The ferry was booked, kit looked out, and maps printed off for Neil Black’s trip to Colonsay, but by the middle of the week it was clear the weather forecast meant that paddling on west coast last weekend was going to be type 3 fun. Having booked time off work, and being keen to get away anywhere, plan B was to base ourselves in at the Craighead campsite outside Cruden Bay, and skulk below cliffs on the east coast in the hope of getting some shelter from the forecast strong westerly winds.
On Friday we met just after 12:30 at Stonehaven, launched in the harbour then paddled under the cliffs past Dunnottar Castle sticking our noses into caves and gullies. The sea state was flat given the offshore winds, but coming out of a through passage at Trelung Ness the wind started to snatch at our paddles and with a forecast of F7 gusts in the late afternoon we made a decision to turn back to Stonehaven which was a very quick journey.
On Saturday we planned to launch at Cruden Bay and explore the Bullers of Buchan which none of us had paddled before. Strong west-south-west winds led to a playful sea state and a need to concentrate going round the many headlands, however the bays were sheltered, allowing us to explore several of the fantastic arches and rock structures on this section of coast. Reaching Boddam just south of Peterhead the wind again began to snatch at paddles, and realising that the sea state meant our original plan of staying very close in on the way back would not be possible, and that tiredness and the sea state would increase the chance of an incident, we made the decision to get the a bus back to the cars and collect the boats.
Sunday was a different day, with light winds forecast and minimal northerly swell, we moved round the corner and paddled from New Aberdour, round Troup Head to Gardenstown – stopping in Pennan to take a photograph of the phonebox and visit the coffee and cake shop on the pier. This time it was the state of the tide, rather than the sea state which prevented us from getting into all the arches and caves, but even at low water it is still a fantastic section of coast.
Thanks to Neil for organising, and Ian and Rob for good company, being flexible with the change of plans, being prepared to give it a go but knowing when to get off the water.