Participants: Steve Wheaton, Gordon Smith, Gotz Butcher, Mags Elliott, Adrian Curtis, Damien Theaker, Seb Lay, Geoff Riddington, Mike Bignall, Andy Bignall, Colin Hosey.
Sunday 8th December F3 / 4 from north
Last club paddle of the year. With storm Darragh still blowing all around, a little swathe of relative tranquillity allowed us to get out on our local loch. Ben Lomond with an early covering of snow and the sun shining, what better venue for a couple of paddlers new to the club.
We had tentatively planned a circumnavigation of all the main islands but a longish lunch on Inchcailloch saw us forego the southern islands and take the more direct run back to Luss via the narrows.
Participants: Steve Wheaton, Gordon Smith, Stewart McCartney
The bothy was booked in January with the hope that the weather would be fair and that members with all abilities could attend. Instead, we had a yellow then amber Met Office Weather Warning and the first named storm of the year – Ashley.
Friday 18th F8 from south-east through day dropping F4 – 3 in evening
From the 10 members initially showing interest in the trip 3 of us travelled up in Gordon’s smart new electric car. After a short stop for food at Fort William and a boost for the car we arrived at Glenuig to see a flattish sea but with spray lifting offshore. As forecast, this subsided and we departed from inside Samalaman Island east along the coast to Roshven before heading north to Peanmeanach. A clearing western sky heralded a calmer day for tomorrow.
Peanmeanach Bothy has been taken back into management by the Ardnish Estate and is only available by prior booking. It is a popular place as testified by the website booking calendar and deservedly so. We enjoyed a pleasant evening warmed by the wood burning stove until the early hours.
Saturday 19th F3 from south-east
Relieved to see the forecast was accurate we decided to explore loch Ailort. Alerted to the prospect of seeing sea eagles by a couple scallop farmers off Eilean nan Trom one immediately came into view overhead quartering the hills. Slack water saw us easily passing through the narrows and on to Eilean Dubh near the head of the loch. After lunch taken on the south shore we headed back west against the tide which was only noticeable in the narrows. We stopped on Eilean nan Gobhar and climbed to the ruins of a fort for views all around.
Drizzle then rain, a portent of the coming gale saw us return to Samalaman Island.
We had planned a second night in the bothy but though the forecast showed a two-hour gap in Sunday’s gales those with day jobs on Monday wisely considered it too risky.
The electric car got us home in great style via a short re charge and fish and chips for us in Fort William.
Participants: Steve Wheaton, Stewart McCartney, Andy Bignall, Elspeth Mckechan
This trip was planned for last year on two weekends but thwarted on both by high winds. This year the winds were just ok but blowing from the NE as they had been for the previous week. Tides were at full springs and being the autumn equinox another 20% over average.
Sat Sept 21st NE F4 and mist
Originally we had planned to start from Coldingham beach. A local surfing competition was in full progress which was a good clue that despite being great for youngsters and derring-do feats our fully laden sea kayaks would be more easily launched from the nearby St. Abbs Harbour.
We used the car park at the harbour for two vehicles and a trailer (£20 per vehicle), finding a gap for the trailer behind a skip avoiding an extra charge.
An easy exit from the harbour, then around St. Abbs Head into quite a lumpy sea with a cross swell that had clearly developed over the previous week. Some respite after Pettico Wick but the swell required vigilance.
This section of coast has limited egress points, particularly in an onshore wind. Two stops were managed the first at Heather Carr and then at Hirst Rocks. Checked Pease Bay for camping spots but little scope seen and moved up to Cove Harbour. Just enough room for our tents on the beach. The harbour is privately owned having been purchased to avoid development. It is though very small and where would have ordinarily picked a remote wild camp, given the swell and surf it was most welcome. Cove Harbour Conservation Ltd. have responsibility for it’s upkeep and maintenance and we made a donation in reparation for our unannounced stay.
Sun Sept 22nd NE F3 cloudy
Still plenty of cross swell to contend with. Two of the party decided to shorten their trip just south of Torness at Thorntonloch. Three of us continued to White Sands stopping for lunch and a coffee from a local mobile café. The remainder of the trip has a less dramatic coastline though Old Dunbar from the sea is spectacular. We had planned to enter the harbour though in the event electing to make straight for Belhaven Beach and pick up our pals from Thorntonloch.
So good to have finally made it over to this part of the east with enough interesting coast seen but not fully explored due to conditions to hopefully make another trip over in better weather.
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.
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!
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.
Participants; Steve Wheaton, Gordon Smith, Ian Walker, Stuart McCartney
This trip was planned for December last year, when poor forecasts had us heading for Mark Bothy instead. This year though the South of the UK was seeing storms we were enjoying a much quieter period under the centre of a large low-pressure system. Incredibly the wind kindly moved Northeast over the weekend giving gentle Easterlies on Saturday and Westerly to take us home on Sunday.
Saturday 4th Wind E, F2/3 Distance 12km. Met at Ardruaine Jetty at 1030 and paddling just after 1100. Short stop at the bottom of Luing before nosing into Bagh Gleann a Mhaoil with the very start of the flood. Afternoon spent collecting wood from the beach and setting up in the bothy. Before darkness a short walk was made to a promontory above the caves South-West of the bothy.
Scarba bothy has a truly remarkable setting on a South facing slope looking out across the entrance to the Corryvrechan.
Sunday 5th Wind W, F1/2 Distance 26Km. Early rise in the bothy at 0530 for paddling at 0700. Used the last of the flood to take us through the Corryvrechan along the South shore of Scarba. Conditions very good though with just a few swirly bits to make it interesting. Some reflected waves on the Western shore which might normally have allowed some close in shore paddling but given the length of exposed coast with few options to get out we continued at a safe distance. The Grey Dogs were passed through within the 1st hour of the Neap Ebb flow in ideal conditions. A brief stop was made below Kilmory Lodge on the Eastern shore of Scarba before heading across the Sound of Luing and up the Eastern Shore of Luing for a lunch stop at the top of Shuna. Back at Arduaine and all packed and way for mid-afternoon. A super visit and stay at a remote bothy.
HCC Trip Report Club Trip BBQ Finnart / Carrick Castle / Finnart, 13Km, Grade A Sep 30th / Oct 1st 2023
Participants: Steve Wheaton, Stewart McCartney, Geoff Riddleton Wind F2/3 from E & SW
This trip was organised as an option for those attending a BBQ at Carrick Farm Castle kindly run by club members Jai & Vonna for the HCC & villagers from Carrick Castle. As with the earlier September club paddle the preceding week was very windy but fortunately quieter conditions occurred just in time for our journey. The wet weather though did deter some from paddling and electing to drive.
Sat 30th 1630 departed from Finnart lay by amidst the divers on the sunken pier site. Easy paddle to Carrick Castle with a following wind. Set up camp and enjoyed a lovely evening with curry and beer in the barn.
Sun 1st 0945 for paddle back to Finnart with again a favourable wind, this time from the South West – couldn’t have been better.
HCC Trip Report Club Trip Firth of Forth, Grade A September 23rd 2023
Participants: Steve Wheaton, Gordon Smith, Stewart McCartney, Colin Hosey. Bright & sunny morning slightly overcast in the afternoon. Wind F2/3 from S and SW This trip has turned out to be the Club’s only venture over to the East coast this year. Earlier plans for St. Abbs to N. Berwick were cancelled due to strong winds in July. The trip was just squeezed in between two windy periods. The route is set out in Doug Cooper’s excellent book North & East Coasts of Scotland.
Starting beside the Forth Rail Bridge we paddled out via the battle-ship shaped island of Inch Garvie to Inchcolmn stopping for lunch and a walk round the Abbey (£7 visitors charge). On past Oxcars light and a second stop on Inchmickery – another island set up and disguised as a battle-ship. The last island of the day Cramond was passed with the turning of the tide to the West and a home run skirting (or in my case not quite) the Drum Sands and back to Queensferry.
