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.

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.

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

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 .

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.

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.