Friday 2 Oct: We met at Glenuig lunchtime in glorious conditions and paddled West out of the Sound of Arasaig past Samalaman Island. There was very little swell allowing us to rock hop South down the coast towards Moidart North Channel stopping for a late lunch at the great beach opposite Eilean Coille. Headed back after taking in the great views inland and out to the Small Isles at the channel entrance.
Sat 3 Oct: Early start listening to radio reports of torrential rain from before dawn. It was dry in Ardnamurchan! Launched at Ardtoe and headed into the expanse of Kentra Bay on HW. Then it was out West across the bay and around the big Rubha Aird Druimnich point heading for Artoe Island and Kilmory Beach. Even with little swell there was a bit of movement there and beyond and we stopped just short West of Ockle Point as a light Northerly breeze picked up and headed back to a nice little beach just East of the big point for lunch. In fact the sea state settled the wind died and we should have gone the extra 2 kt Kilmory. Stick to the plan is the lesson however we were able to take in more of the great beaches on the way back. As we finished loading some light rain eventually reached us.
Sun 4 Oct – A big Spring tide and a dry day again. We launched early at Doirlinn next to Castle Tioram and paddle South up the River Shiel channel to where the river proper empties into Loch Moidart through the famous narrow rapid chute. The party all achieved the rare feat of paddling up the rapid to the gentle meanders that lead to Loch Shiel. “Rare” as you have to be there at HW on a big spring tide to do that! That was followed by a paddle anticlockwise around Shuna. There was a near 20mph NNE causing some small downdrafts in Loch Moidart but the question was what the outside of Shuna would be like. The Ebb swept us out to find out. The general sea state was pretty benign and we rounded the reefs at the NW of Shuna and headed South with that NNE directly behind accentuated by the steep slopes above. As expected that causes the sea to run down the Island picking up as we enjoyed the ride down to swing into the South Channel. Lunch on the beaches there back up South Channel to the Castle and cars. Some of us took a walk down to the visit the River Shiel rapid on the way home this time at LW on a big spring tide to be mesmerised by the sight of the white water pounding now through the gap we had earlier paddled up.
So much more we could have done in that area. One for next year’s trip plan.