The Oa of Islay (3 potential dates)

Perhaps the finest sea kayak ‘day trip’ from Glasgow.  A grade C paddle that has been programmed across three separate Fridays to allow any one of these days to be selected in the days prior with a good forecast.  Note there will be no Plan B or Cs so make your own alternative plans if it does not run.

Logistically this a relatively ambitious plan which involves making the ferry from Kennacraig at 7am and then again at Port Ellen at 5pm for the return journey to back on Friday evening for the weekend.  It also requires good conditions (hence the programmed three dates) and tidal considerations to work (given the Mull (fore-head) of Oa itself can see a 5-6kt spring rate (localised).  This is programmed for late winter early spring, and so particular attention should be paid to being properly equipped.

Notes:

1. We will be aiming to take just enough transport over to Islay to carry all the kayaks and no more.  As always vehicles which can take more than two kayaks will be extremely useful.
2. Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays are the only times that work for this trip in terms of Ferry times.  Tidal considerations
3. The Jan > March Kennacraig > Port Ellen Calmac timetable has not bene published yet – this trip has been planned on the basis the Friday ferries will continue as the previous winter timetable months – something which will need to be confirmed.