Loch Dunvegan to Stein

We headed across to Dunvegan to stay at Kinloch campsite at the head of the Loch. The campsite is great with a fantastic view. This was the second time we had stayed at this campsite. The first time we attempted this trip we could not get the kayaks off the roof for the wind so we were back to avenge our disappointment.

 We decided to launch just up from Dunvegan Castle, leaving one of the vehicles at Stein for the end. There are many seal boats that operate in this area and it was easy to see why with many seals being spotted along the way. The wildlife haven of Gairbh Eilein was the first place to explore.

The next place we headed for was Eilean Dubh before heading north up the Loch. The wind was picking up and making the Loch quite choppy.

We arrived at Lampay with the coral beach in sight. The colour of the water was stunning and the coral was spectacular. It was an ideal place to stop but we certainly were not on our own with many walkers around.

 It was time to get the kettle on and take in the view that was stunning even on a grey windy day. We were unsure about heading to Islay and Mingay. The wind was certainly increasing and in a double the effect of the wind can certainly be felt.

Neil Brewing up

H enjoying the Coral

We decided to head to Islay and Mingay hoping that the North side of the Island will offer some shelter. The remains of the Old house on Islay was the scene of a gruesome massacre in the 16th Century over an inheritance dispute.

A little visitor off Lampay

The paddle around the East side of Clett and back to Islay was tough and quite choppy at times. We paddled hard and sheltered in the lea of the mainland before heading across to Stein. We were a little worried about the cross wind but aimed high and reached the pier with little issue. It was the last paddle of what had been a fantastic trip. Scotland truly is a magical place in a sea kayak and we were lucky to experience it for 6 full days!

Landing at Stein

Loch Bracadale

From the Summer Isles we were to stop off at Applecross and chill out for a couple of days whilst the weather turned back to the light winds we had been enjoying. A paddle to the Crowlin Islands was good but tough into a headwind. Nothing a good couple of nights in the Applecross Inn would not fix! Neil caught up with old friends and I had the pleasure and responsibility of removing a tick from H's leg! After two days we headed to the Isle of Skye and Loch Bracadale.

We launched at Camas Ban, Harlosh and the weather was not to disappoint! Excitement was building as we unloaded the boats and looked out into a spectacular view down Loch Bracadale.

We headed off exploring every nook and cranny along the way towards Harlosh Point. On the way we could hear a blow hole and it did not take us long before we found what was making all the noise!

We passed Harlosh Island which had been earmarked as a great brew stop on the way back. The plan was to circumnavigate Wiay Island. A2km crossing took us across to Camas na Cille where we landed for our first brew stop.

Crossing to Wiay Island

Extensive Cliffs

First Brew Stop

There have been no inhabitants on Wiay Island since 1890. On exploration we found the old ruins of houses. The view was stunning but there was still lots to see. We packed up and floated the boats out through seaweed and rocks that had been exposed by the out going tide.

The sea cliffs were spectacular and there was little swell to stop exploration. Neil and Jim stayed close to the coast ensuring that they made the most of every opportunity to explore. It wasn't long before we had rounded the South West side of Wiay into Geodha nan Faochag.

There are numerous inlets and caves to explore. There is a cave that is 59m big and they say it will house a family of giants! It is extremely dark and noisy! Neil and Jim dared to go in deep whilst in a double we backed in slowly to ensure we made a quick escape if needed!

Watching from a

We continued to explore the Island and head for Tarner Island. Along the way we encountered a natural sea arch and a few more caves. The scenery was spectacular and the camera did not get a rest!

A Natural Sea Arch

We decided to paddle the west side of Tarner Island and back across to Harlosh Island for a brew. The towering cliffs were changing constantly. All of a sudden we could hear splashing in the water, it turned out to be a shoal of fish. Heading back to Harlosh Island the light was fantastic showing off the golden white sand.

It was time to get the kettle on and enjoy the final brew stop of the trip. The beach that we landed on was awesome with bright white sand and a great bay in which to land. Evening was approaching and a campsite on Loch Dunvegan was calling. We packed up and headed back to the kayaks. Neil thought that it would be funny to put a sea urchin shell on my seat! I was not amused!

The Loch did not have a ripple on it and the paddle back was very tranquil. We rounded Harlosh Point and headed back to Camas Ban. The paddle was one of the best we had done with spectacular scenery every single paddle stroke of the trip!

Neil and Jim heading into Camas Ban