Sunday 11th August – Eilean Shona

Cue for a song “What a difference a day makes”! This was certainly the case on Sunday 11th August when seven paddlers set off from Samalaman west of Glenuig to paddle to Eilean Shona. Despite the week before being plagued by strong winds and some torrential rain the forecast remained good for the chosen date. On the day the sun was shining, and the midge were even forgiven for enjoying the windless conditions! The sea on the coast facing west by Smirisary was still somewhat fractious from the previous gales and there was some swell, but the group made good time as they paddled south and turned in to the north channel of Loch Moidart just after high water to land at Baramore on Eilean Shona. After a quick change from paddling to walking gear, they set off to walk clockwise round the island. The path was very wet and muddy at the start, but after passing Shepherd’s Cottage and the Old School the going was much easier. The track hugged the north channel before turning south towards the main cluster of houses around the pier. Here they stopped to have a look at the ruins of an old water driven sawmill by Doireaneighinn. This mill was powered by water piped from a large reservoir which is now a beautiful lily pond. A further half kilometre took them to the welcoming village hall where lunch was eaten before they set off again past Eilean Shona House where the vehicle track runs out. The going again turned wet and muddy as the group climbed through the forest, which was littered with fallen trees, victims of past storms. As the path climbed out of the forest the group was rewarded with fine views out over the islands which guard the entrance to the south channel, before turning north above Bailetonach to tackle the steep “saddle” which would lead them back to Baramore. From the high point of the Saddle more splendid views opened up right over to Kentra Bay and beyond.

After a quick cup of tea on the beach at Baramore, it was back into paddling gear and back in the boats for a calm paddle back to Samalaman where the beach was awash with families enjoying the brief respite from the miserable weather.

As with most paddles this year not much seabird life to report, but hundreds of Scotch Argus butterflies on Eilean Shona which was cheering.

Big thankyou to everyone who came along and shared such a good day out. Also thankyou to the folk of Eilean Shon who gave their blessing to the invasion of their beautiful island!

Distance paddled: 10km.

Paddlers: Joan, Iain, Jill, Elizabeth, Tony, John and Peter S.

Distance walked: 6km.

SWednesday 28th August – Loch Leven

The scheduled circumnavigation and overnight trip to Lismore was cancelled due to the strong wind forecast. It was decided to have a single day paddle and Loch Leven was chosen as a more sheltered location.

We left Ballachulish and paddled up Loch Leven aided by the incoming tide. Despite the proximity of the road the south side of the loch does feel remote. Our first lunch spot at Caolas nan Con gave a lovely view back down the loch.

Continuing up to Kinlochleven we had a close look at the old Kinlochleven smelter pier. It was constructed from concrete in 1907 by Robert McAlpine’s company and looked in good condition for it’s age. Bauxite and carbon for the smelter were unloaded here and transported to the smelter by an electric tramway.

We had another break at the end of the loch and then paddled back. This became more of a challenge as the wind was against us and the rain became heavier. No stops on the way back and we arrived at the carpark drookit.

Distance paddled: 24km.

Paddlers: Joan, Ruth, Peter, Elvire and Bill