A 6am paddle to the Gantocks Lighthouse for sunrise. We were joined by the Disney cruise ship too 👍
Kayak
All posts tagged Kayak
Back in the Kayak 👍
With a forecast of calm waters and no precipitation, the kayak was loaded up to head to Colintraive for the start of the journey.
The Kyles of Bute is a stunning place to paddle and well frequented by numerous watercraft.
The Burnt Islands provide a great locus for the resident seals, they’re certainly not shy as the launch themselves to come and check you out! Perhaps keeping you company for a while too.
Once through the islands a crossing to Caladh Harbour is a must, the sheltered area used by yachts to drop anchor.
This crossing in particular was a tad misty yet still enjoyable.
Next stage was to head for Tighnabruaich where the community jetty provides the perfect stop off to visit the village. I opted to call into the cafe for a coffee and a generous portion of chocolate brownie, sheerly to restock on energy for the return leg.
The colourful village
Coffee and cake consumed it was time to return to Colintraive, the surrounding hills providing a stunning backdrop.
A wee stop off on Bute at the Kayak stop prior to Colintraive.
Well having picked up the new kayak on Sunday, a test was well overdue. Loch Eck was the ideal locus.
An 8 mile paddle, first paddle in a year. Never tire of Loch Eck!
Had to stop en route for a beach cleanse too! What is wrong with these people!!!
With the SIB sold, the garage had a void that needed filled. Not wanting to be completely off the water returning to a kayak was the choice.
A P&H Scorpio LV.
A longer and narrower boat than I’m used to so the initial trial will be ‘interesting’.
With the kayak sold,a replacement sourced, a family outing was on the cards. There was no better choice of location than the calm water of Loch Eck for the first family voyage.
Enjoying lunch as we cruised up and down the loch, passing several kayaks and fishermen on the shores. It was great to see so many people out enjoying the loch.
Despite the fact I’ve covered a few miles in my kayak over the last few seasons, I’ve actually never undertaken any kind of lessons.
After TSC ( Toward Sailing Club ) introduced a kayak section to their water based disciplines and started to offer a 6 week coaching block, I couldn’t let it pass me by.
Initial payment to join the club followed by a small fee gets you kitted out and ( includes Kayak, paddle, spray deck and buoyancy aid) on the water…. not forgetting expert tuition.
A bargain and great introduction to the sport.
This Thursday will be my first session, looking forward to getting on the water!!!
23.07.15………..1 of 6.
Boat familiarisation,ingress and egress, turning on the spot and a paddle to the other side of the bay. Excellent night and good to be out in company for a change.
Please click THIS LINK for a report of the first session of training by TSC.
First paddle of the season resulted in a camping trip to the West shore of Loch Eck.
Video of trip
After the mid week trip to Loch Etive. A paddle back in Cowal was required.
Ormidale to Bute was the choice for a morning paddle.
Although parking is limited at the end of the Ormidale road there was one space left.
Setting off from Ormidale through the moored yachts, sticking to the coastline down to the shelter of Caladh.
I spotted the Kayak stop off point on my way down. Initially I was going to paddle down towards Tighnabruaich then cross over to Bute, but in a moment of madness I set off straight for the landing spot on Bute.
A great location with shelter,place for a fire and a composting toilet. 5 star shoreside luxury !!
Stayed long enough to get a coffee on the go before returning via the same route.
Map of route
I’ve been unfaithful………I’ve been exploring other areas!!!
A wee mid week paddle to Loch Etive to visit and stay over at Cadderlie Bothy.
Launched at Taynuilt and headed on our 4 mile paddle. Tad on the windy side on the way out and the biggest waves I’ve encountered yet…..all good fun.
Fuel: Surrounding woodland.
Altitude: 17 mts
Bike friendly : 10/10
Pics from the trip……..
The paddle in
The Bothy
Paddle out
Saturday morning and again I was heading to Loch Eck. This time with a purpose…to find a spot for a nights camping. There’s a couple of large beaches on the Loch,but was looking for something different.
Also wanted to try out my new stove ( Vango Ultralite,73gms) ,have had it for ages and testing it in the garage just isn’t the same.
The beach has great views and usually has on side that’s sheltered from any wind, or the options to head into the trees.
After the beach stop I headed North to the River Cur just to give the arms a work out…….looks like alligator territory up there!!!!
Whilst paddling I did notice some areas of the dreaded Japanese Knotweed growing!!! Having received an email from a member of the local walking group to record any locations I got some pictures and reported back. Hopefully the organised group will be able to treat and eradicate the problem on the shores.
Looking forward to the next visit to this beach……maybe even with the tent.
Oh,almost forgot. 360 degree video of beach
Explore Cowal 