After the sun blinding me, at about 10am, through the front window - blueksy and zero wind on the trees - I dropped the MTB wheel I was trying to fix (replacing the ball bearings in the hub) and scrubbed my hands and grabbed the canoe kit !
Although a snap decision, a good one.
A potted history of access issues - none for me on previous trips - but no fishing on a Sunday just now, let me think about checking out the full islands. As I passed -100m to the side of them - one boat with three fisherman, I heard them chatting about canoeists. SNH shut the Inchmaholme Priory ferry during the winter, so no one to ask me to (illegally) pay the £5 ferry fee to land on the island.
Launch beach - a few metres from the road.
Starting out Beach by Nick_Scots, on Flickr
The Lake, very peaceful. No Mary Queen of Scots or Robert the Bruce today ! The only noise at this point was hundreds of Geese. Noisy but floating around.
Lake of Menteith View by Nick_Scots, on Flickr
Just floating soaking up the views and sun by Nick_Scots, on Flickr
The Crannog Island just left of centre on the horizon.
View of the Lake of Menteith by Nick_Scots, on Flickr
Lunch stop on the Crannog Island.
Lunch stop on the Crannog by Nick_Scots, on Flickr
Inchmaholme Stop by Nick_Scots, on Flickr
Crusader cuppa tea.
Crusader Burner by Nick_Scots, on Flickr
Crusader Cup stove for a cuppa by Nick_Scots, on Flickr
Crannog Castle fireplace.
Crannog Castle Fireplace by Nick_Scots, on Flickr
Next stop, Inchmaholme Island and it's Priory ruins. Once, a home for Mary Queen of Scots.
Inchmaholme Priory by Nick_Scots, on Flickr
As I headed back, the air was cooling - I could see my breathe's vapour - but the sun was setting beautifully. A fitting end to a peaceful day.
Launch spot by Nick_Scots, on Flickr
Although a snap decision, a good one.
A potted history of access issues - none for me on previous trips - but no fishing on a Sunday just now, let me think about checking out the full islands. As I passed -100m to the side of them - one boat with three fisherman, I heard them chatting about canoeists. SNH shut the Inchmaholme Priory ferry during the winter, so no one to ask me to (illegally) pay the £5 ferry fee to land on the island.
Launch beach - a few metres from the road.
Starting out Beach by Nick_Scots, on Flickr
The Lake, very peaceful. No Mary Queen of Scots or Robert the Bruce today ! The only noise at this point was hundreds of Geese. Noisy but floating around.
Lake of Menteith View by Nick_Scots, on Flickr
Just floating soaking up the views and sun by Nick_Scots, on Flickr
The Crannog Island just left of centre on the horizon.
View of the Lake of Menteith by Nick_Scots, on Flickr
Lunch stop on the Crannog Island.
Lunch stop on the Crannog by Nick_Scots, on Flickr
Inchmaholme Stop by Nick_Scots, on Flickr
Crusader cuppa tea.
Crusader Burner by Nick_Scots, on Flickr
Crusader Cup stove for a cuppa by Nick_Scots, on Flickr
Crannog Castle fireplace.
Crannog Castle Fireplace by Nick_Scots, on Flickr
Next stop, Inchmaholme Island and it's Priory ruins. Once, a home for Mary Queen of Scots.
Inchmaholme Priory by Nick_Scots, on Flickr
As I headed back, the air was cooling - I could see my breathe's vapour - but the sun was setting beautifully. A fitting end to a peaceful day.
Launch spot by Nick_Scots, on Flickr
