What a great trip with a lovely bunch all lead by David Grieve who has a wealth of knowledge.
First Camp on Sheep Island or Eilean nan Caorach on OS Maps which was 1km or 0.6 nautical miles from Port Appin, where we all met and some of us even hung on for a late arrival, though we made the most of our time by eating at the Pier House. A pleasant Camp with a nice Fire and lots of Canada Geese.
Sat morning we were on the water for 0900hrs, we kayaked down the East side of Lismore stopping for elevenses at Achnacroish. After brewing a Pot of Coffee and a relaxing 30 mins, we were back in the boats and Eilean na Cloiche was our next destination which gave us a chance for another break. I believe we encountered falcons x 2, Buzzards many and 1 Eagle.
Our Last Camp for the weekend was on the south end of Lismore at Port an Rubha, overlooking the dominant Lighthouse on Eilean Musdile.
Sunday was brilliant, Heading north again we stopped at an old Lime Kiln, which there are many on the island, though this one was the largest. Then an old ruined Castle (Coeffin) for our last meal and coffee stop. Towards the top end of the island, we paddled into Port Ramsay, it was a beautiful lagoonish place where we hoped to see otters, this unfortunately didn’t happen and I put this down to David having used up his luck with the weather and birds of prey.
After we arrived back at Port Appin, we stowed our boats on cars etc and then had Cake and Coffee at the Pier House.
Brilliant weekend, brilliant company and a perfect location.
Ruaridh MacAlister