HCC Trip Report
Newark Castle
May 10th ,2026
Participants: Steve Wheaton, Paddy Muir, Geoff Riddington, Stephen Mckeown, John Young
F3 – 4 from NW
Lovely fast paddle with a following wind to Newark Castle. Lunch in the grounds. Paddle back along southern shore. Wind brisker than anticipated from which some respite was obtained by transiting the Great Harbour. Low tide required short portage at west end below the bridge. Continued by U Crane Bolt and Craner Swift before striking north for Rosneath Point. Gusty F4 from NW made for a choppy crossing that included some towing practice. Still blowy from Rosneath to Helensburgh Pier but paddling further off the wind and so a bit easier. Of-course 2 hours after getting back the wind dropped and the estuary was flat calm!
Though good experience for a couple of paddlers that had not previously been out in windy conditions and a choppy sea, the alternative option of initially heading west to Kilcreggan / Loch Long would have been a better choice for the day.