Day 6 Stonehaven to Cove Bay leader Stu Mair 22nd July
Yet another calm day! – how did we manage a whole week of great weather in NE Scotland?
Set off from Stonehaven harbour which is just about as good a put in as you can get. 20m to water on firm sand, coffee shop, ice cream shop, and loos all to hand in a picturesque wee harbour. Shame about the pile driver though.
Set off north across the bay which was about the first time on the entire trip that we had been on open water. Rejoining the coast, the coastline became more interesting as we moved north with the varying geology along the way giving us differing patterns of rock gardens and cave structures to explore. Reckon this would have been great fun with a wee bit of swell running and well scary with a bit more.
Lunch was in a pretty cove where the local fishermen winch their boats some 50m up a 35 deg bank, presumably to get them above the impact zone in rough weather. We did happen to get a demo of this as a fishing boat came in while we were scoffing. Looked a bit precarious but seemed to work – still seemed to be a good idea to move boats though.
Those guarding the boats during the shuttle (and mention must be made re the heroic efforts of the shuttle drivers for the week) were provided with some entertainment watching car drivers attempting 18 point turns on the jetty or struggling to reverse up the hill on the single track road. Seems to be that if you want to develop high speed reversing skills you need to spend 30yrs driving fire engines!
Day 5 Inverbervie to Stonehaven Ian McCreerie 21st July
Short Straw Thursday 🙄
My turn to herd the cats today
The day was expected to be a little more breezy today with a bit of a swell coming in for the paddle up the East coast from Inverbervie up to Stonehaven.
All craft lined up on the stony Beach awaiting the shuttle bunnies to return. When all present it was a great seal launch for 7 out of 8 guess the one that didn’t?
Heading out after the Launch and although a little cooler than previous day perfectly nice and apart from a little blowy around the first headland it turned into a fine kayaking day.Not sure if this was a “seal of approval” or more like “who do you think you are intruding on our patch!”More “Herding of cats” one minute they’re all there then the continuing interest distracts someone !
Well these little fellas are usually difficult to snap with a small camera not this one however on closer inspection I don’t think this one was long for this world, avian flu perhaps
Do we have take off maybe? However it transpired that this one was witnessed by Sten not getting lift off instead flying into a huge rock☹ but happily swimming away after the encounter
In Tremuda Bay Stuart had a little foray into a large cave followed by me in we went just as it got darker and darker a glimmer of light emerged around a turn for us to follow it led us right through the cliffs it was like emerging from a railway tunnel fantastic cave never before have I paddled through such a sea cave.
Catching up with those cats that wandered off, Mike and Pete, when told of the experience had to turn back to see what they had missed.
We were welcomed Into Stonehaven harbour by the deafening noise of sheet piling of the harbour walls noise you could feel.
Yet another longer day (11.95 Miles & five and a half hours) on the water on coastline that keeps giving, Now the wait for the shuttle.
The cats to be herded, Sten, Angela, Pete, Linda, Stuart, Mark (can I have a lift with my fragile boat), Mike.
Day 4 CullyKhan Bay to Macduff leader Mike Hayward 20th July
Well there only so much wow you can take in during one day. So Stu Mike and Sten decided to revisit Troup head. Starting from a CullyKhan Bay near Pennan and then onto to MacDuff.
Again the magnificent conglomerate cliffs frequented by professions gulliemots and kittiwakes.
Then at Troup head oodles of gannets added to the throng.
A sensory blast of numbers, squawks, guano and hot sun, can only be recommended.
A gently swell brought inquisitive baby seals close!
A few sea birds were easily approached as they suffered from bird flu, soon to end up with hundreds of others washed up on local beaches.
From Gardenstown past the Head of Garness and beyond high reefs hid narrow gaps, making route finding and rock dodging superb.
Day 3 Rosehearty to Gardenstown Sten Sture 19th July
19 km trip, paddling East to West with the tide along the coast, from the harbour at Rosehearty around Troup Head to the beach at Gardenstown. There was a noticeable head wind touching F3 for the first 5km as we followed the coast SW. Once we made it to the cliffs we were sheltered from the south and there was negligible wind and swell for the rest of the trip. The scenery was worthy of a Lord of the Rings film set.
The sea bird colonies were spectacular to see, hear and smell. Most abundant were the kittiwakes and gannets.
Paddlers for the day were Linda, Pete, Angela, Sten, Mark, Mike and Ian
Day 1 Sandend to Portessie leader Mark Gledhill 17th July
I decided as it was my first away trip with the LCC when discussing who would lead each trip I’d go first, so no pressure. Unfortunately my plans were scuppered when a change in weather next morning meant swapping destinations.
The new start point was on the Moray coast at Sandend so the shuttle was set up as we were to finish at Portessie 10 miles West. The conditions were quiet no real swell or wind to speak of.
The eight of us launched at 11:40. As the height of the cliffs increased we came across the first of many impressive castles perched in improbable positions on the cliff edge, this was Findlatter castle .
Next a detour into Cullen harbour, home of Cullen Skink. Back out across the bay to the trip highlight Bow and Fiddle rock an impressive arch just offshore.
Bow and Fiddle rock
Continuing west we came across more of the old fishing ports Portknockie , Findochty separated by cliffs and skerries loaded with seabirds. Just before landing at Portessie we had a display from the resident Moray dolphins a great way to finish an excellent trip.
Having advertised the trip for a maximum of six it was a very small group of members that made the decision to do it. With just two of us attending (me and Annette) the logistics of travel were easy to arrange and we got to the public slipway at Largs Yachthaven in plenty of time for a 6pm launch. The biblical rain on the M74 providing lively conversation about what it would be like on the water!
The evening paddle over to the south end of Bute was planned to be a with tidal assistance through the Fairlie Roads and between Great and Wee Cumbrae. This proved to be the case and the rain held off to give a pleasant evening, all be it with not too much sun.
Landing at Glencallum Bay was always going to be interesting given that the tide was at its lowest. At low tide the water drops below the sandline and the landing becomes rocky, fortunately very little swell made the rocks at low tide manageable. Tents up quickly and we soon got fed and settled in before the forecast rain started around 10pm, after a walk up the headland to see the non-existent sunset.
An early start was planned on Saturday to get away whilst the tide was still on the sandy part of the beach, the tide beat us to it and a bit of quick kayak loading was needed to get floating, without damage to the boats. Rounding Garroch Head we started north up the Sound of Bute towards Inchmarnoch. A brief chat with a fisherman who was doing the round of his pots was interesting and he showed us his catch of lobsters. At this point the sea state and wind was relatively calm and we benefited from the incoming tide flooding up the sound, however it started to get livelier from the west as we approached Inchmarnock. A swell and stiff breeze developed, blowing from between Skipness and Lochranza, and we were grateful for some calm as we came into the lee of the island. It didn’t take much persuasion to stop for a second breakfast at the landing point below Midpark. Here it was perfectly calm and we sat in the sun for 30 minutes enjoying a brew.
Heading north again, once past Inchmarnoch, we were back in the swell and wind but with the tide still assisting us we were soon into the calm waters in the Kyles. I have paddled this stretch north a few times and Tignabruaich in the distance always looked tantalising close, never seeming to get any nearer. This was to be the case again today although it never got too boring as we were kept on our toes dodging the yachts and motorboats coming at us from various directions.
I had planned form the outset to stop at the lifeboat station as there is a fine café next to it. With absolutely no convincing….Annette thought this a good idea also. As we were landing a call came over the radio that the Waverley was transiting the narrows (between Bute and Collintraive) which meant only one thing ..a hoard of people were soon to descend on the village. We quickly tied the boats up and dived in the café for a tasty soup and sandwich…highly recommended. Our timing was perfect with the steamer disgorging its day trippers into the village as we were leaving.
Having had such an early start we were able to spend some time with a leisurely exploration of Eileen Dubh and Loch Riddon (otherwise known as Loch Ruel). Despite the promise of otters in this area we were to be disappointed, I suspect because of the other human activities on the go at that time, but the scenery here in the Kyles is exceptional and with the sun and showers providing a very atmospheric backdrop.
From here we rode the tide back down the Loch and arrived at the planned campsite at Balnakailly Bay with plenty of time for supper, followed by a wee dram or two chatting round a fire and looking out over the Kyles to Burnt Islands and Collintraive.
I have been caught out in the middle of the Clyde before, with a strengthening southerly wind and tide, so with a wind warning for between 13.00 and 16.00 from the south we opted for another early start. This also made sure we missed the incoming tide through the narrows and we set off in calm conditions and a bit of sun. Cruising down the east shore looking for possible future campsites (no- we couldn’t see any it’s too congested with houses and farms) we reached Strone Point in good time, the wind starting to get up all the time from the northwest. At the mouth of Loch Striven we spent 10 minutes waiting for a commercial vessel to slowly edge its way up the loch with the incoming tide.
At this point the wind was backing to the south as forecast and we had a couple of short showers. Not wanting to get caught in the forecast strong southerly we took the decision to have a quick comfort break, at the beach past Toward Quay, and immediately head directly across the Clyde. Our decision appeared to be the right one, although the middle of the crossing was very choppy with confused swells and the wind veering from west to south, 2 hours saw us approaching Knock Castle just North of Largs without any drama. An easy cruise down the coast to the Yachthaven was made interesting by ferry dodging off the pier at Largs.
Altogether a very enjoyable weekend of paddling with interesting exploring.
An early misty morning brought 7 club sea kayakers to Roa Island. Sten was organising and leading so at 8.20 we all unloaded, packed and parked clear of the lifeboat station. The plan was outlined by Sten to JamesG, George, Annette, Ray, John and Shaw. The idea was a CCW circuit of Walney island with a high tide of 8.2m at 9.47 Barrow. We needed to be away by 8.45 to make best use of the tide and cross the meetings, so only 10 mins late we were crossing the channel as one to avoid any outgoing turbine boats. All was quiet, so once over the channel we followed the west side red markers with a steady tidal flow towards Barrow.
Under Victoria bridge by 10.00am, and time to slow down and enjoy the calm conditions and weak sunshine. Warming up nicely, cags were removed, and we drifted with the current past the meetings towards North End. Sten had a hatch full of half empty gas cartridges to use up, so regular tea breaks were called for. North End beach then for a brew and a snack. Relaxing on the stones, we discussed the lakeland hills slowly appearing from the mist, Black Combe dominates the scene.
George looking smug in his new boat.
James contemplates a paddle to Southport
Refreshed and ready for the seaward leg of the trip, decisions were made on how much clothing was required. We headed out of the channel towards a fairly calm sea. Hundreds of wind turbines in the mist and a cooling breeze as we headed west then south towards Earnse Bay. A perfect day for a paddle along the west coast of Walney. Our discussions on wind turbines concluded that the onshore ones average about 2 megawatt and the offshore 6 megawatt. Time for another brew and lunch at 1.00pm on the sand bank near Bent How. As the sea retreated, another gas canister was emptied and lunch was enjoyed in sunshine. The wind was dropping and the sea was mirror calm. Perhaps a perfect day to paddle out to look at the turbines, at 10 miles each way, perhaps one for another day!
Walney brew2
We headed south with the occasional seal for company towards our last stop of the day at the South End groyne with views of Blackpool tower peeping out from the mist. James contemplated paddling home to Southport as the sea was so calm.
Mirror calm sea off Walney
Walney channel and Black Combe.
With Sten now out of gas, we headed off on the last leg of the trip past the seal colony surfing on the wash from returning Turbine maintenance boats. Piel island in sight, we raced the island ferry back to Roa island jetty, taking care as we crossed the channel to avoid any incoming ‘big boats’. All ashore by 4.30pm. About 6hours on the water for the round trip. A great day to circle Walney, with thanks to Sten for organising and leading us. We didn’t trouble J W’s record time of 2.50.32 but I bet we had a better time!
Annette kindly organised a paddle on Friday 8th July starting from Fell Foot on Lake Windermere.
Joining Annette were John and Jan paddling a tandem kayak, John and myself. The plan being to paddle to Ferry Nab at Bowness and return to Fell Foot, which we successfully completed as planned in spite of the quite windy conditions, gusting at Force 4.
As the wind forecast was for westerlies and likely to back to southerlies the collective decision was to paddle up the east side of the lake, taking advantage of a following wind, and returning on the west side to gain some shelter provided by the hills. This in fact proved to be the wisest decision.
On route to Bowness we had a mainly westerly wind backing to a southerly wind due to the hills and valleys creating variable winds as is usual on our lakes. With a mainly following wind we made good progress, the waves building at times, surfing a little, or was it more like a surge, made for a more interesting paddle than had it been calm. Also good for my development as I need to practice in varying conditions and not just paddle in calm water.
We were accompanied by two Euro Fighters (Typhoons) flying up and down the lake a number of times, which is unusual as they normally fly from south to north and I have never seen them fly up and down as we observed on Friday. They also carried out manoeuvrers over the hills north of the lake. Pulling very tight turns, quite impressive, however one had to bear in mind what it is they were practising! Sad really we are over two decades into the 21st Century and still we are spending inordinate amounts of money on the military.
We stopped for a quick coffee and snack at Storrs Point in the shelter of the viewing point. Standing in the lake whilst I was taking a picture of our break I stupidly stepped backwards, as you do when taking a picture, promptly tripping over a boulder in the water and entertaining the others by falling in the water. Could this be considered a capsize?
Following our break we continued paddling towards the ferry at Ferry Nab. The wind dropped to almost nothing and Annette commented maybe the wind will veer to the north enabling an easier return paddle, and miraculously it did in fact do that. I thought Annette was possessed of some special powers to complement her paddling skills. However the northerly was short lived and normalised to a westerly backing southerly wind.
Keeping clear of the car ferry we crossed over to the west side of the lake and stopped for lunch on the small island adjacent to Ferry House. We watched the various ferries going about their business during our short lunch and coffee. Launching again we headed south into the wind, probably gusting to a force 4. Keeping to the west side of the lake in the lee of the hills, as planned, trying to avoid the worst of the wind we slogged south passing many boat houses! For someone a year into kayaking, paddling into the wind proved hard work, but rewarding, not as hard as the Duddon trip at least we didn’t have to contend with wind over tide!!
We returned without incident, apart from my vertical capsize, to Fell Foot. The day had turned out better than anticipated with sunshine most of the trip, the wind conditions providing an interesting paddle. Thanks to Annette for organising a paddle at short notice, we had a very enjoyable paddle in good company.
Lakeland Canoe Club 