Scotland - The Slate Isles (November 2005)
Our plan was to travel up to Scotland the second week of November and hopefully be lucky and get some decent weather to get in a few days Sea kayaking. The forecast didn't look great but we'd made our plans so off we went.
Giles, who I'd worked with previously and paddled with (one trip to Skye under our belt); Nick who'd just finished his first year in the outdoor pursuits world and myself met on route at services near Carlisle. We then travelled together up to Arrochar, to the West of Loch Lomond and found a quaint campsite next to the A82 by the old bridge on the drovers road.
Continuing the following morning we passed through Inveraray then Lochgilphead and finally arrived on the West coast. We hunted out a new campsite and luckily were pointed in the direction of the Laird of Lung. Arriving at his house we found him in the middle of a photo shoot! He kindly directed us down to the pier and we were pleased to find what a great location we had stumbled upon.
Having set-up camp we waited on the shipping forecast hoping for good news 'Malin, gale force winds expected overnight....' and boy did they arrive. Gust after gust and finally it gave in, one of the poles on Giles' base tent. We hurriedly decamped and shifted to a more sheltered spot and put up a more robust expedition tent. Surviving the night we awoke to better than expected conditions. Right then, lets get out and explore. By midday we finally put to sea!
We decided to get a feel for the area and go exploring. The views were breathtaking, Mull to the Northwest, Jura to the Southwest with numerous Islands to be seen all around. We paddled southwards exploring small inlets, passing a number of fishing farms. The worries of last night had long disappeared when we landed on the lee of a small Island opposite Scarba for a 'lite bite'. We were soon sweeping down the waves on our return journey, ending off a good start to our explorations.
Day two we planned to paddle down the same way to Cranish Point then back up Loch Cranish to Aderfern. Even though we awoke to the forecasted force 5/6 we still decided to go for it. We dropped off my van in Aderfern near the pier and were ready.
It was definitely choppier going down the channel but once out in the current we were soon flying along (if sea kayaks can fly!). We went past the fish farm mid channel and what fun the waves were having with us. We stopped roughly opposite the gap between Scraba and Jura for a quick snack.
We then headed off towards Cranish Point where we expected to encounter the stormiest waters. Again, we were treated to some stunning scenery. We came across a number of small whale shaped Islands which had obviously been smoothed away on all sides over numerous tides. Its inhabitants didn't seem to mind our passing.
As we expected it became much choppier as we neared the Point but before we new it we'd popped round the corner into a small sheltered bay with astonishing views. After a final glimpse down out to sea there was nothing for it but to start heading up Loch Cranish to Aderfern.
The following morning the winds had returned. Who'd go out in force 8 / 9 not us anyway so we decided to head off back towards the Arrorchar and the Cobbler, hopefully to get in some walking. This won't be our last trip to these Isles there's so much to explore and paddle. So watch out we'll be back!