What more could we ask for? For the first 2 days we had wonderful conditions. Calm seas,
sunshine, and light breezes tempted us south on Day 1 with our leader Gerry confident that
(suitably energised by a coffee stop in Tighnabruich) we could make 30k to just north of
Tarbet, (which we did). Porpoises and otters spotted. Ruaridh recommended a romantic
campsite covered in bluebells (and just a few midges).
sunshine, and light breezes tempted us south on Day 1 with our leader Gerry confident that
(suitably energised by a coffee stop in Tighnabruich) we could make 30k to just north of
Tarbet, (which we did). Porpoises and otters spotted. Ruaridh recommended a romantic
campsite covered in bluebells (and just a few midges).
Day 2 (after a stop for coffee in Tarbet) we hugged the coast to an idyllic campsite beside
the castle at Skipness Point, with views over to Arran. The sea tempted several adventurous
bathers, with otters looking on (in surprise?).
the castle at Skipness Point, with views over to Arran. The sea tempted several adventurous
bathers, with otters looking on (in surprise?).
On Saturday in thick fog we followed our leader and a compass bearing to Lochranza- quite
disorientating to be enveloped in fog and some discussion over differences in compass
readings – but we arrived at Lochranza spot on and in time for our morning coffee (a trend
here…. ) at the sandwich shed near the ferry queue.
disorientating to be enveloped in fog and some discussion over differences in compass
readings – but we arrived at Lochranza spot on and in time for our morning coffee (a trend
here…. ) at the sandwich shed near the ferry queue.
The ferry had decided not to cross due to the fog. Knowing that the next crossing back to
Inchmarnock was not a popular shipping
channel, we set off again through almost surrealistic seas, with no distinction between sea
and sky, and a very gentle swell and an occasional group of birds giving a touch of texture.
channel, we set off again through almost surrealistic seas, with no distinction between sea
and sky, and a very gentle swell and an occasional group of birds giving a touch of texture.
Sunday’s forecast was poor, so after lunch on Inchmarnock we headed on through clearing
skies and a light wind back to Ardlamont point for our last overnight. The campfire and
whisky and wine provided a focal point for our evening chat, and a coconut and two tennis
balls found on the beach lead to an impromptu coconut shy game.
skies and a light wind back to Ardlamont point for our last overnight. The campfire and
whisky and wine provided a focal point for our evening chat, and a coconut and two tennis
balls found on the beach lead to an impromptu coconut shy game.
Day 4 was back along the west coast of the Kyles, with another stop in Tignabruich (to allow
the tide to turn), and a side trip into the little harbour at Caladh. Total distance paddled was
around 100km with an average speed of 5.5km/hr
the tide to turn), and a side trip into the little harbour at Caladh. Total distance paddled was
around 100km with an average speed of 5.5km/hr
The team bonded well, worked together carrying the kayaks up and down the beaches and
thanks to those who stepped up with the tools and expertise to solve the flat batteries. We
very much appreciated our leader’s planning to have the tides in our favour. The forecasted
wind did not materialize until after we landed back at Colintraive. Just perfect.
thanks to those who stepped up with the tools and expertise to solve the flat batteries. We
very much appreciated our leader’s planning to have the tides in our favour. The forecasted
wind did not materialize until after we landed back at Colintraive. Just perfect.