Saturday 20 February 2010

Kerrera kayaking

I had a day trip to Oban today. It's a bit bonkers going so far from here in a day, but the forecast was perfect and the tides just right for a trip round Kerrera.



It was minus 5 here in Markinch, and by the time my boat was on the roof and the car defrosted my hands were a bit painful to say the least. I was in Perth before my left thumb recovered. Crianlarich was minus 8, and even the beach at Ganavan was minus 3. Temperatures like these seem to be getting normal this winter. It did make for a scenic journey though, hill walking today would have been perfect. Loch Awe was covered in ice floes, and Loch Etive nearly distracted me from Oban.
I set off from Ganavan sands just north of Oban. I'd hoped for some help from the tide, but it was barely moving. First stop was Little Horseshoe Bay.





There were otters playing about- they didn't seem too shy.
From there it's a short haul to the lovely southern shore, where the highlight is the MacDougall stronghold of Gylen Castle. It's a stunning setting with a fantastic seascape view of Seil, Scarba, Jura and the Garvellachs.




There were a surprising number of walkers for such a remote spot.
The weather to the south was beginning to look a bit threatening, so I didn't hang about too much heading back up the west side.



I just kept up with the sun on the way back to Ganavan.

1 comment:

  1. Liz Bibby,Fife30 July 2010 at 18:05

    Hi ,Ian.
    have just been chatting to Lesley,and she gve me your blog address.Looks fun!
    Last time but one I saw you was at Shenavall Hogmanay!!
    Myself and some Corriemulzie have just got sea kayaks and are enjoying getting out and about on the West coast(mainly)Off to Mull in August.
    best wishes,
    Liz

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