Balmaha Away-Day, Tuesday 25 August 2026
Leader: Amanda. – Report by: Mags & Hannah
Amanda asked us to write this trip report as newcomers to the club. This will probably be our first and last as little does she know we have nae idea of what makes a good trip report but here goes!!!
In case you haven’t met us, we started in the club in May and have been regulars most Tuesdays at Drumkinnon Bay, loving the loch paddles and microsessions. We also attended a couple of 2nd Saturday paddles which we also really enjoyed. The Away Day from Balmaha to Inchcailloch Island was the perfect way to wrap up a great summer on the loch before we all launch into the pool sessions in Clydebank.
We met at the Balmaha Visitor Centre car park where we found out the parking is free after 5.30pm – Result!! Though high winds were forecast, the weather luckily settled right before we launched.
We had a fantastic turnout of 26 paddlers, split into smaller groups, each looked after by our trusty leaders. After a short, scenic paddle around the island, we landed on the beach which was all set up ready and waiting for us. A lovely lit bonfire and the delicious cooking smell luring us into the picnic area to tuck into the BBQ food, homemade soup and treats our chefs, who had arrived earlier, had prepared for us. It was the perfect chance to relax, chat, and watch the sun go down.
The island is known as the “Island of the Veiled Woman” named after St Kentigerna, an 8th-century Irish missionary who settled on the island to live as a hermit. Famous for its nature reserve, there are also ancient church ruins, and forest walks, although we have to admit, this time we were more interested in paddling onto the beach to fill our faces!
We then all donned our head torches and paddled back to Balmaha in the moonlight. This was definitely a new and exciting experience for many of us and everyone thoroughly enjoyed it.
Thank you again to Amanda who co-ordinated the trip, all who went early to the island to set up and of course the paddle leaders who kept us safe on the water and guided us safely home.
You can see more pictures in the Smugmug album on the club website. (See About Us/Gallery.)
