A group of around 16 paddlers – mostly comprised of ‘Dave’s and ‘Catharine’s – went to Arisaig for the weekend of 15-17th July 2022.
Our base was Tigh Na Mara Campsite at the Back of Keppoch – which had basic facilities (new facilities due to open any day now – hopefully with more than one shower) – but with its own beach and great views to Eigg, Rum, the Cuillin and southern Skye.
On Saturday we gathered on the beach for a spot of yoga – much to the amusement of the non-paddling audience. Conditions were calm, if a little grey, for the waters to show their true ‘Caribbean’ turquoise colours. We pootled north along the coast, admiring the rocky shores, blue rayed limpets, and expanses of white sandy beach. Lunch was at Mallaig harbour, which provided excellent distractions for the kayaker about town. Our return was slightly delayed having to wait for the ferry to leave, and a bit of a headwind had built up. The river at Morar had all but disappeared so we weren’t able to paddle upstream and meet the non-paddlers for a pint.
High spring tides that evening made for interesting barbequing conditions, as the waters slowly encroached, lapping around the feet of paddlers and bbqs alike. Whether on sea or shore, all donned a variety of headgear to ward off the inevitable midges.
Sunday we headed south from the campsite, staying close to shore whilst it was high tide and crossing Arisaig bay for a leg stretch on its southern shores. The main attraction of the day was wending our way back home through the skerries. There were lots of common seals (including pups), curlew, oyster catchers and terns galore. The seals and oyster catchers were particularly vocal and interested in our antics. We landed on a pristine white-sand isthmus for lunch. Unfortunately, the sand turned out to have the consistency of porridge, with each of our feet sinking almost to our knees and making walking rather more of a challenge than we’d thought. Commendations to Michael for braving the long walk across the sand to deliver strawberries throughout the group.
On the return, four paddlers made a detour into Arisaig bay whilst the remainder of us returned to the campsite. Everyone else headed home, but we stayed for the following week. Whilst the rest of the UK basked/melted in a red and amber alert heatwave, we managed to get down to the one thermal layer and enjoyed some more paddling and walking in the area.
With thanks to Clare Eadie for organising, Dave Grieve for leading and everybody for making us feel welcome on our first LSKC weekend away.
Sanne