Loch Eil to Loch Linnhe, Tuesday 16th June

This weeks evening paddle was a one way trip from Outward Bound to Lochaber Yacht Club, with Oliver, Naomi and Peter doing a longer trip and paddling from the Yacht Club to OB in advance. They were joined there by Tracey, Chris, Colin, John and Brian.

We started in a very sheltered Loch Eil and were then helped through Annat narrows by the tide. We carried on in sheltered water t Camusnagaul where we stopped for a leg stretch. From here to the Yacht Club was into the wind and chop and some hard paddling was needed - well done to everyone, particularly those who just completed the beginners course the week before.

Bright and sheltered water at the start

A break before the windy bit

Into the wind and rain

Loch Morar paddle, Tuesday 9th June

The weather was good for this weeks evening paddle with a very light wind although a layer of cloud unfortunately kept the sun away. Oliver, Naomi, Chris, Colin McC and Brian M started with a paddle around the many wooded islands. It was interesting to see the completely different vegetation on the islands, with Scots Pine in abundance, in comparison with the heather moorland of the loch shores. This is what most of Scotland should really look like, and might without excesive numbers of sheep, deer and people.

From the islands we paddled over to Lettermorar, an abandoned settlement on the South shore of the loch and explored the old dwellings. We then returned to the cars by a different route through the islands. While packing up the one disadvantage of good summer weather became apparent as the midge clouds started to form around us.

Road works everywhere!

Eilan nam Breac

Lettermorar

Shuna Island. Evening paddle

Lettershuna was the meeting point this week from where the paddlers went through the sound to Castle Stalker before crossing to the Southern end of Shuna Island & paddling up the Western side, before completing the loop back to the cars.

The weather was fantastically sunny but not too warm and the stormy previous day (hence it not being Tuesday this week!) plus a greater wind than forecast made for a reasonable swell with a quite choppy confused sea in parts.

Paddlers were Allan, John, Chris, Steve, Oliver, Naomi and of course Colin T who was the trip organiser this week.

Ardnish Peninsula

Six paddlers set off from Loch Nan Uamph viaduct at low tide on a blustery Saturday morning, with a plan to round Ardnish Peninsula.

The forecast was for little wave movement and for the gusting North Westerlies to reduce as the morning progressed. The reality however was increasing wind & much larger waves which added to residual swell from stormy weather earlier in the week & made for quite challenging confused conditions when approaching the SW tip of the peninsula.  It was a baptism of fire for Tracey & Naomi, both out on their first club trip after the paddling intro sessions at OB.

 

Once round the tip however it was like the conditions were suddenly switched off, although the swell remained to a certain extent.

Lunch was on a beautiful sandy beach in basking sun then a brief stop at Penmeanach Bothy before the paddlers continued on their way to the head of a very calm Loch Ailort in the afternoon sun.

15km travelled and the paddlers were Ken & Liz Stevenson, Oliver Millington, Naomi Hatto, Tracey Jefferies & Allan Lindsay.

Afternoon refreshments were to
the usual standard lol

Turning into Loch Ailort for
the final leg

Other photos from the day can be found HERE

Tuesday Eve Paddle 26th May - Corran

Good paddle last night  with  Colin, Hughie, Chris, Oliver. From Loch Linnhe picnic car park to Corran ferry, round bay and back down the ardgour side before crossing back. Took 2 hrs.Weather gusty and showers. Sorry nNo photos.

Loch Leven

Following the unfortunate weather related cancellation last week, Liz, Ken, Chris, Colin M & Allan met at Loch Leven tonight for the first of this years Tuesday night paddles.
The forecast was looking grim with expected 25kt NW gusts but it didn't actually come to that.  Like the day, the evening was a mix of bright and overcast and fortunately the rain stayed away just long enough to get packed up afterwards.

The paddle left Ballachulish moving round the bay, up the River Coe a wee bit before going back out into Loch Leven and crossing to the burial Isle just before sun down..  The evening became cold very quickly. Hopefully spring will have arrived by next week, but the midges can stay away a bit longer!

Introduction to Paddling

Beginners Sessions
A series of 5 weekly beginners sessions for canoes and kayaks are being run again this year to provide an introduction to paddling.  Following the introductory weeks, it is intended that new paddlers will be able to join in with regular club paddles.

Coaching will take place at Outward Bound Loch Eil and all necessary kit will be provided.  The coaching will be delivered by UHI students from the UHI Paddlesports club.

The sessions will run from 6.30pm until 8.30pm for 5 Tuesday evenings starting on 28th April 2015.  The cost for the block is £25 and this also includes 2015 membership of Nevis canoe Club.

Please note that places are limited and that a Nevis Canoe Club Membership form must be filled in and payment made prior to the first session.

To book or for any enquiries, email neviscc@hotmail.co.uk

These sessions are for adults only or for older teenagers accompanied by parents or guardians.  To enquire about sessions for juniors, please contact High Life Highland on 01397 700927