Saturday 4 October 2014

2014 Loch Linnhe Swim


 Paul, Brian H, Colin T, Martin, Liz & Allan joined others from LYC to provide powerboat and Kayak support to competitors in the 2014 Loch Linnhe swim from Camusnagaul to Lochaber Yacht Club.

With a brisk SW wind and a flood tide, the swimmers had their work cut out and became quite spread out however the race was won in just over 20 minutes.

Photos: Allan Lindsay.
Other images from the day can be seen HERE



Wednesday 17 September 2014

16th Sept. Tues eve Paddle from Callert

2 Colins, Brian M, Hughie & Joan & Paul.
Loch Leven again but this time we paddled towards the Ballachulish bridge towards the setting sun. By the time we got to Bishops Bay we were running out of daylight. A quick trip round the bay and then back to Callert
where in the in the fading light we had a little difficulty in spotting where to land. By the time we had packed up it was dark.

Wednesday 3 September 2014

Loch Eil

After Bryan & Linda had to cancel at the last minute, just Paul & Allan went out for a paddle tonight leaving from the wee slipway in front of Pauls house close to the canal.
The guys first headed up Loch Eil through the narrows enjoying the assistance of the flood tide, but the plan hadn't been thought through very carefully and as the narrows were running reasonably quickly for the return, they crossed to the Achaphubuill side to catch the eddies and make life a bit easier.

They continued paddling to Camusnagaul at which point the very short evening was beginning to close necessitating a speedy return to Corpach before dark.

                           
                                

Tuesday 2 September 2014

26th Aug - Tues Eve Paddle - Lochaber Yacht Club

Brian, 2 Colins, Joan & Hughie, Linda & Bryan & myself; a fine evening, a high spring tide. We launched easily from the slip and headed up past the West End car park and under the Underwater centre pier. Then we paddled up the Lochy.
We easily managed to paddle as far as the tailrace and practiced a few turns in the turbulent current. Headed back down mysterious back channels
in beautiful evening sunlight - another world if only a stone throw from the town. Paul

19th Aug - Tues Eve Paddle - Loch Linnhe Picnic Site

Six tonight, Colin U, Colin M, Brian, Joan & Hughie & I, all managed to get under the 2.3m barrier except Brian's landrover. A short carry and  an easy launch even though it was nearly low water (neap tide). We paddled down towards the ferry. Then split with three heading for the mouth of the river Righ and the rest heading across to the Corran Red and the Ardgour side of the loch. There we all met up again and paddled back accross to the picnic site. Paul

Sunday 17 August 2014

12th Aug 2014 Tues Eve Paddle – Loch Leven (west)


We parked and launched from the layby just below Callert House – a high spring tide so almost no carry. Just Emma, Paul & I braving the driech weather but for most of the paddle the rain held off and there was enough breeze, just, to keep the midges at bay. We paddled across the loch to the river Coe, up under the bridge. In spite of the high tide we could not get past the first rapid because the river flow was too high after all the rain.We then paddled past the Glencoe Boat Club and across to Eilean Munde where we landed on the north shore and battled the vegetation up to the remains of the old church. There is a path which runs from the normal landing spot which is on the eastern end of the island. We meandered past the rest of the islets seeing and hearing quite a few herons then back to the north shore.

Wednesday 6 August 2014

5th August 2014 Tuesday Eve paddle - Lochshiel & Callop River

Three tonight, Brian H. Colin U. & myself, launched speedily from the slipway at Slattach spurred on by the midges. It was a fine evening with the loch glass smooth. We paddled across
to the Callop river and got a very pleasant surprise as we were able to paddle up the river almost 2 km. The channel was almost wide enough to paddle 3 abreast and in most places deeper than the length of a paddle and no discernable current. Eventually were stopped by fallen trees but this is definitely a hidden gem. After the river we paddled down past the island opposite Glenfinnan House Hotel, across to the fish farm, back across the loch to Guesachan and finally back to Slattach - a round trip of about 11 km.  Paul



Wednesday 30 July 2014

Tues Eve Paddle - Druimindarroch

Just Colin & myself tonight - perhaps because it was a bit damp? But the tide was just right and it was an easy launch into the Druimindarroch inlet. We paddled out into the wider Loch Nan Uamh and against the wind along past the interesting rock formations to Camus Ghaoideil then back around Eilean nan Cabar. The swell was quite impressive but when we tried to decide how high it was - well the jury is out - but Colin didn't quite disappear between waves! Sorry no photos - Paul

Wednesday 16 July 2014

Shuna Island

A warm sunny evening for our trip to Shuna Island. Ken and Liz, Chris, Brian and Paul set off towards Castle Stalker initially. Paul suggested a diversion to the little lighthouse at the end of Lismore which proved an enjoyable trip. We then turned and headed round the outside of Shuna and saw delightful families of Canada Geese swimming cautiously close into the Island shore. Back through all the Jellyfish close to the fish farm area and returned to the cars about 9pm. Time to get packed up and off before to roadworks closed the road at Duror at 10pm!
Pic: K Stevenson
Pic: K Stevenson

Wednesday 25 June 2014

Cuil Bay, Duror

Track: Martin Basil
Pic: Martin Basil
A lovely evening at Cuil Bay saw Martin and Liz Basil, Ken and Liz Stevenson and Colin McCormick head off for Balnagowan Island where a few seals were there to greet us. Martin and Liz had tea on the island while the others set of on a circumnavigation – much to the annoyance of the seagulls who were noisily protecting their young “fluff ball” chicks which were clearly visible scampering along the rocks. We all met up again for the return journey by which time there was enough swell to make for an interesting return crossing and also, enough wind to keep the midges away. A very pleasant paddle.

Friday 20 June 2014

LYC Regatta

Nevis Canoe Club took part in LYC Regatta week again this year, offering people the chance to come out and try a bit of paddling before sampling the LYC BBQ.

Around 35 people turned out on a pretty calm and clear night and paddles were organised for different levels of age and ability.  Some even went for a swim in the loch!

Pic: Allan Lindsay
Pic: Allan Lindsay
Pic: Ken Stevenson
Pic: Allan Lindsay





Monday 16 June 2014

Come and Try Paddling! This Thursday!


No regular Tuesday paddle this week however as part of the annual Regatta, Lochaber Yacht Club and Nevis Canoe Club are combining to organise a "come and try it” night on Thursday 19th June 2014 at 7pm at the Yacht Club on Achintore Road.

We will have Sea Kayaks, GP kayaks, Canoes, buoyancy aids, paddles and some spray decks (all courtesy of OB Loch Eil), but not wet suits or other personal gear.  Prepare to get wet, but hopefully you won’t!  Changing facilities in LYC.

Some sailing boats will also be available and LYC will be able to offer ‘come and try’ sailing trips on the night.  Wet suits are advised for these trips just in case!

Catering, ie burgers, kebabs, beer, wine, and soft drinks will be for sale from around 6.30pm

Adult beginners and visitors are welcome and will be given club membership for the night. Juniors, accompanied by a responsible adult, are also welcome.

Two or possibly three safety boats will be on the water in addition to some more experienced paddlers acting as organisers.  The current plan (subject to weather) is:

  1. Total first timers and juniors on the water close to the slipway from 7pm.
  2. An organised paddle along the Fort William seafront for those with a little experience, departing at 7.30pm.
  3. A longer organised paddle for those with more experience departing at 7.30pm.  Dependant on the prevailing wind, this will either visit Stronchreggan and Conaglen or circumnavigate the islands around Corpach.
Afterwards, a bit of a social in the LYC clubhouse.


Arrive at LYC changed and ready for kick off at 7pm.  Any queries please call on 01397 703711or 07780 546191 or email me on allan-lindsay@tiscali.co.uk.

Wednesday 4 June 2014

Tues Eve Paddle 3rd June 2014 Outward Bound Locheil

Ben Nevis from the slip and pontoon of Outward Bound Locheil


We organised the outing here to coincide with the last session for beginners being run at the centre.

As we paddled accross the loch this gave the oppportunity to have a chat about how the Tues eve paddles work and to encourage any on the course to come and join in.

After the volunteer instructors had left 7 of us headed over to the Narrows, then came back with the tide. Packing up was as fast as we could while doing battle withthe midges.

Wednesday 28 May 2014

Loch Ailort Islands

Eight of us met up at the put in on Loch Ailort – Fiona, Ron, Allan, Mal, Steve, Brian, Dave and Ken. There were a few spots of rain as we started but this soon cleared. The water was calm and we had a gentle paddle out with lovely views of the sunset over Rum and Eigg. We rounded Eilean a Chaolais and on to Eilean nan Gobhar (Goat Island) where we had a brief stop on the rocky beach. Surprisingly the wind increased as we set off back and we had a stiff paddle into wind and tide initially, but this eased as we got back to the cars where we quickly packed up as the dreaded midges descended.






Wednesday 21 May 2014

Tues Eve Paddles 20th May Morar Estuary

Seven tonight, Dave, Brian H, Brain M, Ron, Paul, Mal, & Allan. We left Fort William wearing T shirts and arrived at Morar to a cold NE wind but still a beautiful evening. Those of us that had dry suits wore them!

No competition for the roadside parking and an easy short carry down the beach at half tide.
Paddled out in th face of a strong wind and a short choppy sea. Out of estuary at Sgeir Mhor into an even lumpier sea. Headed a short way up the coast towards Mallaig - lots of interesting rocks.
Returned to the estuary and the beach at Bourblach. Finally back to the cars via the outfall of the river Morar.


Saturday 17 May 2014

Garry Thursday 15th of May

It was just Ron and Graham on the Garry this evening, literally. They reported having the river to themselves.
Remember if you fancy going along get in touch with us and you can always walk around anything that you don't fancy.



Ron Cameron on the Garry

Wednesday 14 May 2014

Tues Eve Paddles 13th May 2014 Loch Leven

We met or were suposed to meet on the north side of Loch Leven NN160620 about 2 miles east of Kinlochleven. Paul, Ken, David and Brian. Two were delayed in the process making the discovery that a landrover plus kayak won't quite go under the canal at Torcastle - no damage to tunnel or kayak but 10 minutes late!
Loch Leven with Binnein Mor and Mamore Lodge just showing

Launching was easy, from the generous layby to the water at high spring tide, was only a few paces. We paddled around the small islet and then headed up the loch towards Kinlochleven in bright sunshine and a following breeze.

Kayaked as far as we could up the river Leven, almost but not quite into the village. Then met up with the others and visited the old harbour.
Paddled back against the breeze to the launch site after 6 km and about an hour and a half .

Wednesday 7 May 2014

Tuesday Eve Paddles - 6th May 2014 - Loch Laggan



            A good turn out for the first organised Tuesday of the season - Paul, Jim, Brian H, Dave S, Jacqui, Brian M, Fiona, Ken & Liz. Launch point was at Loch Laggan from Creagbeg. We met half way between the Spean dam and Moy at Grid Ref: NN406819. We managed to squeeze 5 cars into the forest road end without blocking the road.
            The water level was quite high so there was a very short carry and launch off tussocky grass. None of us had paddled on Loch Laggan before. We headed east in smooth conditions; just patches of mirrors. First objective was the Ghuilbin river where we paddled up the first few meanders and then against the flow under the forest road bridge at Torguilbin. We did a few practice turns into the first bit of fast water.
          
  Back down the Ghuilbin and then round and up the channel of what used to be the river Spean and into the main Loch Laggan at Moy Lodge. Dave insisted on a short coffee break on the beach then we headed back to Creagbeg in the last of the daylight. About 10 km in 2.5 hours.

Tuesday 6 May 2014

Introduction to Paddling. Week2

A bit of drizzle early on, but it turned out another nice night on Loch Eil for the 2nd beginner session.  A bit too calm perhaps, as the midges have started making appearances.