Circuit of Applecross Peninsula 31 July – 02 Aug 2015

The pictures in no way describe this trip accurately!

With wet and windy conditions there was much thought and discussion on Friday evening as to whether we should even attempt this trip or not. However, as time passed the wind abated slightly so we decided to set off. Conditions were fairly lumpy and wet, but we all made it. The advance party arrived at the Uags bothy at about 10pm, but the later party arrived in the dark with a head torch light from the bothy guiding them in. Conditions were much the same on Saturday with a spell of spectacularly heavy rain and a strong tail wind. A very welcome stop was made at the Applecross Inn for lunch, where we were welcomed despite all being dripping wet. The afternoon was much the same and with a few capsizes in the difficult conditions (all expertly rescued by Gillian and Brian) and so we decided to land and camp slightly short or our intended location. Tents were erected quickly and people were able to change into dry clothing and warm up. Constant showers interrupted our attempts to socialise so an early night was had by all. At last we saw some sunshine on Sunday. The wind was lighter so the sea much calmer – but we had to head into the wind now so the paddling was harder work. We were rewarded with spectacular views of the Torridon hills as we made our way to Shieldaig. One final haul of all the kit and boats up to the shore, collection and loading of the cars and, after refreshments in the hotel we were ready for the long wet drive home.

This was an exhilarating and challenging weekend for many of us but a great time was had by all. Many thanks to the organisers and to the more experienced paddles for looking after us.

Left to right in the group photo are Colin, Naomi, Chris, Oliver, Elizabeth, Charlotte, Peter, Gillian, Ken, Steve and Brian. 

4th Aug Tues Eve paddle

In spite of the wind - a vigourous SW with quite a few white horses - a party of 6 (Peter, Charlotte, Oliver, Naomi, John and Paul) set off from Caol beach. We managed across to the an Caol island which gave shelter from the waves but not much from the wind (enough to keep two windsurfers happy). Then on the rising tide we just managed to get across the shallows to the mouth of the Lochy. We paddled up the Lochy as far as the railway bridge. Coming back the conflict between river current, tide and wind made for some interesting ferry glides. Thankfully by the time we returned along the beach the wind had died - slightly!

28 July -Tuesday paddle Loch Linnhe

A good turn out, Paul,Tina, Tracy Chris, Naomi, Oliver, Peter, Charlotte, Ken  & Liz.
From the picnic site we went north to Corrychurrachan (not a lot happening here) then to the Black Rock - no seals! Weather slightly damp and flat calm, ideal for the midges but not at sea. We headed across to Inverscaddle Bay and then as far as we could up the river, needs a spring tide to get to the road bridge. Drifted back down the river and after a brief stop to conquer Eilean nan Gal back to the picnic site

July 21st Tues Eve paddle - Balnagowan

"July 21st Tuesdays evening paddle from Cuil Bay out to Eilean Balnagowan.

Eight paddlers from the Club, Paul Biggin, Ron Cameron Tracy Jeffrey,
Naomi,Charlotte and Peter Hatto, Oliver Millington and Colin T made the trip
out to Eilean Balnagowan. Despite the recent poor and unpredictable weather
we had a fine evening paddle, nearly summer like! Sunshine, dramatic
darkening skies and Ron chasing rainbows to guide us back to Cuil Bay. Lots
of seals were seen around the island and a few caught a brief sighting of an
otter."

4th July Club Trip Oich and Garry

 Last Saturday saw a record 10 folk set off down the River Oich on a Nevis Canoe Club trip.  Lindsay, Cat, Seonaid, Andrew, Bridget, Kate, Jacob, Colin, Martin and Simon all launched into the canal and paddled to the top of the river at the outflow from Loch Oich.  Initially excitement was provided by the weir at the start of the river.  Successfully negotiated by all it was time to tackle the riffles and rapids of the river.  One small mishap, and a couple of hours later saw us arrive in Loch Ness.

After a sumptuous afternoon tea at the Invergarry House Hotel, Ali joined the group for a run down the River Garry.  Whilst some of the group chose the scenic route along the bank, others decided to swim the river, with the remaining group members deciding to stay in their boats - a true multisport day!

Loch Nan Uamph

In the end the 9 went out on a fine warm "Summer" evening, a few showers to
start with and some fresh gusts blowing through.
Loch nan Uamh , Paddled round the shore into Loch Beag and along shore line
returning to the cars at 2130. Lots of seals spotted in and out of the
water. Bonus was NO midges when we got out thanks to the breeze.

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