Author: Gordon Smith

Paddlers: Gordon, Andy R, Vonna, Sharon, Lorna

Sat:SWF2, 25km. Sun SW,WF3, 22km

Counter clockwise circumnavigation of Lismore from the layby opposite the middle of Shuna (OS 929 492). Plenty of parking space and OK launching spot but somewhat rocky and awkward. Lunch at Castle Coeffin. Small portage between Bernera and Lismore as arrived at low tide. With rising tide at Rubha Fiart at South end of Lismore there was quite fast tidal flow E-W – one capsize on entering the flow. Camped at OS 786357. Good spot although foreshore covered in slurry, seaweed and dead sheep so somewhat malodorous!

Sunday mostly sheltered from the wind. Mid morning stop on bar between Eilean na Cloiche and the southerly Eilean Dubh. Lunch at Port Moluag with an intention of visiting Tirefour Castle but no ready access. Would have been better to stop at beach on West of Eilean Dubh.

Paddlers: Gordon, Steve W, Vonna, Andy R, Bryan, Dorothy, Innes, Geoff

Winds: Light

Distance: 19.5km

Started at Polanach layby (OS 938505) in fine conditions. Wind had been forecasted to pick up in the afternoon from the NW but either it did not appear or was delayed, or we were sheltered. Paddled round the outside of Shuna and through the skerries to lovely beach on NW end of Lismore for lunch. From there paddled round the islets by Port Ramsey and on to Eilean nan Caorach and from there across to Castle Stalker. Tide was quite confused as we crossed and wasn’t always flowing in the expected direction.

We don’t normally post for these but as 24th May was the first session of 2022, here’s a couple of pics…

Paddlers: Gordon, Steve, Grant, Edward, Rem, Damian, Geoff, Colin
Winds: Light
Distance: 16km

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First club paddle of the new year.   Simple but enjoyable paddle round the islands in light winds and intermittent rain.  As always, good to get out!
Launched from Luss.   Brief stop on NE shore of Inchfad for a leg stretch and then a nosey into the canal/boat yard on the southern shore.   Lunch stop at the NE end of Torrinch.   Then rounded Eilanderroch and Inchgalbraith on route back to Luss.

Weather: Cloudy with occasional sun degenerating to light rain in late afternoon. Wind not perceptible and water flat calm.

Paddlers: Gordon, Steve, Andy, Zak and Hugh

Distance: 20km

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This day paddle was put on to replace the scheduled Soay trip which had insufficient takers (one). Plan was to take in the islands at the N end followed by a bit of the Orchy and then Kilchurn castle while looking at potential camp sites for future use.

First stop barely a kilometer away from launch point was the island of Inishail which has a ruined church and graveyard with both ancient and relatively recent use. Main users appear to be the Campbell Dukes of Argyll and families. Here is a good campsite but like the NE shore of the loch is used by the fishing fraternity. The little island of Fraoch Eilean has substantial ruined castle to look round and is also a possible campsite.  

Up the Orchy for about a k to look around then back to Kilchurn. Despite quite a few visitors it was shut and we could only walk round the outside. Disappointed, it was suggested we visit St Conans Kirk (on OS map) in Lochawe village which had the appearance of something rather more than a simple kirk when seen from the water. And so it proved with the 19^th century design and architecture of particular interest. Access to the kirk can be made through a railway underpass about 300m to the N. So more of a sightseeing trip than a kayak trip but that was intended.

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18/19 Sep 2021 HCC Birthday Party

To celebrate 15 years of HCC, we had a get together at Carrick Farm courtesy of Vonna and Jai. We paddled over from Finnart on Saturday with a BBQ and very pleasant evening round the fire. Steve assembeld his Klepper for the occasion. Those who camped over got the opportunity to try SUPs. Huge thanks again to Vonna and Jai for hosting us, providing wonderful facilities and the SUPs.

Gordon, Colin, Harry, Ruth, Lorna

F2, 21.2km Saturday 15.3km Sunday

An overnight trip from Resipole Campsite (OS 723 639) into Loch Teacius. We left the cars at the campsite by prior arrangement (and small fee) and paddled West along the South Shore of Loch Sunart, crossing over to Dun Ghallain (OS 648 600) for lunch – a recommended spot. We carried on into Loch Teacius to the East of Carna and explored round the Southern end of Carna and into Loch ne Droma Buidhe via drying channel at Doirlinn we only just got through, suggesting that you need at least 3m of tide.

We tried a new camping spot on the beach (OS 623 568), a quiet spot but when the wind died, the midges were pretty intolerable. On previous trips we’d camped at OS 625 582, a grassier spot but overlooked by the cottages on Carna.

On Sunday, we had a leisurely paddle back along the South Shore of Loch Sunart and were treated to a display of at least three otters, including some cubs jumping clear of the water.

Gordon, Colin, Rachel, Jonny, Sharon

F1-2 SW, 17km

A short daytrip from RNCYC to Kilcreggan where we had lunch. Back via Kidston for an ice cream.

Some transit practice while crossing the tide between bouys – photo below gives and idea angle required to keep a straight line over the ground, and how far you drop down if you just point at the bouy.

Paddlers: Andy, Bill, Colin, Gordon & Vonna

Conditions: Clear, still.

Distance:12.4 kM

Repeat of an earlier trip. Beautiful day, impressive castle and a pair of Sea Eagles!

Paddlers: Martin, Andy, Hugh, Vonna, Harry, Steve W., Colin, Mason, Matt, Gordon

Weather: Overcast, light breeze. Winds significantly less than the forecast F3 even to south of Inchmoan

Route: Luss, Inchtavannach, Inchconnachan, Inchmoan, Ichcruin, Inchmoan, Inchconnachan, Luss

Gentle paddle round the islands. No wallabies spotted. Andy won the prize for best, hottest (and only) mince pies!