Sunday 11th. April - Lochailort

The club’s first paddle of the season got off to a chilly but sunny start from the jetty near the head of the loch. The pleasure of catching up at long last with fellow paddlers was of course tempered by the need for social distancing and the usual greeting hugs were sadly foregone.
With tides on springs we got some assistance in the narrows between E. nam Bairneach and E. na Gulainn as we headed along to the beach by the old schoolhouse at Peanmeanach. Despite the sun the wind was biting and our early lunch was not as warming an experience as it might have been. Back on the water, we made a beeline for Goat Island where the lee side made for a balmy respite from the breeze.
We started the return leg by paddling into the bay in front of Roshven House and then along the Coopers Knowe shoreline before making another stop beside E. na Gulainn. By this time the incoming tide was coming onto the beach at a rapid lick and our ‘rest’ break was twice interrupted by the necessity to move boats further up the shoreline.
With the wind at our backs and the incoming tide we made easy progress back to our launch point and the completion of a successful first trip of 2021.
We didn’t see any otters but amongst the birdlife were a pair of Red-throated Divers, a Great Northern Diver and several Red-breasted Mergansers. Two pairs of Canada Geese were a first for me on this loch and show how this species is spreading in Lochaber.

Paddlers: Joan Smith, Ruth Sime, Rob Hamilton, Mike Kingswood, Bill Scott, Elvire Feeney, Elizabeth and Tony Laidler. Distance paddled: 18km

Optimistic plans for a 5 day tour of South Skye became de-railed as the forecast for the weekend deteriorated. Switching to a plan to finally make it to the Crowlins on Monday / Tuesday was also scuppered as the red blob moved to Sunday/Monday. Plan C then focussed on a Friday paddle with an overnight near Ord.

Five paddlers aimed to meet at 9.30. Traffic issues caused delays for some but gave us time to suss out the camping options. The wind was bitingly cold and the panorama of the Cuillins was streaked with snow and hail showers. On the water we headed north-east in search of coral beaches, which we soon discovered on a small island. Our next destination was the pretty waterfall and pool near Boreraig, where we disembarked and admired the fossils and gigantic slabs of different types of rock, as well as the spring flowers nestled against the cliff. A short way further along we pulled up for lunch and a visit to the beautiful site of the old village of Boreraig, brutally cleared in the 1800s. How heart-breaking it must have been to leave that place, which has numerous substantial buildings covering a large area, with long stone walls and enclosures. Joan enjoyed testing out the stone slab bridge allegedly put in place by the fabled villager nick-named "Knock-knees". Little wonder his knees were knocking. The stream is such a pretty place, with little pools maybe used for washing and for bathing children. The old “clearance cairns” on the hillsides where the stones had been heaped where the ground had been cultivated, were beautifully infilled with mosses and sedum. The weather had warmed up and after lunch and a lengthy explore, we somewhat reluctantly left and carried on westwards along the coast towards Suishnish, eventually turning south and taking a direct line south towards Eilean Ruairaidh with its vitrified fort then back to our camp spot, which we still had to ourselves. The evening was glorious, with the sun setting over the Cuillin range. A short-ish paddle, but rich with history and interest. Wildlife included a guillemot, a pair of eiders, terns, numerous divers, wheatears and the usual suspects.

A very chilly night preceded a cold, blustery but dry morning. The cows ambled past at 6.30, with one calf showing a lot of interest in Joab's tent. After breakfast and boat-loading we set off to explore the ruins of Dunscaith castle, abandoned in the 17th. century. In a commanding position, the castle was bigger than it first appears and offered some great photo opportunities and scrambling about.

Over the weekend we speculated on whether or not in bygone days inhabitants of the area would have deemed the views special.

Paddlers: Ruth, Jill, Graham, Joan, Sheila

Eilean Shona -  19th May

Distance paddled approx. 22.5km Paddlers: Mike, Kirsty, Peter, Chris, Joan, Rosie and Jill

Loch Sunart Wednesday 9th June

The paddle on Loch Ailort scheduled for the 9th of June was relocated to Loch Sunart.  Three paddlers met at the Forestry Commission picnic site just west of Salen on a misty moisty breezy morning.  The low clouds hung over the surrounding hills obliterating the views as they set off into a stiff breeze heading southwest along the tree lined shore.   As they threaded their way through the islands off Port nan Gall on sheltered water, they tried to catch a glimpse of the vitrified fort “Dun Challain”.  However all that was visible was a pile of stones.  After a quick stop for a cup of tea, they paddled on past Laga Bay before crossing to the west side of the island of Carna.  By this time the wind had died completely and the water was flat calm.  This, and the odd yacht looming out of the mist, made for a very atmospheric leg of the journey!  They stopped for a look at the portage between the mainland and Oronsay before paddling through the narrow tidal channel between Carna and Eilean nan Eildean and on to their lunch stop just north of Poll Achadh Luachrach in Loch Teacuis. It was decided not to paddle further into Loch Teacuis as the weather had closed in, so they set off through the narrow Caol Charna back into loch Sunart scoping out possible campsites for future adventures!  Having stopped for a look at the old sluice and the remains of the steamer wharf at Glencripisdale they paddled under the new jetty before heading to Camas Salach.  From there they headed back on a northerly bearing across the loch to the take out at the picnic site.  There was time for a quick cuppa at one of the picnic tables before the midge sent them off on their journeys home.

Distance paddled:  22.6km Paddlers: Ruth, Peter and Joan

Wednesday 16th June evening - get wet with kit

19-27 June - Lewis and Harris

Paddlers: Mike, Kirsty, Jill, Peter S., Chris, Rosie, Karin

Sunday 4th. July - Islands of Loch nan Uamh

On Sunday 4th July, six members set off from the beach under the railway viaduct at the head of Loch nan Uamh to explore the many islands that dot its waters.  The forecast had been for showery rain and perhaps thunder and lightning from the middle of the day, but light winds.  However, the sun was shining as they left the beach and hugged the north shore, paddling past the many pebble beaches and headlands that characterise this coastline.  The intention had been to have first lunch at Camas Ghaoideil and explore Carlotta’s Bothy, but as time was short it was decided to push on to the sandy beach behind Eilean a’ Ghaill (possibly Island of the lowlander/foreigner) which boasts a vitrified fort.  Suitably refreshed the group set off due south towards the most westerly group of islands in the loch - Eilean an t-Snidhe (The Island of Sorrow).  There has been much speculation as to why this group of small islands is so named: most likely it has to to do with the departure of those being cleared from the land and leaving the area for pastures new. The hill with the trigpoint is (Cruach Doire an Dòbhran - hill of the thicket of the otter) locally known as the hill of sorrow – a vantage point where those remaining watched their friends or family depart.   
The wind had got up as they left the lee of the shore and on reaching the islands they were met by more choppy seas.  Although most of the young sea birds had fledged there were the usual noisy oystercatchers and arctic terns who were not at all pleased to see the paddlers!  The group also encountered many seals with their pups, some of whom were sleeping in the water!  The paddlers took care not to disturb them too much as they paddled through the shallow channels between the islands, before heading east towards the next group of islands - An Glas-eilean (this could refer to their colour -grey/pale/green). After threading their way through the rest of the small islands the group stopped for a leg stretch and snack at the beach in front of Arisaig House before heading back past Eilean Gobhlach (forked Island) to the take out under the viaduct.  As they stowed their boats and gear the group were treated to the steam train going over the viaduct and the passengers and paddlers exchanged waves…both groups partaking in an exciting adventure!  Happy days!

Paddlers: Sheila, Joan, Jill, Elizabeth, Peter K and Peter S.
Distance paddled: 25 km

Wednesday 7th July – Arisaig

7 paddlers attended our evening meet starting from the road to Rhu. Conditions were good despite the wind speed being uncertain in the late afternoon. We set off across Loch nan Ceall in search of the channel between Eilean Ighe and Gortenachullish. High tide allowed access through the gap. We then paddled round the outside of the island where the sea was  less sheltered and a bit more concentration was required.
We stopped on Luinga Bheag for a quick bite and returned through the skerries to our starting point. An enjoyable evening and good to meet our new member, Alan. Welcome to the club.

Our route

Saturday 10th July - Ballachulish and Loch Linnhe

Conditions were perfect for our trip from Ballachulish, warm, no wind and an outgoing tide to carry us down Loch Leven and under the Ballachulish bridge. We paddled alongside the old Oban - Ballachulish railway line where we spotted a couple of otters. We then passed the Holly Tree Hotel. The hotel was originally Kentallen railway station but when the railway closed in 1965 the station was sold. The original building is unrecognisable under numerous extensions. Beyond the hotel we stopped on the beach at Kentallen Bay for a leisurely first lunch. We then continued down Loch Linnhe past Ardsheal House and Back Settlement to Rubha Mor where we briefly considered carrying on to Eilean Balnagowan but another 5km paddling was just too much. We turned into the bay for another lunch stop then it was back to Ballachulish with the tide again in our favour.

Distance paddled 30km
Paddlers : Joan, Mike, Ruth, Peter, Iain, Alan and Bill

Loch Hourn - 16th – 18th July

The forecast for the weekend was mixed and five paddlers set off from Kinloch Hourn at high water hoping to reach Croulin. A F3 wind funnelling down the loch was not encouraging and we stopped at Runival for first lunch, then Fraoch Eilean for second. After that we put our heads down and pushed on to Croulin where we camped for the night. The total distance paddled was about 19km.

On Sunday the wind dropped as forecast and we crossed to Eilean Rarsaidh and continued down the coast to Arnisdale and Corran, unfortunately too early for the café to be open.
A following wind and incoming tide brought us back to Kinloch Hourn on time and we were rewarded by Joan with refreshments in the tea room.
Distance paddled 20km.
Paddlers : Joan, Sheila, Ruth, Iain and Bill

Wednesday 28th July – Corran Narrows

The plan for this trip was to check out the Corran Narrows and we paddled south from Corrychurachan against the wind and incoming tide pausing to allow the ferry to arrive and leave. We continued through the narrow where there was quite a bit of movement in the water due to the spring tide. Progress was slow and we finally made the beach north of Rubha Cuil-cheanna for a break. The return trip was easy in comparison with tide and wind in our favour and we returned to the car park which had turned into a camp site since our departure.

We met at Camastorsa picnic just west of Salen on an overcast day but with the promise of better weather later. Making our way along the north side of the loch, we stopped for a break at Dun Ghallain and then took advantage of the full tide to cut through on the landward side of the island immediately north of Risga island before coming ashore for lunch in Glenborrodale Bay. By this time the sun was shining although the breeze was a wee bit stronger and this produced a splashy chop for our paddle along the coast to R. Aird Shligneach where we followed the shore, crossed the bay of Camas nan Gall and landed at a point midway between R. Gead nam Brathan and Sgeir Fhada. The grass above the stony beach was dry and an excellent place to pitch our tents,albeit rather stony for good pegging. Fortunately winds remained light during our stay! Sticks and other marine detritus were collected and a roaring fire below the high water line wasenjoyed in the evening.

The following day was over cast but calm, great flying weather for midges that made their presencefelt. We launched at 09.00 and crossed the loch to the west end of Oronsay, passing through Lochna Droma Buidhe, replete with anchored sailing boats. Just before we exited the loch through thenarrows, we had a look at the tidal inlet on the island that was formerly used as a fish trap.We paddled in a widdershins direction around Carna and landed on the Morvern shore of Caolas Charna for a brew up. The weather was getting a bit dreich as we headed along the coast and crossed the loch to Dun Ghallain but with the breeze behind us we made good progress back to our start point and the end of an enjoyable paddle.

The paddlers were Iain Donnelly, Bill Scott, Joan Smith, Tony and Elizabeth Laidler and we covered 33km.

Saturday 28 August - Paddle/Walk to Eilean Shona
Having shuttled three cars to Samalaman eight paddlers left Kinlochmoidart at high tide on the morning of Saturday 28th August to paddle to Baramore at the entrance to the North Channel that separates the island of Eilean Shona from the mainland.  The glorious weather of the previous few days had given way to low cloud and mist, but on the upside, there was no wind so the 6km paddle was accomplished in no time at all.  On arriving at Baramore paddling gear was exchanged for walking gear and the group set off clockwise round the island, passing Shepherd’s Cottage, the old schoolhouse and the lilly ponds before arriving at the main settlement and the village hall where they had lunch.  Refreshed they set off past Eilean Shona House and up through the impressive pine woods.  The paths were well-defined and way marked, so no danger of getting lost!  On arriving at a crossroads on the pathway, five of the party opted to climb to the summit Beinn Bhaillidh (265m).  The rest continued on the green route which exited the woodlands on to bracken covered hillsides with great views over to Farquhar’s Point and the Ardnamurchan peninsula.  At Bailetonach the path again divided, one fork continuing west to the white shell sand beach of Shoe Bay and the other northwards over “The Saddle” and back to Baramore.  Having climbed up and over the saddle and descended to Baramore the group of three found the rest of the party had arrived there five minutes before them having reached the summit and descended to Baramore “off piste”!  After changing back into paddling gear the group set off north on calm seas with great views of Muck, Eigg, Rum and Skye appearing out of the low cloud.  They passed the settlement of Smirisary and rounded Rubha Ghead a Leighe before paddling round the north of Samalaman Island in search of a cowrie beach and then on into Samalaman bay which by this time was very busy with cars, vans and tents in every available space.  Having loaded boats, six members of the party (the others had family commitments) repaired to the Glenuig Inn for refreshments before heading off home.  A great day in convivial company!