<pic heavy>
I've been eyeing up this trip for years. Used to be a favorite of the local sailing canoe club back in the day. I didn't see any sailing weather but still had a lovely time paddling the circuit.
Starting out from Tarbet on Loch Lomond, much later than I planned to.
Snow dusting being laid on the high ground.
Had lost the light by Luss but it was a nice calm evening and it takes a long time to get dark on the water so I carried on through the islands over to Inchcailloch then along to Creinch. Hit the beach at 2am and straight to bed.
Next morning.....
....it was round to Balloch.
Then a short portage round the barrier and down the Leven.....
...to Dumbarton Rock.
There you go straight out and join the shipping lane. Sandbanks and mudflats on either side mean you can't get to shore again for miles.
Stopped at Ardmore to stretch my legs and refit the rudder I'd taken off at the start of the Leven. A breeze was picking up and while it looked nice enough over towards where I'd planned on camping at Rosneath Point....
...this was what was heading my way.
After a slog round the front of Helensburgh and crossing into a headwind I was shattered. The sheltered bay couldn't have looked more inviting.
Had a wee cooking fire below the tideline.
Next day I was landbound. The wind was coming up trough the clyde estuary and kicking up the next stretch. Had a couple of walks, caught up on some sleep and generaly just wiled the day away. The wood looked like they have a bit of sycamore problem but it was a pretty enough place to spend some time.
Dawn the next day. The problem stretch.
Round this corner is Loch Long - this point felt like a milestone. At times the Clyde had felt quite exposed but now it was back to steep sided sea loch, territory I'm more used to.
The crossing from Cove was utterly serene.
Aha, I'd heard there was an archery club over there somewhere.
Could just make out The Cobbler way in the distance. Definately had a home stretch vibe from there on.
Approaching the mouth of Loch Goil.
Was only lunchtime but this was the end of the line for the moment.
Had arranged to meet up with Gaillainne and Shewie for the weekend.
On sunday I carried on up the loch. Fair chucked it down at times but I was wrapped up well and enjoyed the variations in light of the changeable weather.
Arrochar at last.
Job done. From here it was only a mile and half back to where I'd left the car at Tarbet. I'd planned to walk but Stephen met me there and whisked me over meaning the canoe was only unattended for five minutes. An effortless finish to an excellent wee trip, cheers again mate!
Josh
I've been eyeing up this trip for years. Used to be a favorite of the local sailing canoe club back in the day. I didn't see any sailing weather but still had a lovely time paddling the circuit.
Starting out from Tarbet on Loch Lomond, much later than I planned to.
Snow dusting being laid on the high ground.
Had lost the light by Luss but it was a nice calm evening and it takes a long time to get dark on the water so I carried on through the islands over to Inchcailloch then along to Creinch. Hit the beach at 2am and straight to bed.
Next morning.....
....it was round to Balloch.
Then a short portage round the barrier and down the Leven.....
...to Dumbarton Rock.
There you go straight out and join the shipping lane. Sandbanks and mudflats on either side mean you can't get to shore again for miles.
Stopped at Ardmore to stretch my legs and refit the rudder I'd taken off at the start of the Leven. A breeze was picking up and while it looked nice enough over towards where I'd planned on camping at Rosneath Point....
...this was what was heading my way.
After a slog round the front of Helensburgh and crossing into a headwind I was shattered. The sheltered bay couldn't have looked more inviting.
Had a wee cooking fire below the tideline.
Next day I was landbound. The wind was coming up trough the clyde estuary and kicking up the next stretch. Had a couple of walks, caught up on some sleep and generaly just wiled the day away. The wood looked like they have a bit of sycamore problem but it was a pretty enough place to spend some time.
Dawn the next day. The problem stretch.
Round this corner is Loch Long - this point felt like a milestone. At times the Clyde had felt quite exposed but now it was back to steep sided sea loch, territory I'm more used to.
The crossing from Cove was utterly serene.
Aha, I'd heard there was an archery club over there somewhere.
Could just make out The Cobbler way in the distance. Definately had a home stretch vibe from there on.
Approaching the mouth of Loch Goil.
Was only lunchtime but this was the end of the line for the moment.
Had arranged to meet up with Gaillainne and Shewie for the weekend.
On sunday I carried on up the loch. Fair chucked it down at times but I was wrapped up well and enjoyed the variations in light of the changeable weather.
Arrochar at last.
Job done. From here it was only a mile and half back to where I'd left the car at Tarbet. I'd planned to walk but Stephen met me there and whisked me over meaning the canoe was only unattended for five minutes. An effortless finish to an excellent wee trip, cheers again mate!
Josh
