out. Some of the members had donated money to the crowd funding appeal and this was their first visit to the pub since it had reopened under community ownership.
Five  of us met up in Mallaig and headed off out of the harbour in good conditions with sun but cloudy skies. We had the wind behind us and made fast progress, stopping for a break at roughly the half way mark on a beach behind the small island. This routine being a well trodden path for some of us having made the same journey many times over the years. We crossed the Loch and skirted around the bay on the north side, passing 'Plastic Mary' and the cross that sits proud of the water near her, landing at the beach by the pier in front of the cafe.
 It was great to get a warm welcome at the Old Forge, where we bought drinks and sat at a picnic bench outside for lunch. Once refreshed we retraced our steps back to Mallaig and looked forward to the next part of the adventure.
Distance travelled  22km

Day 5. Paddle around Canna

With breakfast eaten as the Larks sang and  the forecast checked we weren't certain if it would be possible to circumnavigate Canna. The wind was from the north, blowing straight on to the most exposed and remote stretch of  coast, which would provide no landing or other safety opportunities, particularly with the swell that was forecast. We decided to set off anticlockwise, take a look at the north coast and decide from there. Rounding Compass Hill we thought that the sea looked challenging but within the capabilities of the group, and the forecast suggested the wind would ease as the day went on so we decided to carry on. I'm glad we did, even though it wasn't possible to hug the coast closely to explore caves and rockhop: we met Puffins, Guillemots and Razorbills on the water, Bonxies and Gannets, then, as we neared the west end of the island two adult Golden Eagles and a juvenile flying together,  although it could have been two Sea Eagles and a Golden Eagle. It was lovely to see them but exact identification was tricky as they were a bit too high up. The west end of Canna was bouncy but still within the capability of the group and as soon as we rounded the corner to head east, the south side was calm. We pulled in at a very small pebble beach and had lunch in the sun. Heading along the south coast aiming for camp, we had a very annoying east wind, stronger than we would have liked, which made the journey far harder and slower than expected. Once back at camp, Rosie went for a swim!
Distance paddled 22kms

Day 6. more Canna
The changing forecast predicted strong force 5 to 6 winds later in the day so we decided to stay another night on Canna. Four of the group opted to paddle around Sanday before the wind came in and the remaining three decided to visit the house and other island attractions. The paddling group met the winds early as they headed round the east end of Sanday, and they had quite a battle for a kilometre or so. The rest, oblivious to the hard effort being put in by the paddlers, enjoyed the gardens, castle, Celtic cross, punishment stone, and the woods filled with bluebells and wild garlic, with Eiders cooing in the bay and Corncrakes calling in the yellow Flag Irises, before meeting up with the others at the shop for a cup of tea and to hear all about the paddle later on. That evening Rosie fell and damaged her wrist; not ideal but hoped it would be ok in the morning. 

Day 7. Paddle to Eigg

Up early, packed and on the water for  8.30am, we went via the pier to drop Rosie off, as her wrist hadn't improved and she'd decided to take the ferry home. Rather a shame but the right decision as we were headed to the west side of Rum with no easy way to back out if her wrist wasn't up to it. We crossed to Rum with no difficulty; the wind was behind us all the way although the sea was still lumpy, and these conditions continued as we headed south down the west side of Rum. The swell was too problematic to land on a storm beach for a break so we continued on to Harris, where we surf landed and had lunch on the beach, and those that wanted to visited the Mausoleum and had a quick wander about. Our destination was set to be Dibidil or on to Eigg; we had only gone about half the distance to Eigg, so we set off wondering whether or not we would stop at Dibidil. Reaching the south of Rum the decision was made to cross to Eigg to make it easier for our journey back to the mainland the following day. Hoping for some whale or dolphin sightings we crossed the Sound of Rum but were disappointed - rafts of Guillemots and Razorbills, but no cetaceans.  Another surf landing and the tents were up in double quick time for a cup of tea before moving on to an excellent cold German beer provided by Iain. The temperature had gone from 13 to 20 degC and that was at 6.30pm - ideal for sitting out and relaxing.

Distance paddled 36kms

Day 8. Paddle to Arisaig

Our final day and beautiful weather and conditions. We broke camp and headed anticlockwise around Eigg, where we encountered another Eagle, a Hen Harrier and Kittiwakes, plus Guillemots, Black Guillemots and Razorbills who were undaunted by our presence and hardly even bothered to move out of the way! The swell was much less, tempting some to do some rock hopping at last, although the larger sets of waves were unusually big and this did catch out one member. With no real harm done apart from them being somewhat wetter, we carried on to the pier and lunch, followed by coffee and cake at the newly refurbished cafe. The final stage was to cross to Arisaig; a quiet but easy crossing with just a few Shearwaters and again no cetaceans, back to waiting family who kindly shuttled us back to our cars parked in Mallaig.

THE END

Distance paddled 30km
Paddlers: Joan, Rob, Rosie, Iain M, Kirsty, Karin and Mike

Tuesday 21st - Thursday 23rd. June - Isles of Luing and Seil

Launching from Ellenabeich on Seil, we paddled the 6km  to  Belnahua for lunch.  Belnahua is one the ‘slate islands’ (the others being Luing, Seil and Easdale) from where slate has been quarried since time immemorial. Abandoned housing on Belnahua testified to the community who lived and worked here until the First World War.  The islands of Eilean Dubh Mor and Beag were a short paddle away and we headed across the tide and between the two of them before continuing towards the Bealach a’Choin Ghlais (Grey Dog). This is a smaller version of the famous Gulf of Corryvreckan  and is  a fearsome place in the full flow of a spring tide. We had timed it for the end of the ebb and it didn’t threaten to bite us. Turning south  for a short distance we landed and were treated to a close view of a pair of White-tailed Eagles. Finally we crossed the Sound of Luing to camp on the west side of the island.
The following day started cool and dreich and it didn’t improve much for the rest  of the day. Crossing the Sound again, we called in at the Rubha  Fiola outdoor centre. Sadly this was not in use and we traversed the Sound again and threaded our way between the islands to land at Cullipool. A short walk to the  Atlantic Centre revealed it to be closed,  so no cafe for us. Onwards  we went and through Cuan Sound, another well known place for fast tides. As these were semi-neap, we had an uneventful passage with the tidal flow and just boils and swirls to contend with. Paddling northwards now, we passed under the Bridge over the Atlantic that links Seil with the mainland, through the narrow Clachan Sound to the north end of Seil to camp on Eilean Buidhe.  
Our final day began overcast but a bit warmer as we headed over to look at Insh Island. It was owned by a man who lived a hermit’s existence in a cave there for periods of time at the end of the last century and a few signs of his occupation were visible. From there we returned to our launch point at Ellenbeich and enjoyed coffee and scones at the Oyster bar.

The paddlers were Joan, Ruth, Bill, Mike, Elizabeth and Tony and we did 49km in total

Friday 1st. July - Kinlochmoidart to Samalaman

The planned three day paddle to Loch Hourn and walk up Glen Arnisdale was cancelled due to the prospect of increasing winds on the Sunday which would have made the return journey to Mallaig a real slog!  However the forecast for Friday 1st June was OK so it was decided to do a one way paddle from Kinlochmoidart to Samalaman.  Having run the shuttle four paddlers set off from the stone jetty just west of Kinlochmoidart in the rain but on flat calm water. We headed for Shona Beag and followed the shore round into Port Thairbeirt Dheas.  From there we continued to follow the shore, paddling west past the pier and Shona House owned by Vanessa Branson.  The rain eventually subsided and we were able to get a good view of the cottage at Bailetonach once lived in by Mike Tomkies, the author.  His book “Between Earth and Paradise” describes his years living on Eilean Shona and getting close up and personal with the wildlife.  We soon reached our lunch spot; the lovely Shoe Bay where we hunted for otter tracks and shared the space with walkers and a group who had arrived in two ribs.  Venturing out of the South Channel and turning north after lunch we encountered rougher conditions, but the wind was behind us and we made good progress past the entrance to the North Channel and the white sands of Smirisary beach.  After rounding Rubha Gheada Leighe we surfed towards Samalaman Island round which we paddled before landing at the beach. By this time the sun was shining! The planned three day paddle to Loch Hourn and walk up Glen Arnisdale was cancelled due to the prospect of increasing winds on the Sunday which would have made the return journey to Mallaig a real slog!  However the forecast for Friday 1st June was OK so it was decided to do a one way paddle from Kinlochmoidart to Samalaman.  Having run the shuttle four paddlers set off from the stone jetty just west of Kinlochmoidart in the rain but on flat calm water. We headed for Shona Beag and followed the shore round into Port Thairbeirt Dheas.  From there we continued to follow the shore, paddling west past the pier and Shona House owned by Vanessa Branson.  The rain eventually subsided and we were able to get a good view of the cottage at Bailetonach once lived in by Mike Tomkies the author.  His book “Between Earth and Paradise” describes his years living on Eilean Shona and getting close up and personal with the wildlife.  We soon reached our lunch spot; the lovely Shoe Bay where we hunted for otter tracks and shared the space with walkers and a group who had arrived in two ribs.  Venturing out of the South Channel and turning north after lunch we encountered rougher conditions, but the wind was behind us and we made good progress past the entrance to the North Channel and the white sands of Smirisary beach.  After rounding Rubha Gheada Leighe we surfed towards Samalaman Island round which we paddled before landing at the beach. By this time the sun was shining!

p.s. some of us saw an otter in the water!

Can you spot Castle Tioram? So well camouflaged.

Paddlers: Joan, Bill, Elvire, Sheila. Distance paddled: 16kms

8th - 9th July - Armadale to Kyleakin

A windy weather forecast meant that the planned trip to Raasay and Rona was cancelled. As an alternative a shorter, more sheltered paddle was proposed from Armadale to Kyleakin over two days. In Armadale the weather was not encouraging with low cloud and drizzle for our start but once we were on the water with the wind behind us things looked better. We paddled past Sabhal Mòr Ostaig and across Knock Bay for a stop at Camas Barabhaig. Then on towards the lighthouse on Eilean Sionnach and neighbouring house owned by Gavin Maxwell in the 1960’s. We didn’t get all the way round the island as the water level was too low. Then things took a turn for the worse as we crossed Loch na Dal, the wind hit us from the side and created big waves which we found quite challenging. We reached Ardnameacan and decided to camp rather than continuing as planned to Kylerhea. It turned out to be a very good camping spot.

11th August - Singing Sands

At last the weather was playing ball and we had a good forecast for the paddle from Castle Tioram to the Singing Sands beach at Camas an Lighe.  Three paddlers gathered at the car park opposite the castle and had a leisurely coffee in Peter’s camper van…luxury!  As the tide was out it was a long carry to get the boats down to the water’s edge, but this was accomplished in good time and we set off past the castle to paddle along the south shore of Loch Moidart.  Passing through the many islands near the mouth of the loch we surprised dozens of seals who were sunning themselves on the rocks.  There was much snorting and splashing as they took to the water and displayed their displeasure at our presence!

12th/13th August - Loch Shiel

Six paddlers met at the Dalilea pier on the morning of the 12th August for a paddle up loch Shiel to Glenaladale.  For a change, the sun was out, it was warm and there was no wind! A bit of time was taken up shuttling cars to the picnic site at the top of the hill as the parking is very limited at Dalilea.  On the water by 11am, we hugged the north shore passing through the narrows at Finnan’s Isle and behind Eilean Camas Drollaman before stopping for a snack at Rubha na h Airde.  Another six kilometres took us to Gaskan where we stopped to have a look at the cottage set amongst the impressive trees of Gaskan Wood.  After a leisurely half hour soaking up the views and the sun, we set off for our final destination of Glenaladale where we hoped to set up camp and walk up the glen.  The best laid plans…..!  On arriving at the mouth of the river Aladale we found that cattle had trampled the grassy areas behind the shore making them useless for camping.  Added to that an abundance of midgies and clegs made it even more uninviting!  The group spread out looking for an alternative campsite further east.  A terraced gravel beach proved to be the perfect spot and we soon had all the tents pitched and were ready for out first swim of the trip.  By this time it was very warm and a dip in the loch was just the thing to cool us all down before dinner!

2nd. September – SW Skye from Mallaig

The forecast for strong winds at the weekend scunnered dreams of coral beaches and wild camping on deserted islands, so the thought of a potter around the Little Minch, recently alive with sightings of dolphin, porpoise, minke whale and orca, and even a lone, presumably sick tuna that beached to die at Traigh, seemed attractive. Sadly, it was all in the anticipation and the only cetacean spotting was a morsel of fin that was later spotted with accompanying body near Eigg by someone else!

Notwithstanding, four of us had a good day out, leaving Mallaig at 10.00 and crossing to Tormore on Skye, where we stopped for 1st lunch an hour and three quarters later. Hunger sated we proceeded south along the coast to the Point of Sleat, where we were rewarded with beautiful light and views of Muck, Eigg, Rum, the Black Cuillin and back towards the mainland panorama from Mull to Mallaig as we turned back and into the little bay before the headland for 2nd. lunch. The scrunched rock below the lighthouse is amazing. The lighhouse itself was an immense disappointment when I first saw it, having imagined the usual sturdy and imposing Stevenson affair. This is a modern, solar-powered square box, unmanned and completely automatic . It was even built elsewhere and helicoptered into position in 2003. The 1934 light that it replaced was not grand, but was somewhat better looking!

It was a 50 shades of grey kind of a day, with the odd shower and the odd midge.

Prepared for the possibility of scuttling up the coast and taking the ferry back if the wind got up as the forecast predicted, it turned out to be calmer going back than going out and we had a peaceful journey across, accompanied by an encouragingly numerous and varied selection of seabirds, including pretty juvenile kittiwakes. Back at Mallaig we waited while the MV Coruisk made her way into port, then finished off the day with a beverage in the comfort of the West Highland. The wind got up not long after – great timing.