Loch Long South 3/3/16

Paddlers: David, Damien, Geoff, Charlotte, John R

Weather: Dry, bright in morning. Got greyer and colder with a noticeable breeze from SW
in afternoon.

Route: 

loch long

Report: Charlotte had gained permission to launch at the slip at the Cove Sailing Club but thiswas slippier than ice and so we had a difficult clamber to get to/from beach. The traditonal launch point at the public car park is actually easier. From Cove (at around 1030) we paddled across to Blairmore Pier. The NW breeze made for some difficulties in the paddling for the least experienced.

Blairmore Pier
Blairmore Pier

We then headed north against wind and tide. It is not the most interesting or impressive scenery; the only item worth noting is that the Ardentinny Hotel is currently being rebuilt and presumably will re-open in the near future. However good conversation helped pass the time

John Radford
John Radford from south looking north to snow capped hills
Charlotte on her SOT Elite going 50% faster than the rest (as usual)
Charlotte on her SOT Epic which seems to go 50% faster than the rest

We stopped at the beach at Ardentinny where there were picnic tables and toilets above the best sand beach in the area. It did not take long for the cold to become obvious.

Ardentinny Beach
Ardentinny Beach

From Ardentinny we headed across the Loch to Coulport then south against a strongish tide and stiffish cold breeze, which had swung round 120 degrees. The breeze generated a small chop. Not hard but toughish for the inexperienced. Probably the most interesting feature of the trip were the large, unique Victorian houses/mansions found on both sides of Loch Long. Arrived back around 3.30.

Geoff at Ardpeaton (photo by Sheila from shore)
Geoff at Ardpeaton (photo by Sheila from shore)

collect

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In some ways a disappointing trip, with the promise of sun not fulfilled. Crossing Loch Long is a good evening trip but other destinations (e.g Holy Loch or Dunoon) offer more for a day trip.