Sea Kayaking Raasay

It was time to make the most of the May bank holiday with as many sea kayaking trips we could fit in in 3 days! A quick paddle around Arisaig and then up to Skye for the sound of Raasay and Loch Scavaig the next day after. We decided to put in at Portree which was sheltered and provided easy access to the water. The weather was not perfect but with a Northerly wind we would just experience a bit of swell in the sound.

 

We watched a local fishing boat pass us out of the harbour and later on feed a sea eagle that was nesting just up to the left of this picture. The light was getting brighter as we headed up the coast of Skye. 

It became quite apparent that we would be faced with quite a large swell all the way across. It took some getting used to watching the group disappear behind a wall of water. However it could not have been that bad as the camera stayed out all the way across!! We decided to land on a stoney beach with a few breakers on, this was a good team effort to ensure both boats and paddlers were safe.

Neil who regularly disappeared behind the swell

As I have previously said there is nothing better than pulling up on a secluded beach for lunch and a cuppa. This was Raasay at it's best with plenty to explore. Out came the pocket rocket and the scene was set for lunch.

Once lunch was over it was time to explore the local beaches! We had spotted a sea arch and a few stacks on the way across that looked worth a look! We left Jim to take an afternoon nap in the sun while we went exploring.

The beach and light was spectacular with only wildlife for company. The camera did not stop snapping away looking at every angle for the perfect pic!!

A hidden gem

Once we were content with what we had seen we were off back to camp to pack up and head up the Raasay coast before turning back across the sound to Skye. Weather was looking good and the swell was at least consistent.

On the way back across to Skye I had spotted something in the water and so steered over to have a closer look. To my excitement it was a school of dolphins! We had never seen dolphins in the flesh before and to see them in this setting was something very special! Needless to say there were many pictures taken!

There is something very humbling about watching the old protect the young and a reminder that they are not that different from us!! 

They played around our boats for a while leaving us excited and very satisfied with yet another great day! It was back to Portree to find the tide had left us with a bit of a walk! Thank goodness for the invention of trolleys! 

In preparation for the next trip from Elgol the next day we had an overnight stay at Glen Sligachan campsite. It was a well deserved meal that had many exciting tales told about the day!!