To build up our paddling fitness again, Jaap, our neighbour Lucy and me planned a 3 day kayak expedition to the Isle of Skye in the weekend of the 14th of May. The whole week it had been stunning weather with temperatures of about 20 C (at least on the West coast, not with us unfortunately!) and wall to wall sunshine. However, change was on its way so we worked out a few options. Initially we planned to go round Neist point and then explore Wiay Island.
We first stocked up our supplies in Broadford and enjoyed a delicious (late) breakfast at
Cafe Sia. The moment we left Broadford, the only road leading to our destination closed down (and would be for several hours) due to a severe road accident. Change of plan; our new launch point would be Elgol. We did a trip from here almost 3 years ago (
http://fenfolio.blogspot.co.uk/2013/06/kayak-skye.html). It was wonderful to be here again, in beautiful weather (again!) and Lucy had never paddled here before so we could show her the way.
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| Launch at Elgol ©Fenfolio2016 |
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| Launch at Elgol ©Fenfolio2016 |
With a head wind of 4 (gusts up to 5) from the North East we first made our way into Loch Scavaig and the start of Loch Coruisk with stunning views to the Cuillin mountains.
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| Paddling in front of The Cuillins ©Fenfolio2016 |
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| Jaap on Loch Scavaig ©Fenfolio2016 |
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| Sky, mountain and bothy ©Fenfolio2016 |
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| Approaching Loch Coruisk ©Fenfolio2016 |
Early in the evening we arrived on headland Rhubha an Dunain where we wanted to set camp (like last time). Unfortunately we couldn't land from the North due to the wind and lumpy sea so we decided to get out on the South side of the headland instead. There was plenty of space to pitch our tent but it took some time to found the least windy spot!
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| Our campsite at Rhubha an Dunain ©Fenfolio2016 |
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| View towards Rum and Canna ©Fenfolio2016 |
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Lucy using her petrol stove in prep for her Greenland trip
©Fenfolio2016 |
Overnight the wind died down completely and with a clear sky it was surprisingly cold. Unfortunately there was no firewood to be found here so we wore all our layers and down jacket (me also in bed!).
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| Calm but very cold night ©Fenfolio2016 |
The next day we explored this fascinating headland. There are some really interesting historic sites here such as a dun, chambered cairn and an ancient canal thought to be built by Vikings!
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| Exploring Rhubha an Dunain ©Fenfolio2016 |
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| Jaap on ancient dun ©Fenfolio2016 |
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| Picture perfect view to Rum and Canna ©Fenfolio2016 |
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| Lucy exloring chambered cairn ©Fenfolio2016 |
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| Ancient canal ©Fenfolio2016 |
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| Happy girls ©Fenfolio2016 |
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| Ruins from a house ©Fenfolio2016 |
Once we had packed all our stuff we paddled back through Soay Sound. Suddenly a large group of feeding seabirds got our attention. At closer inspection we saw about 8 harbour porpoises joining the feeding party!
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| One of the many harbour porpoises ©Fenfolio2016 |
The coastline was stunning here, showing off its perfect geological features.
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| Beautiful coloures and textures ©Fenfolio2016 |
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| Dykes and sills of igneous rocks ©Fenfolio2016 |
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Dykes and sills of igneous rocks ©Fenfolio2016
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Late in the evening we set camp on the Isle of Soay, near Loch Doire an Lochain on the smaller part of the island. The weather was still fantastic, making our bedroom window view spectacular!
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| Our campsite on Isle of Soay ©Fenfolio2016 |
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| Our campsite on Isle of Soay ©Fenfolio2016 |
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| Another beautiful calm but very cold night ©Fenfolio2016 |
Luckily there was plenty of firewood to be found here and we made ourselves comfortable behind big rocks sheltered from the wind.
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| Fireman ©Fenfolio2016 |
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| Cosy fire ©Fenfolio2016 |
The next day we explored the island of Soay and in particular the derelict shark factory, started by author Gavin Maxwell. Many basking sharks were processed here for their oil just after WW2. It is now mainly used by local fishermen where they keep their crails.
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| Derelict shark factory on Soay ©Fenfolio2016 |
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| Nature taking over ©Fenfolio2016 |
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| Crails ©Fenfolio2016 |
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| Sea still life ©Fenfolio2016 |
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| Beached vintage video recorder ©Fenfolio2016 |
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| Greylag goose eggs ©Fenfolio2016 |
Hopefully many more mini expeditions like this will come this season!
