Helensburgh CC

Paddlers: Mel, Geoff

Weather: Bright but overcast, light wind F2

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.

 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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??

A couple of cerebral photos just off Craigendoran on Friday night

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.

 

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.

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.

 

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.

Paddlers: Euan, Geoff, Tim, Allan, Tim L., Mike H., Adele, Stewart, Jess, Rosie, Bella, William, Matt L.,  Matt E., Alie, Eva, Jenny (17)

Weather: Excellent

Route: Balloch (Rowing Club)-Dumbarton (Old Bridge)

 

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.

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.

Paddlers: Allan, Tim & Geoff

Route:

Weather: Glorious. Breeze (f2/3) from SW

Report: A lovely relaxing paddle of around 24km. Lunch at Port Bawn and a pint in the pub on Inchmurrin.

Paddlers: Geoff, Hugh and Robert

Weather: Bright but windy; F3/4 from west veering south west

Route: 

Report: With forecast F4 winds after a week of wind , the open sea was rejected as an option. The islands of Loch Awe offer an alternative, extremely attractive and “historic” day trip.

Getting to the water is a challenge but we found a short steep track off the Inverary road down to an abandoned piece of the road where there was good parking and a relatively short but steep clamber down to the water. The beach was scattered with sharp boulders as is the whole loch.

We paddled the first stretch to Eilean a’Chomhraidh into a strong westerly. The island itself has several sandy beaches and a number of attractive camp sites. At the west end there is a ruined church and a graveyard where the last two Dukes of Argyll are buried. The whole island was covered in bluebells and a roe deer kept us company for a time. A visit is strongly recommended.

We then paddled on to the hotel at Ardanaiseig passing two crannogs en route. Crannogs (artificial islands which formed the base of prehistoric huts) are a feature of the loch with no less than 5 in the vicinity. Because one of our number had inadvertently left his lunch behind we decided not to stop and pushed on towards the island of Innis Chonain which is joined to the mainland by a short bridge. There are 3 or 4 private properties on the island. 

Landing on the shore at Lochawe village is difficult because of the railway. We eventually found a rough beach at the far end of the railway station  which provided access via the platform to the pub (closed) and the small shop. A pleasant lunch was had by all.

The next stage to Kilchurn Castle passed quickly with a strong breeze at our backs. The views up Glen Orchy were wonderful.

Kilchurn Castle is another “must see”. Situated at the end of a broadened causeway (KIlchurn was originally on an island ), it is a complete ruin but some inspired steps and platforms take the visitor right up the towers. Excellent information Boards provide a history of the castle and the devious dealings of the Clan Campbell. The views of and from the castle are superb.

The final few miles was hard work into a strong F3/4 wind. Perhaps it simply added a challenge to make for a thoroughly satisfying day.

Paddlers: Geoff, Hugh and David

Location:

 

 

Weather: The dominating feature of the trip was the wind. The forecast was F3/4 with occasional drop to F2 and some gusts at F5. In reality it was a notch up at F4/5 which made the idea of a paddle of 5 miles into it extremely unattractive. On the Friday the wind was forecast to rise after lunch with persistent rain and so it transpired.

Report: It is a long way to the North West of Scotland. Despite a prompt start at 08:30 from Garelochead we did not arrive at the Handa Island ferry point until 3pm. The residue of an Atlantic storm plus strongish winds and a counter tide suggested that our original plan of a short paddle across the Sound was not sensible. Instead we crossed to Loch Laxford for pleasant afternoon/evening trip heading into a strongish easterly breeze.

After a fairly lengthy search of the upper loch we selected a camp site, got a camp fire going and had a meal. It was a beautiful evening but with a clear sky and with a bitter east wind, temperatures dropped quickly.

 

A freezing night was followed by a wonderful day.

The trip back across Loch Laxford was not comfortable. The strong cold easterly wind (F5) was at our back, the boats were less than stable and hands quickly became very cold. At this stage it was clear that Handa was not possible so we headed south for what we thought would be the sheltered GlenCoul which has Britain’s highest(and most inaccessible) waterfall at its far end. However this loch was covered in white horses and a 4.5 mile slog into the wind was not desired.  With paddling off on what was otherwise a glorious day we decided to return up North to visit what has been called Britain’s most beautiful beach at Sandwood Bay. Click here for further information. The 4.5 mile path to the bay is extremely good and the beach is indeed breathtaking.

 

Back at the car we headed south again looking for either a moderated wind for a paddle up GlenCoul or at least a camp site close by. We got neither and after a drive along one of the most difficult roads in the UK we found  lovely site at the top end of Loch Nedd. This had everything, including shelter from the endless wind, flat ground and firewood.

 

The morning was overcast but less windy. However with the forecast change at lunch we decided on a trip up Loch Nedd and along to Oldany Island. This proved to be an excellent choice with interesting cliff scenery, many wild seabirds, seals and a lovely beach on the island.

Whilst on the island the weather became noticeably worse with a few drops of rain, so we quickly headed back up Loch Nedd to the car for the long, long journey home.

With none of the original targets achieved the question is “was it worth the travel up there?” The answer is undoubtedly yes. The scenery is fantastic and the paddles and walks we did excellent. Overall a wonderful trip