Loch Long April 23rd 2018

Paddlers. Geoff, Steve W. and John R.

Weather: Lovely and unseasonably warm until clouds covered sun and southerly wind got up

Route: Glen Mallon-Carrick-Mark_Glen Mallon

Report: Another hastily arranged trip to make use of a gap in the weather. Surprised to find both car parks at Finnart full to overflowing so rather than try to push through the hordes of scuba divers we headed further north to the slip at Glen Mallon (just south of the jetty). This was empty and proved an excellent choice. The disadvantages of having to unload and walk across the road (and beach at low tide) was more than balanced by the benefit of not clambering down a broken wall with a kayak amidst the throng.

The paddle north was lovely and relaxing with really just the tide to contend with.

At the light at the entry to Loch Goil we met a pair of kayakers from the Royal West Club heading north to Arrochar.  As it turned out this was not a particularly good choice because as we entered the Loch the wind started to get up from the South East. We headed for Carrick Castle for a lunch break and it became decidedly breezy, running at about F3/4 deflected straight down the loch by the shape of the mountains.

Heading for Carrick Castle

Because of the breeze the paddle back up to the entrance was a bit of a challenge, albeit an enjoyable one. At the mouth the wind moved to a more southerly direction, the sun reappeared and we were swept along by the tide and wind northward. An inspection/coffee break at Mark Cottage (which was very busy with at least three groups) turned into a long and enjoyable debate on the merits of Brexit lying on the beach in the sunshine. A thoroughly enjoyable interlude before a final lovely paddle back to Glen Mallon.

Looking North to The Cobbler and Ben Vane

A relatively short but excellent paddle.