Report: The original objective had been Little Cumbrae but the battle south towards Millport into the wind soon put paid to that idea. It was thought, initially, that it might be too windy to experiement with sails but in fact it was near perfect conditions for the run north on the far side of the island as these two photos from Pete show.
Some claim kayak sailing is cheating! From my still very limited experience, any physical effort lessened is matched by the mental effort increased; a sea kayak running downwind is not the most stable of craft even without a flapping sail.
After rounding the north end, the battle back up to the marina was as difficult as expected but suprisingly satisfying. This was a really good day.
Paddlers: Geoff, Alan, Lee, David H., Stewart, Adele
Weather: Overcast, light showers, not as windy as forecast!
Route: Duck Bay-Cameron House-River Fruin-Arden-Duck Bay
Report: The objectives of the trip were twofold; to test out the new boats acquired by the club and to have a picnic (and photo) for a competition run by the Argyll Community Trust. We first headed south and watched the Great Scottish Swim. Not the most riveting of spectacles.
Three of the six new boats
We then headed back north and paddled up the Fruin for about a mile. This is a lovely, unknown paddle. The shallowing rapids gave a bit of skill training before heading south again to the Arden campsite.
The Fruin
At Arden we made our way up to the campsite for a picnic and photo. This is a wonderful place to stop and/or camp.
The Perfect Picnic Site
After the stop we headed south again into the freshening breeze. The boats proved to be suprisingly good in both the river and windy loch contexts (see https://www.facebook.com/helensburghcanoeclub/timeline for more information on the kayaks). In no time we were back and on our way home after a leisurely and enjoyable morning’s paddle.
Weather: Clear, Sunny or light, high, cloud. Wind F1/2 increasing to F3/4 at end of afternoon
Route:
Report: With high winds forecast further south on Jura, the proposed trip was altered to a trip around Kerrera. This proved ideal as 3 of the 5 paddlers had not been before and it was a lovely trip on a wonderful day. The wide sand beach at Ganavan is 2 miles north of Oban and is a perfect launch spot with excellent parking, toilets and a wide slip. Parking is a modest £2 for 24 hours.
The Beach at Ganavan
The sceney is magnificent with Lismore and Morvern to the North, Mull to the west and Kerrera to the south. The odd photogenic ferry also helps
Our paddle south was quite fast and we overshot our intended coffee beach at Slatrach, although the next sand beach at Barr-nam-boch was extremely pleasant. After lunch we paddled on round the point heading for Gylen Castle.
Heading South. The Garvellachs are directly ahead
Once again we spurned the poor beach to the west of the promontory in favour of the worse beach to the east.
Gylen CastleThe East BeachLooking South from Castle GylenFashion Show in the Castle FireplaceThe castle looking south at the topA difficult launch
500m up from the castle is a lovely tea room; thoroughly recommended.
Tea Time in the warm sun
The journey north was assisted by a rising tide .
Heading north
At Oban, whilst Hugh, Tim and Robert decided to mix it with the ferries David and Geoff decided coffee was more inviting and pushed on to Gallanach arriving about 6pm. The tidal flow and the increasing breeze made the final couple of miles quite interesting (bouncy) and rounded off an excellent days sea kayaking.
Route: Inellan, Toward, Askog, Mt Stewart, Kilchattan Bay and vv.
Report: The “normal” route for paddling around Bute is either Largs, Great Cumbrae, Bute or Colintraive for the west coast. With traffic, however, it is quicker, and certainly pleasanter to go via Dunoon than via Largs. We parked at what appeared to be an ideal spot just south of Inellan with easy access to the water and toilets. As will become clear, in reality it is NOT a good spot. We got away around 10.30 and headed south into the breeze, with a first point of call being the hamlet of Askog.
From Inellan to TowardLooking towards Bute and Rothesay
The coast on this section of Bute has a selection of large, impressive villas culminating in Mount Stewart (which cannot be seen from the water). Askog is a lovely place with beach and views to match.
AskogLooking North from Askog
After a break we continued south towards our target, Kilchattan Bay. Of particular note was a yacht, which because of the mast height, we initially mistook for a radio mast.
Lionheart
This gigantic yacht is described thus: When delivered she’ll be the largest J-Class superyacht in existence, with 17m overhangs on an LOA of 43.4m. ABS classed and MCA compliant, she will be able to accommodate eight guests in four cabins.Lionheart is currently for sale as a joint central agency with Will Bishop at Yachting Partners International and Hoek Brokerage, asking €14.9 million.
Although moving quite quickly we had no time at Kilchattan Bay before turning for home.
Kilchattan Bay
After our second break on the lovely sandy beach beneath Mt Stewart, we headed on north towards Toward Castle. We were entertained en route by seals and 2 dolphins whilst dodging the ferries that criss-cross between Wemyss Bay and Rothesay, one each way per hour.
Looking north twoards Toward CastleInterested Seal
Upon arrival back at approx 5pm we found that our “ideal”car park was anything but, being at the end of a triangle of rocks reaching out around 500m. This made any landing a matter of a very long carry over terrible rocks and boulders. In the end we abandoned this and went about 500 m north to the top of the triangle, where there was a lay-by and a short carry. From there it was a quick walk back to fetch the car. This landing/packing up process took the best part of an hour.
In summary this was a pleasant, if relatively unexciting, day paddle. We covered some 35km (20 miles) in around 5 hours; the normal relaxed 3.5-4knots. Worth recording??
Report: This was due to be the best day in a lousy summer. Even then slightly disappointing with a cool breeze from the north. Stopped off at Ardentinny to investigate tower and had a hefty walk due to tide and new fencing. Highlights were 1) Being passed by a huge RORO vessel the Hartland Point 2) Hugh using his wizard GPS/Map combination to get an apology from the MOD Plod over cuttting the corner on the way back.
Hartland Point off Coulport
Ardrossan South Beach Surf;
Paddlers: Hugh, Geoff, Stewart C
Report:Because of the wind forecast (F5 gusting 7 or 8) a decision was made to use the time to do same training in surf. Ardrossan South Beach was the chosen location and was near perfect. Waves were around 1m, plenty large enough.
What we learnt or relearnt
1. Surfing is exhilerating but stressful and hard work
2. Sea kayaks are very unstable and are turned broadside very easily
3. Coming in backwards, with forward paddles into the larger waves, is much comfier/safer than surfing in
4. Rescues in surf are close to impossible and dangerous to the swimmer (and rescuer)
Paddlers (Aldlochlay): Geoff, Euan, Mike(H), Stewart, Stuart, Adele, Robin; Ross M, Matt E, Sam S, Jenny, Eva, Rosie, Bella, Jess, William
(Duck Bay): Hugh, Tim, Francis, Jeanette
Weather: Fine , light breeze on Saturday, heavy rain at night, mixed and breezy on Sunday
Routes:
NOTE: If you want a larger version of any photo just click on it. Then to save it right click amnd select top option.
Report: 20 members ventured out on a weekend with a forecast of wind and rain. Hugh’s sea kayak group enjoyed a paddle over to Port Ban on Inchcailloch where Hugh demonstrated that quality catering is quite possible. They then travelled on to Inchconnachan where they met up with the Young Beginners camping group.
Leaving AldlochlayHeading for InchtavannachLeaving Duck BayRounding Inchtavannach
WallabyCampsite
After the main group departed, the sea kayakers went Wallaby hunting and were rewarded with a sighting. Meanwhile camp was being established and dinner cooked.
After dinner the sea kayakers departed for the long trip back to Duck Bay whilst the main group embarked on a paddle aroundInchmoan including a visit to the castle atInchgalbraith. During the trip Stewart joined us for the evening. We eventually got back to the camp about 9.30 and had more to eat and drink around the camp fire.
Returning to Camp
During the nighjt there was torrential rain whcih stopped just as we got up at 8am. Tim and Robin arrived around 9 because of the terrible forecast of wind and rain. However, although we had both, neither made the return trip unpleasant.
Le Grand DepartHeading Home
We were back at 11.30 and the sun shone as we loaded the cars and trailer. Another very successful canoe camp. Thanks to everyone involved.
The weather again played havoc with the plans. Instead of Loch Long we rescheduled to Lomond Shores on the 18th where the youngsters enjoyed a lot of games with Euan, Robin and Tim. Geoff, Stewart and Adele pushed over to Inchmurrin in the face of a stromg breeze. A good if cold time was had by all.
With one week remaining we had both Loch Long and Canoe training to cover. Given the expected use of canoes for the camp, the latter option at Luss was chosen. Once again Robin, Euan and Tim did the coaching along with Mike (H). Meanwhile Geoff, Adele, Stewart and Allan (?) did a tour round the outside of the islands with a short stop at Inchcruin. Just to the south of the jetty two Ospreys took off and circled above us. All reconvend at just after 9pm when the midges had a field day.
Report: Equipping 17 and getting cars to the end point took some time but we eventually got away just after 19.30 expecting a 2 hour trip.
On the slipway at Balloch
However the Loch was high and the river was full and running at over 3mph. The level affectively washed out the normal small rapids and replaced these with a worry about catching capsized paddlers and boats. In fact only Stewart had an early bath, the youngsters coping extremely well. So well that we reached Dumbarton just after 21:00. The river was quite beautiful as can be seen from the following photos.
It was an excellent trip; well worth the hassle of the initial hour.
