PADDLER 15
By Alasdair Findlay www . bloomsbury . com / uk / paddle-scotland- 9781399401470 / Review by Sarah Thornely ( Supjunkie )
PADDLER 15
REVIEWS
Paddle Scotland
By Alasdair Findlay www . bloomsbury . com / uk / paddle-scotland- 9781399401470 / Review by Sarah Thornely ( Supjunkie )
Over the last few years , I have fallen head over heels with paddleboarding in Scotland , so I was delighted to receive a copy of Alasdair ’ s new book ‘ Paddle Scotland ’. I know Ally through the Water Skills Academy , so I knew I was in for a treat with his background in instructing , adventure guiding , and running Glasgow Paddleboarders . Plus , I was lucky enough to have a few of my photos featured , and with 125,000km of rivers , over 27,000 lochs , and 800 islands , Scotland has great appeal not only for paddleboarders but canoeists and kayakers alike .
The book covers all the regions of Scotland from south to north , east and west coasts , the sublime Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park to the Scottish Highlands and islands , including Mull , Arran , and the Outer Hebrides . It is designed for paddlers of all abilities . There is a simple difficulty rating and a clear map for all routes and distances ranging from short paddles to epic day trip adventures . For the islands , local providers are listed separately towards the book ’ s end .
Each region ’ s chapter begins with an overview of the whole area , including local providers , and then a personal anecdote from Ally , which certainly gives life and personality to that region .
The routes include ‘ The Lowdown ’, which covers difficulty , distance , parking ( What3Words ), launch point , and water type , which can be anything from a graded river to a stunning loch . Local history , the paddle route , wildlife , and food stops are also included . Other knowledge like local waterfalls , a famous Munro , or local businesses are all there , interspersed with inspirational photographs .
You know this book is written by a local as a wealth of information is included for each paddle adventure . Our favourite quote in the book is , “ Get out a map , close your eyes and point . There will be water near your finger that will likely be worth paddling ,” and with names like Bow Fiddle Rock , the Rabbit Islands of Talmine , and Loch Awe to choose from , who could not be excited about exploring the rugged beauty that is Scotland .
With only a few visits under my belt , I know I haven ’ t touched the sides with my SUP adventures in Scotland , and this impressive book will truly inspire me to explore some more . Paddle Scotland is available to preorder and perfect timing for your Scottish adventures in 2023 at £ 15.29 . www . facebook . com / ainsworthpaddles
www . instagram . com / ainsworthpaddles /