Myself, Anne and Alf headed out with the intentions of rounding the Isle of May however after a mile we turned towards creel due to the blustery conditions which were making life a tad more interesting than predicted. We followed the Fife Coastal path which runs the length of East Neuk.
Once we reached Creel the wind dropped and even though we were further away from out intended paddle we decide Isle of May it was! With a reasonable size swell and the sun at our backs we were looking up at the tall cliffs at Alterstanes watching the waves crashing of the rocks with quite a force, we paddled in and around the caves and stacks which are spectacular for such a small island. The name of the island comes from old Norse meaning Island of seagulls to which there is plenty ( where a hat and don’t look up!) Other species on the Island are 14 diferant kinds of seagulls,puffins,black legged kittiwakes, guillemots,shags,razorbills,fullmers,oystercatchers, elderduck,tern and gull. We headed around to the lighthouse to go for a well needed lunch only to meet by more crashing waves stopping up from landing so headed back to a more sheltered rocky bay only to be met by the Scottish Natural Heritage guy who surprisingly gave us a hand up the rocks with our kayaks 🙂 telling us to watch out for the camera’s if we needed to pee as they can zoom in quite a distance! (would need to eh Alf lol)
After lunch we had a quick look at the coal-fired light house which was considered at one time to be the best in existence and used 400 tons of coal per year! then headed back down to our kayaks (I found a ball which had Wilson written on it! Tom Hanks!!) paddling back into the setting sun in a much calmer sea state stopping for a gum and to let Anne catch up lol (Kidding Anne ) All init was a 28k trip of fighting the elements to enjoying the scenery and company. Here are some of the photo’s.
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