Participants: Steve Wheaton, Paddy Muir, Seb Layburn, Stephen Hearns.
Sat 10th F4 from west south west
Met at Arduaine at 1400. Due to strong winds discussed options of; a. just go, b. waiting for wind to decrease as forecast later or C. drive round to Balvicar. Decided on option a. but route modified to get as much shelter from Shuna as possible before striking north. After a couple of short stops and heading north from Shuna plus a dropping wind we enjoyed a lovely paddle up the sound to Tigh an Truish. The pub was hosting its annual music festival which we signed up for and enjoyed burgers and music. Continued through the Clachan Sound to our camp at Puilladobhrain. Hoping to catch some more of the music festival we walked over the hill back to Tigh an Truish. By the time of our arrival the live band had finished and the evening given over to the DJ. Had a couple of very enjoyable pints and returned to camp in the dark.
Sunday 11th F1-2 from south west
The day emerged bright, sunny & cheerful, unlike I suspected, how a few of the party goers from last night would be feeling a few fields away at Tigh an Truish!
Seb made an heroic swim through the channel with Eilean Buidhe, and back into the bay to our west.
10:00 set off west then south-west down the east coast in perfect conditions. Met some other paddlers up from Ayrshire all of us grateful for this gap in the recent windy weather. Stopped at Easdale for a coffee and some refresher guidance for one of the group on paddling into and out of tidal streams. On down into the Cuan Sound and Kayakers Cove for some play in the stream and eddies.
Carried on down though the gap between Torsa and Luing before heading back to Arduain.
In just 24 hours; paddling in open water, narrow sounds and tidal streams, plus a music festival, and wild camp – marvellous.
Participants: Steve Wheaton, Gordon Smith, Stewart McCartney, Paddy Muir
This trip is a continuation from four earlier trips: Helensburgh / Oban May 2019, Oban / Arisaig Sept 2021, Ullapool / Arisaig Sept 2022 and Ullapool / Balnakeil 2023.
Put back from original planned date in early May due other commitments within the team.
Team of four. Three experienced and one new to multiday trips.
Period before dominated with several weeks of northerly winds.
Loose arrangement with Durness Bus Co to pick us up on 18th / 19th from as far as Wick.
Wed 10th Helensburgh to Durness
We decided that using one vehicle and a local bus company with a trailer to pick us up would give the greatest flexibility and ease some of the burden of driving. It is a long way to the roof of Scotland but lots of chat, a couple of stops and we were soon putting up tents at Durness Campsite. Lots of rolling waves and white tops coming into the bay!
Thu 11th Balnakeil to Eilean Hoan, 15km.
N F3-4, surf 3’
Our vehicle and trailer were safely left at the community hall and we set off from Balnakeil Bay into a smallish swell that increased substantially as we approached and rounded Faraid Head. Once clear of the headland and heading SW the swell eased and the paddling became drier. Not fancying surfing into Sango Bay we continued east to Eilean Hoan and the shelter of its southern shores. The island has an RSPB shelter which visitors are invited to use, this made an ideal setting for our evening cooking and dining.
Fri 12th Eilean Hoan to Farr Bay, 35km
WNW F3, surf 3’
Crossed the mouth of Loch Eriboll and short stop SW of Whiten Head for slack water and the start of the E. going stream. Spectacular caves and arches along this coast. Useable landing spots though are rare along this section of coast until East Strathan where we stopped for a break at a sheltered small inlet W. of the beaches. Lunch on Eilean nan Ron. Though tempted by Neave Islands sheltered beaches we pressed onto Farr Bay. The bay is described as a ‘user friendly surfing beach’ – which it was going in on the SW corner. Camp and dinner made in the dunes above the beach we then headed for the very nice Betty Hill Hotel for a stretch of the legs and a couple of drinks.
Sat 13th Farr Bay Neave Island
ENE F3, surf 3’-4’
The surf had been predicted to settle and even fall, but in the event had stepped up. Luckily, our position by the burn looked the calmest area of the beach. My timing on breaking out was not the best but at least the others could then rush out in slightly better conditions, even so, Stewart had his paddles and maps dislodged, Paddy was rolled but quickly rolled back up and Gordon got a black eye from a wave hitting his glasses. Beyond the breakers we regrouped caught our breath and after a quick look in the direction of Farr Point headed back W. to Neave Island and its sheltered S beaches. Afternoon spent exploring the island and considering options for the rest of the week against a forecast looking unsettled and winds stubbornly staying in the N.
Sun 14th Neave Is. to Skullomie to Neave Is. 17km
ENE F3, surf 3’-4’
Decision made to not go E. for Farr Point and instead explore Skerray Bay and the coast W.and S. to Scullomie Harbour. Back at Neave Island for a second night and the hope that the late forecast of the wind backing to the NW might improve conditions for tomorrow. (The forecast for the E and W coasts was not favourable as alternative venues and even though our conditions were not ideal, they were, by virtue of us being between two separate weather systems better than other areas, so decided to press on E).
Mon 15th Neave Is. To Port a’ Chinn (Armadale) 19km
NW F3, surf 2’-3’
Needing to renew water supplies we tried Torrisdale Bay and the Pier at Bettyhill but surf too large at the river bar. Continued round to Glaisgeo where we used a rocky inlet to wait for slack water at Farr Point. Several interesting caves and features explored on way to the point. Some swell at the point but more sheltered on E. side. Kirtomy Bay for lunch. We were approached by a retired professional photographer recording the old harbour and presumably thinking we were appropriate weather-beaten additions, he had us posing for several compositions with the promise we would get a copies. Afternoon continued round to Port a’ Chinn a surprisingly sheltered old fishing harbour just W. of Armadale Bay. An aerial cable from the station buildings to the harbour still exists. A steep climb up a track via the old fishing station gave us a tap and chance to renew water.
Tue 16th Port a’ Chinn (Armadale) to Fresgoe Harbour 28km
WNW F3, surf 2’-3’
Crossed Armadale Bay exploring caves and arches at Geodh’ Ruadh and Boursa Is. Stop for lunch in sheltered inlet W. of Totegan and waited for slack and start of E going stream off Strathy Pt. Potentially one of the most exposed headlands on our trip we were grateful for the decreased swell from what we experienced earlier on and rounded the point with no drama. A pleasant stop at Port Skerra W. of Melvich Bay and some restocking of treats from a little shop, even a whole change of diet for one of the team that had been living from dehydrated rations since starting and was craving real food. Crossed Melvich Bay to Sandside Harbour at Fresgoe and yet another sheltered surf free refuge with enough room on the grassy keyside for 4 tents. The harbour even has a toilet 800m away, but best of all avoids the sinister reputation of the beach that has warnings of radioactive particles being found.
The view E. from the harbour looks straight onto the nuclear facility of Dounreay which is currently being decommissioned.
Wed 17th Fresgoe Harbour to Murkle Bay 34km
SW F2 and veering NW F3 in afternoon, surf 1’-2’
With the weather and swell settling nicely we continued E. past Dounreay with its lights and noises from decommissioning work, past what until now we had not seen much of – a low coastline with a backdrop of cultivated grassland. A lunch stop at Crosskirk and a walk up to St. Mary’s Chapel. After Crosskirk the coastline returns to cliffs, caves and arches. We rounded Brims Ness in lovely conditions and continued along as spectacular a section of coast as any seen so far. Of greatest note is Clett Rock just prior to Holborn Head, the cliffs either side of the channel between the rock and the mainland creates an optical illusion of the water falling downhill from W to E. – Thurso’s own electric brae.
A stop in Thurso was made for ice creams and provisions, followed by a final 6km push round to Murkle Bay and a peaceful campsite in the dunes.
Thu 18th Murkle Bay to Brough Pier 13km, Far North Bus Co. to Durness
SSE F3-F2, surf 1’-2’
Our last paddling day with an appropriate finishing highlight of rounding the mainland’s most northerly point – Dunnet Head. The rounding was celebrated by paddy doing a roll and Stewart touching the headland.
Another old naturally sheltered harbour at Brough provided the ideal finishing point and access for our minibus and trailer.
Eight days paddling to get here and 2 &1/2 hrs to return. Nice seeing the coast from a different perspective but nothing like the experience we had on the water.
Friday 19th Durness to Helensburgh & Dumbarton
Couple of stops on the way back and time to reflect on a great journey. The next part (2025) starts with the Merry Men of Mey and Duncansby Head after which it’s the east coast.
Summary
Total distance 162km (140km going east and 22km waiting for conditions to improve)
Surf & swell, too much at times but islands and old fishing harbours came to the rescue.
Thurso’s Electric Brae was a surprize to all.
What a remarkable paddle the north coast of Scotland is.
Neap tides and relatively low winds made trip round Gigha look attractive. Fairly late start on Saturday from the beach just South of the ferry terminal at Tayinloan. Plenty of parking (although this is apparently not always the case) and easy access for launching.
Saturdays paddle took us across the sound of Gigha to Eilean Liath and then South with the last of the ebb tide inside Gigalum Island and to the West of Cara Island for a late lunch stop. Here we were meant to ask permission to land from the island’s ghosts. However, they appeared to have smiled on us anyway as when Gordon got back into his boat he realised that he had paddled from Tayinloan with his car keys on his deck!
We went round the Mull of Cara and into the more exposed West side of Cara and headed North to Cuddyport beach where we set up camp for night in a delightful spot after just over 15km of paddling. Gordon’s son was first mate on Provident, a Brixham Trawler celebrating its 100th anniversary and en route from Dublin to Oban. As luck would have it, they were anchored in Ardminish Bay so we walked over and were treated to a tour of what is a wonderful boat.
We hadn’t seen much marine life during the day, but in the Garden of the Gigha Hotel we did see a very bold hedgehog. The hotel is currently closed but hopefully will be refurbished in the not too distant future. In the meantime there is a horsebox bar in the garden.
On Sunday we paddled North with the last of the flood tide up the stunning West side of Gigha – the tide timings allowed for a very leisurely start. We stopped of in a small bay with an old mill – now converted into a house and with a couple of other We arrived with the end of the tide at Bagh na Dorlinne for lunch and then paddled round the North End and South with the ebb tide. A final crossing back from South of Arminish Bay back to Tayinloan completed just over 20km for the day and a very enjoyable trip.
Leader: Myles Paddlers: Chris, Jess, Geoff and Mark
Weather: Bright and Sunny but Breezy: NW Gusty F4
Report: The wind is always going to play the major role in a sea kayak trip. The forecast for the day was F3/4 from XCWeather and F4/5 from the Met Office. It was decided that the original route Helensburgh-Kilcreggan/Cove was too exposed for an A grade trip and that we would try Loch Lomond at Luss. It proved to be an excellent decision for this group in these challenging conditions.
After a hard paddle up the west shore to Inverbeg we ventured up the Douglas Water to the bridge. It is quite surprising the similarity between the entrances of the Fruin, Luss and Douglas. Each of these offers an incredibly tranquil canal between banks of sand and shingle deposited when the river is in spate.
It was a remarkably easy paddle across the Loch to Rowardennan for lunch by the car park. The toilets were good (and free) but there was no sign of the fabled coffee van.
After lunch we headed south enjoying the lovely east shore. We took another coffee break in the sun, sheltered from the breeze in a beach by the Ross Isles. Life was really good.
The final crossing back to Luss saw us back at our cars just after 3. It was a superb if challenging paddle in the sunshine in fantastic scenery. Difficult to imagine a better day.
Cars parked at Resipole Farm Holiday Park and set off just after midday into a F3 southerly breeze. Paddled over to the south shore and headed west. Met by inquisitive seal and a brief otter appearance. Sheltered paddle along to Glencripesdale where we crossed over to Dun Ghallain for a late lunch. Stunning views West.
We then headed over to Carna and through Caol Charna and onwards into Loch Teacuis – well worth the effort. Fair amount of tide running in the narrows which provided opportunity for a bit of practice breaking in and out of eddies.
Camped at 624582. Quick (and very refreshing) swim by some of the party before dinner.
Northern lights had been amazing the night before apparently but nothing to see when we checked at 12:30am.
Sunday
Civilised start – on the water for 9am. Tide was high enough to paddle round south of Carna and into Loch na Droma Buidhe and also to investigate the inner loch in Oronsay.
We continued clockwise around Oronsay – quite a dramatic shore. Then headed West, passing Ross Rock to the North, the northern tip of Carna and on to Dun Ghallain. From there we retraced our steps back to Resipole.
Participants: Steve W, Gordon, Norrie, Stephen, Damien, Seb , Chris, Jessica, Mike
The first sea trip of the year was popularly supported. A gap in a windy and wet period was greatly appreciated. 10:00 met at RNYC to organise club boats before setting out in light easterly F2. Short stop at Meiklecross Bay before crossing over to the RWSABC. Lunch on the beach and chat with a couple of paddlers just heading out. Much interest shown in a Seb’s sleek and fast Taran. Crossing back to Rosneath peninsular was a bit more bouncy as wind picked up from east to the top of F3. A really quick and efficient deep-water rescue carried out S. of peninsular A couple of us tried some rolling back at the RNYC, one a perfect 1st timer and me on 4th attempt!
I led my first canoe expedition for Helensburgh canoe club this weekend. 114km of fantastic river Tweed from Peebles to Berwick upon Tweed.
Water levels were up presenting an intimidating volume of flow over the Peebles weir but, once on the water, the group began to tune in to their new environment and started to relax. Stuart (very experienced), Gordon (a few rivers under his belt now) and Steve (novice canoeist) made up this formidable team and we speedily ventured around the first bend and into the wilderness for our 4 day open boat adventure.
There were sections where the road meandered alongside the river but the noise of the traffic was barely noticeable. The pristine mowed grass of either golf courses or fishing spots were as frequent as the roads but, on the whole, we were in the wilderness with woods or agricultural land all around and barely any contact with people.
Due to the shuttle runs we got paddling around 1400 and covered around 25km by dinner. Averaged approximately 8km/hr! Our first campsite was a small mid channel island. We parked our boats in a swampy bay and set about the wild garlic, establishing our home from home. Stuart brought a spare tarp which was set up as a communal area for cooking and story telling. Just in time to shelter from the brief rain that fell.
Overnight the temperature dropped below zero but stayed dry and windless.
Day 2 and the first set of rapids around grade 2 were 29 km in. These were easily negotiated. Then the main grade 2 of Fairnilee begun. The rapids start just down stream of a 3 arched bridge. As I approached the bridge the flow looked decent river left and through the middle arch and I made the signal to ‘All Follow’. As I passed through the middle arch it quickly became apparent that the left arch would have been the better choice as a small island, initially hidden from view, popped up out of no where. A quick signal to go left helped 2 out of the three, however, Gordon had the same surprise as me and realised he would have to put some additional correction strokes in. Tbh, it was only after we had passed the entire section that we realised it was Fairnilee such was the wash out due to the river levels.
55kms in and the first big (and very noisy) weir of Mertoun Mill appeared after a right hand bend. This was lined down as the normal route on river left had very high volume with large haystack likely to swamp a canoe very quickly.
At 59km in we took the decision to stop 3km short of the intended camp spot. The Island looked ideal and the weather was turning. So the tents and bivi were set up and the big blue tarp erected. And then the rain started. The rain didn’t stop until 4am and my bivi tarp finally had enough. At 0100 I woke to the heavens coming through the tarp and into my sleeping bag. Nothing like a spot of midnight damage control to get the blood pumping. With the spare tarp in place I managed to get to sleep again.
After a rather late set off we were quickly treated to Rutherford Weir and, again, lined. This woke us all up. It was also where we were supposed to have set up camp and we were chuffed with our decision the night before. 2km later and the crux of the river turned up to great us. Makerstoun rapids is a low grade 3 with a line down the right hand side. It was also a rather tricky lining activity and careful attention needed to be paid to the bottom section getting the canoes past a curling boat flipping wave. Not a problem for our veteran adventurers though. The group offered to set up safety cover just to watch me attack the rapids in the hope that they would see me go in. No such luck as I enjoyed a few hundred meters of checking and setting, reverse ferry gliding and running some nice waves and holes. (quite a bit of water made its way over the sides though. The Weh-No-Nah is a wet boat with a low freeboard)
We were at Kelso weir by midday (lined) and a chance for some lunch and leg stretching was welcome.
The next long section took us to the 75km mark and another large weir. River left had a 4 tiered fish ladder. Too good to avoid and so we didn’t. Last down was Steve. We all watched as he decided to attempt a broadside approach to running the top drop. The tail back would have meant a rescue so the relief was plain to see when he straightened up at the last moment and enjoyed an oblivious descent out of imminent peril.
The last Weir to be tackled on the trip was the huge, massive, and highly dangerous (or so I thought) Coldstream weir. During the shuttle run on day 1, I saw the weir from a high vantage point and when the river was quite full. It looked pretty impressive, and so this was to be a portage once there. But on the day, river right had a fairly decent flow but with no danger. And the weir wasn’t particularly bad either. Oh well. Didn’t I look the fool.
At this point in the day we still had a few hours paddling in us making St Thomas’ island, the last ideal island on the river, our hotel spot for the night. As we wove our way through the cacophony of crow calls and the farmers modern method of scaring the geese from their land, I couldn’t help but think how similar the noises would likely be to that of artillery gunfire zeroing their shots before a battle during the napoleonic war. The loud bangs continued throughout the days all down the Tweed valley but, thankfully, stopped during the night.
The end of day 3 was celebrated with a tot of red label and we got our heads down shortly after sun set.
The last day we had a deadline to be at Berwick upon Tweed by midday in order to deal with the necessary transport to get Gordon back for 1900. We left promptly at 0900 and 1 1/2 hours later we speedily emerged around the corner to be gifted with the sun shining on the plethora of rail bridge arches spanning the border of England and Scotland.
It was a fantastic way to end a very enjoyable expedition. Thank you to Gordon, Steve and Stuart for your company.
I aim to lead more canoe expeditions and overnight trips for HCC and to get the club boats ready for white water. If this article has wetted your appetite for some open boating look out on the club calendar. Unfortunately I am unable to plan too far in the future at the moment but will try to put any trips on the calendar with as much notice as possible.
After our warm-ups on the Teith and Tom’s successful White Water Leader Canoe leader assessment on the Tay, it was time for the Awe. Stuart and Tom were in open boats, the rest of us in kayaks.
There was supposedly a damn release but the water levels did not seem very much higher than normal. There was however, plenty of water.
The kayakers successfully navigated the Grave Yard, although Steve and Gordon both took swims afterwards once we had navigated the difficult bits. The open boaters (sensibly) lined round. From there we progressed down through the various rapids until we reached magnetic rock (Gordon taking the opportunity for another couple of refreshing dips at the easier bits).
We all got past Magnetic Rock without incident and stopped for lunch while we watched some others play in the waves.
From here we descended the rest of the river without incident, taking out at the car park at Loch Etive.
Participants: Steve Wheaton, Gordon Smith, Stuart McCartney, Geoff Riddington, Mark Newal
This was the last planned sea trip of the year, the date swapped with our usual bothy trip, which was held in November. Frosty but calm F2 from EEN, cloudy with intermittent sun. Launched from the slipway beside the new swimming pool. Water flat and smooth, under 1.5 hrs to Newark Castle via Ardmore. Lunch by the castle and walk around the building. 5km run along shoreline between Port Glasgow and Greenock. We were not sure if the Great Dock was navigable through the Western end (it is) so took the route outside the sea wall. The sea became increasingly choppy with the wind against tide which was surprising given the relatively benign conditions. On making the Clyde crossing towards Rosneath Point the conditions eased and we were followed into Helensburgh by a very friendly and inquisitive seal, often coming up and nosing the back of our boats. Just back intime for the last of the daylight and 20km covered.
This was the second introduction to white water trip that Mags had run down the River Teith. Postponed from October, temperatures had fallen somewhat in the meantime and we set off from the Meadows car park in flurries of snow.
Some exercises trying to write our names with our tracks soon had us warmed up and we set off on what turned out to be a rather scrapey paddle – the river level was at 0.6 and although paddle-able, the less experienced of us frequently found ourselves sat on top of rocks.
However, confidence built as we practiced ferry gliding, breaking in and breaking out. Lunch part way down saw evidence of possible beaver activity.
There remained time for a couple of the party to take refreshing swims further down the river before the get out (by the lay by). One successful roll, one unsuccessful!
