Paddlers: Geoff, Gordon, Chris, Adele, Stuart and Damien
Weather: Mist/Low Cloud/Fog but dead calm
Route:
Report: We met at 10.30 for the “first of the year” paddle on Loch Lomond. The forecast promised sun later in the day but it actually got darker and mistier giving a wonderful calm feel to the Loch. Instead of the usual trip around the islands we opted for the “far shore” and, in particular the “fort” marked on the OS map at Strathcashel Point, which none of use had ever visited. The paddle was wonderful.
The original fort dates from the Iron Age (pre-Roman) but was built over by the Dukes of Montrose. Little remains except the stumps of walls.
From the fort we headed north looking for a good place to have our “picnic”, ideally with a picnic table. This was found at Sallochy Bay which also houses a pair of first class composting toilets. An excellent break with hot mince pies and mulled wine.
After a prolonged chat on the virtues or otherwise of Trump and Brexit, we set off again heading west to Ross Point then past the two small islands back to the east shore. South again past the camp site and we were back. To our genuine surprise it was only 2pm.
In summary it is difficult to imagine a better actvity in a better place. We are extremely lucky.