Return to Bracadale...

Tuesday morning saw me return to Camas Ban on Loch Bracadale. With only two out of three Islands visited last time it left me with unfinished business.

The forecast was good today but I kinda knew to expect lively conditions on the South side of Wiay as its vertical butrusses stood tall against South Westerly wind.
In the lee of the Islands the waters were still & only stirred from their slumber further offshore.

Moments after this image I was treated to a fleeting glimpse of a Sea Eagle, its distinctive white tail giving away its identity. What a treat!

Looking Between Harlosh Island & The Mainland...

Harlosh Skerry...

Harlosh Skerry...

Wiay coming into view as I round the tip of Harlosh Island. It got a little choppier on the south side as the sea started to feel the wind. Some playful clapotis kicked out some waves that gave a gentle surf away from the cliffs.

 Looking back from Camas Na Cille on Wiay after an uneventful crossing.

Leaving the calm of Camas Na Cille I'm a little apprehensive as I've a good idea what to expect on the South side, I'm always a little more cautious when paddling solo but I still like to play.

Yep, kinda what I was expecting. It was like crossing a busy road nearer the South cliffs with waves coming from both directions. It certainly wasn't huge, just lively & I was enjoying myself.

Rock-hopping heaven though its a little too bouncy to pop my skirt & get my helmet out, (Oooer, suits you sir!).

Better not capsize with no helmet on. I rode a swell through & made a lovely scraping sound as I slid over a shallow rock :O
Good job My kayaks plastic.

 Island number three, Tarner Island.

I decide to skip the usual beach landing & look for a rock on the North side to land on.

This'll do, not a rock as it's part of the Island but a good a place as any for a coffee.

Feeling very happy with my day's adventure I head back to my van to put my feet up :)

Distance 9.5 Nautical Miles (11 Statute)...

Two Out Of Three Ain't Bad...

Hmmm, so I'm in Scotland, the Isle of Skye to be precise & I need to find a location to paddle? Well a quick look at the map to plan some Island hopping seems the way to go & I spot this beauty in Loch Bracadale. After looking at the map I then check my Scottish Sea Kayak guide book to see if there's more info & luckily there is & it looks bloody awesome!

The plan is to paddle out of the beach at Camas Ban & paddle out to Harlosh Island, then onto Wiay Island & finally Tarner Island. Looking forward to this despite the 'Michael Fish' weather report. clear blue sky's & 5mph wind my arse, it was f 3-4 with a moderate sea state out of the shelter of the Islands?
Not what I was expecting.

First stop, Harlosh Island.

Back in the boat & as I left the shelter of Harlosh Island I started to hit the wind & swell. Some swell's not far off 2 metres high so after a little umming & ahh'ing I regretfully decide against going to Wiay & turn right to do a loop around Harlosh.

I then set course for Tarner Island with the imposing Cuillin mountains as a backdrop.

Hmmm, coffee stop I think.

I think Paddling with Sam & Mike in cornwall made my snickers bars & powerade's look rubbish when they had pasta meals & hot drinks.

Must say it makes stopping much nicer:)

I found a nice rock hop here that I had to ride through on a swell & enjoyed as few runs before an Otter spotting distracted me. It was only a brief glimpse but unmistakeable.

Heading back to Harlosh Island.

A quick wonder around the Island & some more coffee before I head back.

This is a really awesome paddle & I hope to return here before I leave Skye & do all three Islands next time...