Elements of a trip plan
A trip or activity plan should include the following where appropriate
For multiday trips a generalised description should be published beforehand, with more detailed planning for each element of the trip based on more immediate knowledge.
Nature of activity
A general overview of the intended location, distances involved, availability of exit points, expectations of participants related to skills and conditions. The expectations should allow participants to understand whether they are able or would want to participate.
Setting expectations beforehand assists in decision making if actual conditions have the potential to be beyond those expectation.
Conditions
Expected weather, tide times, tidal flow, sea state
Schedule
Meeting time, On the Water Time, Off the Water Time
Meeting location
A
Template trip plan
Example trip plan
Nature of Activity / Paddle 3 day Circumnavigation of Raasay
Grade for paddles B+ Up to and including occasional wind strengths of F4
Date(s): 31st July- 2nd August
Location(s): Isle of Raasay
Leader: Neil Black
Assistant Leader(s): Stan Duppaddler
Participants: S. Corpio, Val Leyaquanaut, D Elphin, N Orthshore
Number of Participants: 4 Leader/ Assistant : Participant Ratio 1:3
Total Group Size: 6
Plan: (Include proposed OTW time and estimated time off the water)
Day 1-Departure from Sconser pier 12.30 crossing to Raasay and heading north towards Loch Arnish bay NG 583482 if conditions allow. Aiming to be off the water by 7pm at the latest.
( If B4 westerly wind head to East Coast of Raasay via Skye coastline, north west corner of Scalpay crossing to Eyre point on Raasay and aim to land at Brochel NG 584463 by 7pm.)
Day 2 – departure by 9.30am from Loch Arnish or Brochel and head north to north end of Raasay for lunch on beach adjacent to bothy at NG 610525. Decide on further kayaking to Rona Cave church NG 628570 as conditions and abilities allow. Off the water by 7pm at Brochel castle ( or alternatives as dictated by weather)
Day 3 Return to Sconser slipway as conditions and abilities allow. Off the water by 7pm.
Mitigations include return by Calmac Ferry from Clachan with overnight camp near Clachan pier if last ferry has departed and crossing conditions are outwith planned remit.
Planned Conditions: F3 or below , occasional periods of F4 but not sustained for long periods
Grade /Remit range? B with occasional B+ conditions. Sea State 2 ( Smooth)Wave height not exceeding 0.6m
Parking Layby adjacent to Sconser pier Toilets at Sconser pier
Location of emergency exits : There are multiple places to get off the water around the Raasay coast but access to roads is available at Clachan , Holoman Bay , Rubha Crion at Loch Arnish, Brochel , Eyre and East Suisnish
Forecasted Weather: SW F3 initially veering around to F3 gusting F4 from the west on Day 2 & 3
Tidal Information
High tide time(s) Day 1 08.57 Portree 4.51m
Day 2 09.27 Portree 4.56m
Day 3 09.58 Portree 4.56m
Phase (Neaps / Springs) mid neaps to Springs
Max. Flow for Day Kn 1kn in Raasay Narrows Day1
Leader qualifications: SKL
Assistant Leader qualifications CSKA
Coastguard to be informed? Yes Which CG? Stornoway 01851 702013
Name & phone number of onshore contact to be informed– Miss Shapen 09734148
(please ensure they have an estimated end time for group being off the water)