By Martin Kendall
Friday 8th July saw a group of ten take to the roads and head to Tayvallich, Argyll & Bute for a three-day kayak/camping expedition. Everyone arrived at the campsite Friday lunchtime with the idea of fitting in an afternoon paddle up Caol Scotnish and round to the Fairy Isles. Tents were set up in the campsite and the kayaks were deployed from the shore at Tayvallich where we headed north into Caol Scotnish which is a narrow stretch of water approximately 4km to the bay end. En route the group stopped on one of the very small islands (Eilean na Circe) which has the remnants of a fortified dwelling on it. The group kept an eye out for interesting wild and marine life and a pair of Ospreys were spotted with one carrying a large fish it had just caught. We then tracked back down this stretch of water and headed northeast to the Fairy Isles. As it was low tide, large areas were not accessible due to the very shallow water and mud plains around. Several pairs of seals were spotted, typically an adult female with a young pup nearby. Following a meander around the Fairy Isles the group paddled back to Tayvallich. The group paddled approximately 14 kms on the water. Onshore and back at the camp the kayaks were recovered from the water and the group got spruced up for an evening meal in the only village pub. Following good food and chat the group retired for the night where the drizzle prevailed and but the promise of a brighter day in the morning.
Day 2 began with everyone packing up camp and getting everything ready to pack the kayaks for the overnight trip away. The intention was to travel north to the Fairy isles (this time with higher water and better accessibility around the isles area) then a paddle heading south to Linne Mhuirich where there was expected to be plenty to see in the shallows including starfish and various underwater vegetation. The final destination of the day was to camp somewhere further south down Loch Sween. The Fairy Isles were indeed more accessible, and the group explored the various channels around that stretch of water before heading south down Loch Sween to Linne Mhuirich. Travelling down Loch Sween we pulled the boats onto the shore for our first lunch near to the ruins of an old mill – worth a visit with lots of poetry and artwork. Following the break, we then headed south in calm conditions down into Linne Mhuirich where we meandered up this stretch of water before stopping for our second lunch. Many brittle star fish and various types of seaweed were seen in the clear shallow waters. It was decided we would then head south down towards the Island of Danna where we would look for a suitable campsite for the night. Progress was good and we eventually ended up at the southern point of the island and paddled into a scenic south facing sandy and rocky bay which looked like an ideal site to camp for the night.
With camp set up and everyone fed we lit a campfire although wood was scarce, one of the group (thanks Donald!) had brought along coal bricks that were shared amongst the group before travelling. Blood orange gin, red wine and a couple of drams were shared courtesy of Mark, Janice and Donald and a fine fire eased us into dusk as seals played in the bay. The day had been predominantly dry with a somewhat dull grey sky, but easy conditions saw the group paddle just over 24 kms through the course of the day. A brighter sunny day beckoned for day 3.
Day 3 was indeed brighter with the sun showing itself during breakfast and packing up camp. By 9.30am the group were ready to hit the water where the plan was to head back north up Loch Sween stopping off to have a stroll round Castle Sween, after a 3K paddle on very calm waters we arrived at the static home site at Castle Sween where we had a meander around the castle and learnt some if its history from the posted information boards. By this time the sun was out, and it was starting to feel pretty warm. The next stage was to paddle north to Eilean Loain Island for lunch, following a short break on the island we then paddled north to Achnamara on the northeast side of Loch Sween. We paddled up into the bay and beached near to the Clapper bridge (which is approximately 350 years old) that spanned the burn there. After a photo shoot and a dry suit dunk in the burn to cool-off the group hit the water for the final leg back to Tayvallich. Over the course of the day the group paddled just over 18 kms. Once back in Tayvallich the kayaks were recovered and loaded onto our vehicles ready for the journey home.
In summary, for my first club trip it was a great experience picking up tips and techniques from experienced members of the group and getting to know people that I did not know prior to the trip. The conditions were calm throughout the three days which led to relaxed paddling, we paddled approximately 56 kms over the three days. This was also my first trip where I packed my kayak for camping which is good to have under my belt where I know have a better idea of what can fit in my kayak for future trips. The trip was made possible thanks to Leigh’s organisation and planning and Bev’s leadership throughout the course of the trip, so a big thanks to both from the group.
We were sorry to miss Leigh and Lori due to Covid – next time guys!
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