1st – 3rd August : Arbroath
It was decided to alter the original plan of paddling from Arbroath to Montrose to a slightly shorter trip from Arbroath to Prail Castle then doubling back to Arbroath. It was thought that by doing so, it would give best advantage of catching the caves at different tide levels.
Having met at the campsite in Montrose on the Friday evening to discuss the change of plan, the six paddlers met at the put-in just behind Arbroath harbour on the Saturday morning. The forecast was looking promising for the morning with a gentle breeze coming from the South and a slight swell with the wind due to increase slightly later in the afternoon. The day was dry and the sun was shining.
After a brief chat (and photoshoot) with a chap from the Tay Kayaking Club who was heading for Lunan Bay, the group paddled out of the harbour mouth into the gentle swell of the North Sea. After just 20 minutes or so, the cliffs were reached and the fun began. The Devonian red sandstone has an abundance of features, arches, channels, caves, blowholes, nooks and crannies. A truly remarkable spectacle that stretch a long way. Various caves and channels were explored on the way to Auchmithie where the group enjoyed 1st lunch in glorious sunshine. Once fuelled, the merry six set off for Prail Castle, accompanied by guillemots, gannets and razorbills to name a few. an otter was also spotted by one lucky member of the group. The most unusual rock composition of Prail Castle which has two through caves was soon reached where the group about turned. On the way back a pair of inquisitive dolphins made a brief appearance which thrilled the group no end. Carlingheugh Bay was the desired stop for 2nd lunch, however getting ashore proved somewhat tricky as the wind had picked up and had created some surf. During second lunch, whitecaps started to appear so it was decided to pack up and make a push for home.
Wind against tide, swell and a certain degree of clapotis thrown in for good measure made the final 5km back to Arbroath interesting to say the least which required maximum concentration and a good helping of grunt. As the group entered the harbour, a round of applause was afforded by some folks who had been observing the approach from the harbour wall. What a lovely and much appreciated act of kindness to finish off a fantastic day.”
Distance paddled: 22km
Paddlers : Bill & Elvire, Jill, Kate, Sheila and Iain
24th August : Ardtoe
Our group of six met at Ardtoe where we negotiated parking and launching amongst overnight campers, kayakers and swimmers. Once sorted we set out from the beach and paddled towards Camas an Lighe for a closer look at the forestry pontoon there.
Paddling onwards up the coast we seemed to lose Lee and after some back tracking he was found finalising adjustments to his footrest. All sorted, we continued to Port a’ Gharbh Uillt for our first lunch where we had a shower of rain but it soon cleared up.
We continued NW up the coast past Eilean na h-Acairseid to Rubha Aird Druimnich where we had a wonderful view of the dramatic north coast of Ardnamurchan and views out to Eigg and Muck. It was a remote location most of us had not visited before.
We rounded a small island and returned down the coast. This time it was against the wind and we were paddling straight into it. After a long hour we reached Camas an Lighe again for our second lunch.
We saw a seal again – was it the same one that had been following us?
Then back to Ardtoe where two of us practiced rolling and two went for a wee swim.
Distance paddled 17km.
Cake : Date and Walnut.
Paddlers : Sheila, Arthur, Gill, Lee, Elvire and Bill
