9 of us paddled on this trip: Graeme Seggie, ‘French Anne’, Richard Leeson, Claire Andrews, Chris Gordon, Tim Gibson, Ruairdh MacAlister, Phil Burgess and myself.
We loaded up at Sconser ferry terminal on Friday morning beside the slipway being careful to avoid becoming an obstruction. We set off about 11am and paddled round Raasay anti clockwise. We had a brief comfort stop at Eyre Point within smeeling distance of a very delicious barbeque! Several porpoises visible on this stretch of coast. We paddled on to a lovely waterfall below Hallaig before a lunch stop at low tide. Lots of slippy rocks to negotiate on foot. After lunch we paddled on to Brochel castle – a magnificent ruin perched on top of a rocky outcrop with commanding views down to Kyle. History tells us that it was the fort of the Macleod clan. Amazing structure that must have taken some building. Chris was looking to do some scrambling but no decent holds to be had.
Further up the East side of Raasay to our campsite at the North end – good views of a couple of sea eagles which passed only a couple of metres above our heads. No one else at the campsite so we made ourselves at home on the flat area 50m above the beach. ( Anne sought out her own place of splendid isolation complete with adjacent small gurgling sea cave. Once set up we were joined by a family of four ( including two teenagers and a guide who had paddled from the Crowlin islands.
A lovely evening spent chatting and savouring the delights of Uisge Beatha.
Sunday was another blue sky day and we loaded up and set of to circumnavigate Rona. After a kilometre two of the party felt a bit ill and returned to Raasay having arranged to meet us mid afternoon at the anchorage on the west side of Rona.
The remaining seven paddled north and rounded the north headland below the lighthouse. Unusually the lighthouse has a windsock beside it. When asked why – Claire a psychologist, responded that it was because the neighbours had one !
Needing some lunch we struggled to find anything great until just below Rona lodge. Again biggish boulders but at least a lovely plank to sit on.
After lunch we rendezvoued with Graeme & Richard. Graeme felt much better wheres Richard still felt very tired. They had both slept but having beached their kayaks at high water weer now several metres above the water over very slipper seaweed ( a recurrung theme).
Getting their boats onto the water ( the carry straps are essential kit) was easy with 4 of us and we continued south. Richard did his best to paddle but needed a tow for the remainder of the trip which gave a good opportunity for towing practice. The inline tow worked best but with two strong paddlers easily left the rest of the group behind. Instead we took ten minute spells towing until we reached the next capmsite at Inver half way down Raasays West coast. A lovely campsite with a small burn beside it and a small pebble beach. Perhaps a bit too many midges here but a fire soon provided a deterrent . Again good Craic ! Richard had an early night and we hoped he would feel better not worse the following day.
Sunday was again sunday but with some wind from the south. Thankfully Richard felt much better. We hugged the coast past Holoman island with winds at times F4 as forecast. A brief stop near Raasay outdoor centre then a ferry glide across the straits to Skye the group being careful to stick together. A few caves to explore on the Skye coast and then round to a lovely lunch spot in Balmeanach Bay. Lunch afforded us the chance to see some Dolphins playing out in the strait by Scalpay.
A short 3km paddle back to the slipway at Sconser, now low tide and off the water shortly after 3pm.
A great weekend, Over all too soon. No rain, minimal wind Great company. Everyone worked well together particularly given the towing.