Arduaine, Puilladobhrain, Sound of Luing, Arduaine
September 27th & 28th 2025
Participants: Steve Wheaton, Gordon Smith, Edward Homson
Saturday 27th, F4 & Strong Gusts from SSE, 14Km
Arduaine to Puilladobhrain
Atrocious windy & wet weather, not surprising only three of us out today. With the wind running with us, very rapid progress was made across the mouth of Loch Melford and Seil Sound. Through the rain we spotted seals, a dolphin and a sea eagle. Arrived at Clachan Bridge near low water (neaps) and decided to give it a try with the fall back that we would return to the pub if unnavigable. We got through with a few inches to spare. Made camp at the head of the bay and not even bothering to change, headed along the path to the pub. Blazing fire, the 2nd half of the Ladies Rugby World Cup final and a couple of drinks. Tempting as it was to make an evening of it we returned to camp where, confined by weather to our tents, made supper and retired.
Sunday 28th, F1-2 from S, 30km
Puilladobhrain to Arduaine via Sound of Luing
Bright,sunny and not a midge anywhere. Breakfasted and paddling just after 0900. Near HW so out through a gap below Eilean Buidhe into the Firth of Lorn where we were straight away surrounded by pods of Dolphins busy feeding. They stayed with us to Easdale where we stopped for coffee. With the options of returning through Cuan Sound or taking the longer route south through the Sound of Luing, the great weather and a couple of hours of favourable tide saw us heading south. The dolphins were still with us and numbers appeared to increase. Of all trips not to have brought cameras! Luckily, we had our phones.
Stopped for lunch at the bottom of Luing and caught the north going tide back up to Arduaine.
A great day made very memorable by the wildlife.
