8 members: Celia, Ewen, James, Kathrine, Mairi, Mark, Arran, Noelle
Written by Noelle
What an intro! This was my first camping trip with DCKC and my first time out on the water in a Force 4. Having a swell of over 1 metre as well certainly added to the adventure, not forgetting the sailing boat race (across our route), the beautiful porpoises, the otter, buzzards, an eagle, terns and the Scarecrow competition.
Three of us, Celia, Mairi and Noelle, arrived early on Friday evening with enough time for a walk to Ballachuan Loch and the woodland by Port Mor.
With the vans and tents sorted, the last 2 tents pitched in the near dark, everyone tried to get a good sleep in the wild, wet and windy night, dreaming of our planned clockwise circumnavigation of Seil.
The morning came dry and warm and the team assembled by the calm, sheltered launch point ready to paddle at 10am. Celia wisely took us to the lookout point where we all got a view of the white horses, eddies, boils and swell in Cuan Sound . Paddling up the sheltered Seil Sound suddenly became a much more attractive plan. Circumnavigation of Seil Island seemed unlikely but wasn’t ruled out. Celia suggested after the bridge, we could ‘pop out’ round the headland to ‘have a look’, as the wind was predicted to drop after midday.
The tidal stream was running North in Cuan Sound but we were able to ‘eddy hop’ round the south end of Seil onto easy water. We had a beautiful, sunny, sheltered 8km paddle to Clachan Bridge – The Bridge Over the Atlantic.
We stopped for lunch after James photographed our efficnet ‘V” shaped paddling formation, not quite as good as the geese but let them try it in kayaks! We continued our aqua acrobatics after lunch with a star performance Over The Atlantic.
Inspired by the high standard of team work we ventured north and ‘popped out’ to try paddling into the wind; around Rubha Garbh Airde then SW to the tiny and very welcome shelter just before Rubha Lagain Aillidh in the Sound of Insh.
As if the conditions weren’t entertainment enough, we met the first leg of the sailing race as the line of black sails passed between us and Insh Island. Rounds of jelly babies, fizzy sweets and more, then we were off again, full of enthusiasm for the 1-meter swell and the side wind, and well-practised by then at staying close together.
What a joy! Definitely the most challenging and exciting conditions ever paddled in for me and for some others. I was so glad to be part of a tight team, when I could see them, as we dipped and surfed in the rolling swell.
Soon we were at Easdale for a lovely walk round the village and a chance to stretch hard worked muscles before the last leg to Cuan Point. The decision was made to cross the Sound for more eddy hopping and a ferry glide back to the campsite. (22km).
Dinner and stories were enjoyed by all before the few drops of rain started and we all happily, made our ways to our beds, dreaming of tea and cake in Cullipool on Luing for Sunday in the gentler conditions forecast.
Another change of plans after Celia had a walk to the lookout. Stronger winds ruled out the west side of Luing so we headed south between Torsa and Luing across the farmer’s boulders’ gap, and on to Shuna and James’ childhood holiday memories. This crossing, when we weren’t dodging the 70-strong yacht regatta, this time with their colourful spinnakers tight full of wind, gave me over 2 km of forward paddling coaching from Celia and James, much needed and much appreciated. Thank you both.
Snacks on Shuna then more sail dodging and back up the east side of Luing where we watched a small pod of porpoises play right in front of us.
We continued round the north end of Torsa, otter spotting en route, then onto Eilean Fraoch for lunch. The last bit of fun and games was practising breaking in and out of the flow before heading back to Cuan campsite to pack away dry tents and freshly washed wet gear. (~14km)
Over the weekend at various times, Celia talked us through her tidal planning notes, patiently answering everyone’s questions, an excellent learning opportunity for me.
A thoroughly great time was had by all. Thank you, Celia, for sharing your knowledge, experience and this part of the west coast with us.