We have historically gone South down to Pembroke.
Unfortunately Ian and Andrew had commitments that they could not get out of.
A compromise was to meet on the weekend but Ian was committed.
So The Jones boys planned a visit to see Andrew and following from his a trip up North to Scotland, the forecast was looking good.
Arrived on Saturday to strong winds and rain, so a walk to Nells and then back for a covered BBQ, very nice.
Sunday was a completely different day with low winds and sunshine so right turn up the Lancashire canal, very nice.
We had the Aleut two double, the mean machine.
A pleasant paddle followed by Sunday lunch at Nells.
We bid Andrew our thanks and farewells and retired to bed on Sunday as he was up and at it early for work on Monday
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| A goose! |
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| Tank traps |
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| Turning point |
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| It remained as we went past, not seen that before there usually off |
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| and it's off! |
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| The local money making machine |
Up and off to Aldi and Booths in Garstang for some stores, then North through Glasgow, past Loch lomond and then a stop in Kilmartin to see the carved stones.
A BBQ and an early night, the plan was to stay Monday, paddle up Loch Awe camp overnight and back for Wednesday, Shiela from the lodge was obliging and we could leave our kit in the room and not pay, OK we were the only ones there.
Up on Tuesday, a dull day with rain forecasted so a delay in camping and juts a paddle, well Wednesday was looking far better.
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| Monday evenings views |
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| Tuesday morning and a trip up Loch Awe |
We slept well that night, woke up no aches or pains and off to the coast, headed up towards Oban and on checking out the Scotland kayaking book found a great launch site at Arduaine with very little carry both on the launch and landing.
High winds forecasted for the afternoon, so we planned to launch from Crinan, travel up Loch Cragnish and come back with the winds anticipating some wind over tide.
The winds never appeared, the sun shone a long three mile hike to the opening of the Loch before we turned right.
The last days paddling, we had anticipated a walk, again big winds forecasted in the afternoon, we also stopped and explored the Castle.
The winds came on the last two miles, double figures and a paddle up hill.
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| Innisconnel Castle |
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| Fabulous Independent hostel, Torran Bay |
What a fabulous week, we were certainly blessed by the weather, only some strong and occasional winds.
Great to get the double out and also get some paddling miles in.
Not a lot of alcohol consumed which was evident by the reduced midriff.
Highly recommend the accommodation, £25 each for two singles and an en suite room plus bed settee.
Memories made of forests with carpets of blue bells and on one occasion on Loch awe witnessing a small Deer walk through such.
A chorus from a different Cuckoo each day and of course, blue skies, clear seas and fabulous Scottish scenery.
The trip home was slightly delayed, only a short distance down the road to see the stone circles.
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