May 2nd – 6th 2019
An adventure in two parts but united by a common weather
theme; all four seasons put in a presence every single day.
Started with a solo paddle from Plockton across Loch Carron
and to the bothy at Uags; most of the time was a nice downwind surf which the
Pace 17 took in its stride – the original planned evening tour of the Crowlin Islands
being left for day 2 as the wind was picking up from the north. Met and chatted with some other paddlers enjoying
their time in the area. An evening in
the bothy sheltered from the wind and rain. Views across to Raasay were splendid.
Day 2 was a cold spring one and I hugged the coast till well north (upwind) of the Crowlins before peeling off into the inner sound proper and again a run south. The fully loaded boat did wallow a bit as I tried to go diagonally across the swell. Made a mistake with my planning and found the middle channel between Eilean Mor and Eilean Meadhanach was dry at its far end. Shame really as it was now directly upwind to get out of there!
An easier paddle again up Loch Carron then saw a good few
squalls blow hard through from Loch Kishorn.
One caught me right in the middle of the ferry glide across to the
southern shore but didn’t last long. The
sun was back out as I got into Plockton bay and the tourists. Timing again off as I was at least 50 yards
of muck away from the landing pontoons – but what’s a bit of muck to a salty seafarer? 37 kms overall for this solo loop.
Got packed and then went off for a feast in the Sligachen Inn
whilst waiting on colleagues from NESKy to arrive. A few beers later and we had re-planned the
Raasay/Rona weekend into something heading down the narrows from Kyleakin
towards Sleat. That night it snowed on
the Cuillin Ridge and left white frost outlines around each tent for us to see
in the morning. Sligachen is in some ways
a mystical place with a great bowl of sea and mountain vista. None too warm but the sun came out as we
packed boats on Kyleakin front for some wild camp/cruising.
Up to 12 kph as we used the tide through the narrows of
Kylerhea and then a loop of Glenelg bay just for fun. Seven good paddlers in the group so all was
well. Moved on to camp on Sandaig Island
which was windswept but very scenic. A
good evenings entertainment was had with our leader getting the smokers’ prize for
his fire raising skills. Day 1 had been nearly 18 kms. Day 2 was the push further south down the
sound, dropping into Isleornsay for a brew (and missing the tide to get out the
east side of the bay). Just 6 paddlers
left now and we pulled in to the little beach just short of Point of Sleat
(Camas Daraich) after 33 kms. At one
point we’d been making a fair speed on upperbody+paddle windage alone (fresh
northerly all day). There was a good
fresh stroll down to the point and its “Flatpack” lighthouse as daylight hours
were plentiful.
Final day was a bit shorter at 15 kms as we rounded the Point
(swell not too challenging) and headed against the wind up the west coast of
the peninsula. A bit of rock hopping and
we finished at Tarskavaig ready to retrieve cars. Thanks to Alan for helping out. Wildlife during the short adventure was
pretty good with several otters, a porpoise family, a sea eagle plus the usual inquisitive
seals and noisy gulls.
Good company and competent paddling made the 5 days a joy.
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