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Bill Skeoch’s eagerly awaited summer solstice paddle started in less-than-summery weather – a damp and windless put-in on Loch Lochy, many thousands of midges speeding us on our way. In a flat calm we paddled up the loch, pulled out at Laggan Locks and had a short portage to the canal. An easy paddle up to Loch Oich and a lunch break at the picnic site adjacent to the Well of the Seven Heads. Afterwards we walked over to the well and read the inscription on the roadside monument. This concerned the retribution exacted on seven murderers by a local clan chief and the washing of their severed heads in the well.

Paddling again, we met a slight northerly breeze which was distinctly chilling and those who had been feeling a little too hot in the morning now felt more comfortable. Shortly after leaving the loch we came to a lock: two cabin cruiser were already inside and the lock-keeper kindly allowed us in too, thus avoiding the portage. We were asked to hold onto the cruisers while the water was drained. Those of us holding onto the first boat were quite happy until, after some shouting and general alarms, there were two loud bangs and our “anchor” started to drift towards the opposite wall, giving immediate visions of kayak sandwiches. Fortunately the boat soon stopped and was moved back to its berth. The German gentlemen on board (their first day) had tied their boat off and presumably forgot that they needed to pay out the ropes as the boat moved downwards. Naturally the ropes didn't support the boat and they snapped. We continued unharmed and met up with our friendly boaters again at the next lock. This time there were no mishaps and we paddled on to Fort Augustus and our overnight stay chez Skeoch; a rented minibus taking us and the club trailer the short distance. A very convivial time was had by all: the Turners arrived with new baby Joshua and some local musicians turned up for a session. 28km

The planned route was reversed due to a forecast F4 northerly and the minibus took us to the top end. It was quite sheltered to start with at 10.00 but the wind at our back steadily increased to F3 gusting F4. The waves got larger and the surfing more exciting. After three hours in the saddle we paddled into the river mouth at Foyers to get out of the elements and had a quick lunch break – conditions were distinctly cool and no-one wanted to hang around. After an exciting break-out from the surfy river mouth we headed over to the west shore of the loch to try and find more sheltered water. This was the case for a while but the surf soon reappeared and we had a quick run down to Fort Augustus , landing at 4.45. Our very friendly and helpful minibus driver arrived promptly and after a quick stop at Skeoch Towers we returned to our vehicles at Clunes. The traditional post-paddle pint was taken at the Commando bar in Spean Bridge . 34km

Many thanks to the Skeoch family for a superb combination of trip organisation and hospitality. Just a shame we didn't see the Monster. 7 paddlers Saturday, 9 on Sunday.

Mike’s annual BBQ paddle has enjoyed some good weather in recent years, but this being the west coast, that can never be guaranteed. We put in at 11.00 from Traigh beach in a light drizzle and paddled outside and then through the skerries; still enough water at HT +04 00 (3.5m tide). We crossed the South Channel and rounded Rubh Arisaig, sea conditions were slight, so no problems. Landing on the beach at Port nam Murrach, Mike and Sheila’s frame tent was quickly erected and a couple of tarps attached so that we had a good sized covered area for the barby’s. The culinary theme was Mexican, so all manner of fajita’s, tortilla’s, salsa’s etc were soon being consumed. Clearly the club does not lack bon viveurs and chef’s to match. The paddle back to Arisaig was in rather heavier and colder rain than earlier but apart from waiting for a yacht to clear before crossing the channel, we landed without incident.

A very enjoyable day despite the weather – good food, good company and plenty of wildlife, including two otters, a dozen seals and scores of terns nesting on the skerries. Fourteen paddlers. 16km

We met at trip organiser Simon Sim's house at Resipole at 10.00 and headed down to Camustorsa picnic site about a mile west of Salen. An easy put-in at 11.05(HT + 1.5) but then a brisk paddle into F3 gusting F4. Coffee stop at Dun Ghallain, where a heavy shower showed the worth of a group shelter that Simon produced from his boat. Soon after we crossed the loch to Caol Carna – a hint of wind decrease was very welcome. Lunch was called for after a pull through the narrows with tide against. It was still running strongly as we launched and headed up into the approaches to L Teacuis. Quite a few Commic terns and herons around, common sandpipers were ‘peeping’ from the rocks. No otters, although several seals on the rocky islets. We turned downtide and skirted the west side of Carna. Time was getting on, so a diversion around Risga was left for another day and we headed east with wind and tide in our favour. An easy surf back and we landed at 17.00. 9 paddlers.. We went back to Simon and Lauren’s house for food and drink – very welcome and enjoyable. 23km

You can’t paddle in sunshine all the time unless you live in Florida , so after such a good spell the second M&DCC trip of the year started off in dreich weather. We put in at the lay-by at Polanach, just north of Shuna. HT + 1h meant we could circumnavigate Castle Stalker, where a man was winching a flagpole up onto the roof.

Beyond Port Appin the tide ran faster and we set off for a mist-shrouded Eilean Dubh. Landing at the N end, several Canada geese flew onto the water, judging by the amount of goose dung on the ground, there must have been quite a few more around. The cool, damp weather meant that we didn’t hang around and we did a quick sortie to the S end of the island and then set off for the mainland. Some nice little surfing waves and we soon got to the channel separating Eriska from Benderloch. It looked “wet” but shows drying on the map, so we avoided it. The tide was against us as we entered L Creran but nothing we couldn’t handle. Crossing first to R Rianach and then re-crossed to land at Barcaldine caravan site. A club member with a caravan there was not at home and we took a quick break and stretch by the water’s edge. The intermittent rain faired as we headed up to the bridge over the loch, where we had shuttled some cars. An enjoyable trip despite the weather. 10 paddlers. 24.5km

Sunday 1 April 2007 Fort William

M&DCC touring calendar’s first trip of the year. Flat calm, sunshine as we put in at Eil OB. Down through the Narrows the current was flowing but no dramas. A male Tystie by the Corpach quay was good but there were plenty of birds about – oystercatchers, eider, Canada geese, teal, mallard, redshank, a pair of Whoopers, ditto Mutes. We tried to get up the Lochy but there was not enough water (HT – 01:00) Stopped for lunch on sand/shingle island off the Underwater Centre and then down to the Yacht Club where we crossed the loch and followed the flooding tide. Some interesting boats at Treslaig inc. a 50 person all-enclosed lifeboat. Narrows were flowing at 5-6kph, again without drama.

11 paddlers 18km

M&DCC Summer Cruise: Skye Circumnavigation
Trip Organiser: Roger Lanyon     Keeper of the log: Tony Laidler

Saturday July 16 2005. Mallaig to Glenelg
We launched at 11.15 from Mallaig harbour: Roger, Joan, Mark and Pauline Evans, Lynn, Chris Carter and the three Skeochs plus Elizabeth and Tony Laidler. Further paddlers were to join us later. A last minute decision due to the weather forecast meant a widdershins circuit and the SW breeze (F2-3) carried us out towards Mary Anne's Point on the Knoydart peninsula under a cloudy sky. We lunched just short of Inverguseran in cool, Scotch mist conditions with a hint of rain in the air. We had an easy run to the Sandaigs, where Elizabeth again had to pump a lot of water out of her cockpit, a worrying development, as no obvious cause could be found. We checked the coast on approaching Glenelg, pitching just short of Port a Gharaidh, about 1.5km south of the village centre. Reasonable camping, a bit midgy but enough space for our tents, albeit rather spread out along grassy strand.
Alex and Suzanne joined us as evening fell. 25km

Sunday July 17 2005. Glenelg to Uags bothy
Away by 10.10 under a gloopy sky, with cloud down to 200 feet. Wind SW F3; the party heading for Kyle Rhea. Some small overfalls as we entered the Narrows were shot without incident and the ferry obligingly waited as we passed on the newly flooding tide. We angled over to the west side and picked up the flow again, cruising at 7-8kph. Bill put up his umbrella to gain an unfair advantage over the rest of us! Quite a few seals hauled out on this shore near the otter hide. A straightforward paddle to Kyle, where we landed on the slip for lunch and what shopping was available at Kyle on a Sunday. Bill made use of the 12.30 opening hour for booze purchase by topping up their winebox supply.
Passing under the bridge, we gathered on the west side of E.a Mhal before heading on a bearing of 320 degrees for Uags bothy on the Applecross coast. This had been decided on as the best option for the night's accommodation due to the dreich weather and reported poor camping site on the Crowlins, although Alex was disappointed that we weren't keeping closer to Skye itself. Heading out into the mist at the start of the 8km crossing, the Crowlins became visible out of the mist after about 20mins of paddling. A beam wind of F3 made for choppy but quite manageable conditions. On making landfall, the weather was dry although the cloud was low, as usual. All except Roger elected to camp, but everyone gathered in the bothy in the evening to cook and socialize. The weather turned increasingly wet and the dry accommodation was a welcome boon. 22.5km

Monday July 18 2005.   Uags bothy to Tianavaig
Bill leading today. Blustery SW F3/4 with some heavy showers as we made out way out of Uags and over to the SW tip of the Crowlins. Then bearing 270 for the N end of Scalpay. The wind was pretty much in our teeth, Elizabeth unusually having a struggle against it. Plenty of puffins about, probably one of the commonest auks on the trip so far.   Alex thinks they may be from the Shiants. A bonxie was an unusual sight. The sun came out for lunch and we landed on a bouldery beach on the NE side of Scalpay. Strong offshore wind resulted in the Aleut blowing away, ably retrieved by Chris to merriment from the rest of us. We continued on, crossing to the S shore of Raasay and up towards the ferry slip, the wind now at our backs. At Oskaig Pt we crossed to the Skye shore and finally made landfall at Tianavaig (GR 520 403) where a boulder beach with small surf lay below a decent sized area of flat grass, albeit covered in sheep dung. After a safe surf landing, a rainbow greeted our arrival, followed by some heavy showers post-pitching. An eagle cruising the crags above was the subject of some doubt as to its species. Looked like Golden to me! 26km

Tuesday July 19 2005.    Tianavaig to Rona (Big harbour)
TL leading the day; we set off in overcast but fairly bright and dry conditions. That didn't last and a few showers came our way as we first crossed the Sound of Raasay and then worked up the coast. A pair red throated divers on the sea, fulmar, cormorant and shag nesting on the cliffs. A few caves, one of which Suzanne and I landed at and walked in, to reveal that it was U-shaped and could be navigated, but only with a fuller tide than we found. Lunch was untenable at the designated Manish Point due to lack of a suitable landing beach. We pressed on and I led the group to Caol Fladda, where landed on the dried out high point between E Fladda and Raasay. A chill wind was blowing up the narrows as we sought shelter for lunch, misery was further compounded by a torrential shower. Post-lunch, one of two sailing cruisers that had come into the little bay managed to run aground. The other towed it off after assistance from Roger and Mark getting a line between the two.
We reached Acairdaid Mor in dry conditions. The Turners, Evans and Roger used the bunkhouse, the rest camped. Civilised facilities and a warm welcome from manager Bill Cowie. 23.5km

Wednesday July 20 2005.   Rona circuit
Joan, Elizabeth and I elected to paddle around the island on this "rest day".
We set off from B.H. in a clockwise direction, the F3 NW wind producing choppy but easily manageable conditions. Some camping spots noted by Chris at Ob nam Feusgan were surveyed. At the tip of the island, some big grey seal were hauled out and we checked the tidal pond marked on the map which was presumably an old fish trap. The east side of the island was much calmer and we lunched at an old cleared slipway east of Meall Acairsaid. The midges were quite aggravating, for the first time on this trip. We journeyed on, passing Church cave, still being followed by a grey seal we had picked up near the north end of the island.
Turning into Caol Rona, we met the wind straight into our faces, now freshened to F4 and it was a slog, with some decent sized waves to splash into, until we gained the sanctuary of the big harbour. 21km

Thursday July 21.   Rona to Kilmaluag Bay
Misty, but with a fairly flat sea for the first leg across the Sound, heading for Invertote and the first break after a 10k paddle. The cobble beach was rather surfy, so boats were beached in the small estuary of the Lealt river while we took our ease. A party of young people coming down the opposite hillside to view the spectacular waterfall caused some merriment; doubtless they had a similar reaction to the sight of our party lolling on the grass. Our departure was marked by Alex's pantomime launch: he managed to broach his boat across the width of the little river and take in a cockpit full of water that required considerable pumping before he eventually reached salt water.
The weather became dreicher but stayed short of outright rain as we paddled up the coast with cloud down to low level. At Ob nan Ron slipway we landed and met Hamish, who was collecting Joan and Lynn and resupplying Alex and Roger. After their farewells, we headed north, to be greeted soon after by sunshine. The coast was spectacular, with caves, arches and spires. There was too much swell to explore these, although we had done so the previous August on the Tri-club trip. We made a rocky, surf-bumped landing on the north side of Kilmaluag Bay, a short distance north of Stac Lachlainn. Decent camping grass with plenty of the usual sheep visiting cards. Midges required nets, but could have been worse. 30km

Friday July 22.    Kilmaluag Bay to Prince Charlie's Point
A breezy, fresh morning with noticeably more swell than the previous day. Jennie Abell, Matt Groves and Kjersti Birkeland were waiting for us as we launched into the surf, with all afloat by 9.20. Elizabeth lost a small piece of keel beside the skeg aperture and Jill put some scrapes onto the underside of her boat's hull. The swell made conditions decidedly interesting as we headed up the coast, aiming for passing R. Hunish at 10.30, the calculated time of the start of the ebb flow.
In lumpy water between R na h-Aiseag and E Trodday, Elizabeth ran over the top of an unseen, feeding basking shark. Both parties were equally surprised, the shark drenching her as it dived under her boat, bumping it but not so badly that she was capsized. Between there and R Hunish we were covering the ground at 8-9kph, obviously catching the back eddy from the last of the flood. As we approached R Hunish we could see big overfalls in the main race and some intimidating surf crashing onto the point itself. We arrived at the point at 10.15, just as the water calmed considerably. This was good timing! In the soupy water, three basking sharks were cruising round in circles. They were 3-4 m long, judging by the dorsal to tail fin distance, and were oblivious to our presence, swimming within meters of our boats. Mark saw a whale off the point, probably a Minke.
Once round the point, the sea was much calmer and we cruised easily with the wind at our backs. Two more baskers were spotted off Duntulm, one with a dorsal fin not much less than a meter high. Unfortunately we did not get a close look to see just how big an animal it was.
At the south end of Lub Score, Alex had to make an emergency comfort stop and landed on a stony, lee shore near Gairbh Sgeir. Business complete, his launch through the surf resulted in another cockpit full of water, resulting in a tow offshore by Christine with Elizabeth rafted up as he pumped.
Lunch was taken comfortably propped up against the jetty at Camus Mor. With F4-5 winds forecast, it was decided that the party should continue down the coast and camp towards Uig, with the circumnavigators then heading for the Ascribs on the following day. Finding a camp site with a decent landing proved tricky and we ended up retracing our steps for a km. or so to land on a rock shelf at Prince Charlie's Point. Pitches were on a grassy field margin 20 m. above the beach. There were nice views and a good breeze to keep the midges at bay on a very pleasant sunny evening. 24km

Saturday July 23 2005.   Prince Charlies' Point to Uig
With a forecast of NE F4-5-6 for the foreseeable future, the circumnavigators held a long debate on the options available. We were heading for UIg as scheduled and the weekenders decided to bail out at this stage, rather than face the prospect of being stuck on the Ascribs. At this point Bill unexpectedly felt ill and after a discussion, the Skeochs decided that they would also leave the party. Farewells made, we split up and paddled into Uig, latterly against a stiff F4-5 breeze coming out of the loch.
We delivered Matt and Kjersti back to their cars at Kilmaluag and then continued on with Jill to Armadale for the ferry. Once in Mallaig we ran her to her car and she dashed off for the return ferry and onward journey to Uig. 5.5km.

The log continues courtesy of Pauline.

Sat 23 July
Camping at Prince Chalies Point (Totscore).

Weather Forecast: NE 4/5.
At this stage we did not have a three day forecast, but the conditions looking at the water were ok. Plan was to be on the water by 0930. Morning meeting raised various issues that were discussed. A variety of plans were discussed to endeavour to meet everyone's aims. Unfortunately one group member took not well and as a result 3 group members pulled out from the trip. The party was now 6 members: Alex and Suzanne, Mark and Pauline and Chris and Roger.

The group set off at 10.50 to paddle towards the Ascrib Islands. Arrived on the most southerly Island at 12.30. Alex met his fried who told us Lord Columbo was arriving to stay for one week, therefore we could not camp on that Island. He gave us alternatives (none with water). We stocked up on water and headed to the most northerly Island to find a small ruin and a noust that would make landing easier. Total distance was 13 Km, we now spend several hours lying in the sun before setting up camp. The sunset on Harris was amazing and the wildlife was fantastic.

Today we saw about:
200 seals (Grey and Common)
3 porpoises around North Ascrib
Lots of gannets
Lots of Shags and Shaglets

Sun 24 July

Weather Forecast 4/5, Occ 6, NE

It was an easy decision to see the rounding of Waternish Point was not going to happen today. We decided to try and return to Uig or Loch Sniznot (Grishish) or Loch Losit. Loch Sniznot had a big following sea, we were not sure of the landing at Loch Losit, i.e the dangers of a possible surf landing, and so we decided to go to Uig which meant we had to paddle into the wind. We left at 1130 and kept inside the islands and then headed south. After paddling for about 40 min from the southernmost Ascrib Island, we had only gone about 400m in distance. We were putting in too much energy and not making enough progress. We returned to South Ascrib for shelter, lunched and waited a few hours to see if there weather was going to improve. During this time Mark went fishing and caught two large Pollock. There was no break in the weather (4/5, gusting 6) so we returned to our original camp spot on North Ascrib by following the Islands to get what shelter there was, arriving back at 7 pm. Distance, not very much!! About 7 Km.

Similar wildlife as the day before.

Monday 25 July

Forecast 4/5, 3 later

After listening to several different weather forecasts throughout the morning, the group decided to head back to Uig when the wind (hopefully) dropped in the afternoon. Departed the Ascrib about 1500 hrs. Arrived Uig about 1800 to surf in with the Cal Mac Ferry. We set up camp at the commercial campsite and followed this shortly with beer and food consumed inside!!

Tuesday 26 July

Forecast: All was calm!!!

Alex ferried the drivers to the Ferry to go back to Mallaig. Pauline and Mark headed off to Harris for the rest of the week and Suzanne got to go to Prague!

Garvellachs Organisers: Tony Laidler and Paul Cromey

14-15 May 2005

Tidal information:

	HW	Ht	LW	Ht	Difference
Saturday	10.05	3.0m	16.42	1.6m	1.4m
Sunday	11.02	2.8m	17.36	1.7m	1.1m

Quarter moon: May 16

Saturday May 14

Put in at Easdale and paddled south in warm sunshine, heading along the Luing shore to avoid the expected ebb tide. As we neared Fladda it was clear that the current was not producing the expected rough water and we crossed into the centre of the stream. The stream was 6-7kph (boat moving 12-13kph over the ground measured by GPS) and was therefore near the expected 3.5-4kn. Paddling down the S. of Luing, the current slackened as we approached the Grey Dogs at 1300. The ebb was in full flow and impressive even on a neap tide. Paul ferry glided the strong stuff, the rest of us further downsteam without incident. We continued to Bagh Gleann a Mhaoil on the SE corner of Scarba, arriving just before 1400 for a well-earned lunch. A sea eagle flew over as we landed and a party of paddlers was spotted coming through the Gulf. This was the expected SCA group, led by Hugh Kerr and including Chris Carter and Bruce Bell. The Gulf had been uneventful for them but we were running out of time for passing it safely. There were occasional westerly gusts making the prospect of a slog through on a flooding tide most uninviting, so we left it for another day. Returning northward up the S. of Luing, we arrived at the Grey Dogs at 1600, about 45mins after the start of the flood. It was running at 2-3kph and presented no difficulties. We worked north along Lunga and Rubha Fiola and then out to Belnahua. Paddlers were already camping there: a group of five led by Jim Wilson. Small world. Lovely sunset, good crack.

Sunday May 15

On the water by 0935 and across to Dun Chonnuill, the northern point of the Garvellachs. The route was flat at this time, two hours previously there had been a significant eddy line visible. Starting down the west side the water was flat and the weather pleasant. We met two paddlers coming the other way and saw a Golden Eagle. It had killed a gull and a stream of feathers gave away its plucking ledge on the cliff. Approaching E. an Naoimh, the wind and waves started to pick up and cliff gazing turned into wave watching. Nearing the south end it was getting quite wet and wild but all negotiated the turn without incident. The contrast on the east side was blissful and we landed shortly after at a very small beach near the old monastery. We lunched and explored the various ruins before continuing north. At A Chull we headed east and surfed over to the gap between E’s Dubh Mor and Beag. Aiming for Fladda, we transited via Ormsa and towards Belnahua, although the tide was not strong. The island provided a comfort stop for some, a chance to check on the state of the renovations for others. The last leg of the trip back to Easdale was straightforward, with no tide hindrance or assistance. Total trip distance 55km

Paddlers: Paul & Isla Cromey, Alex & Suzanne Turner, Jon Watt, Kjersti Birkeland, Joan Smith, Lynn Aitchison, Matt Groves, Jennie Abell, Tony & Elizabeth Laidler.