PADDLER 76
“ We would aim to visit the Outer Hebrides ’ islands of : Harris , Scalpay , Lewis and the most beautiful Shiants Island group .”
PADDLER 76
Getting ready
My gear was old , and while still somewhat functional , I decided a new set was in order . I bought my first drop-seat drysuit , a game-changer for convenience , opting for the Palm Bora with a handy hood . It proved incredibly comfortable and effective at protecting me from the elements and occasional hungry ticks and midges , so I wore it most of the time . I also invested in a new PFD and base layer suit and re-purposed some old trail running shoes to replace my worn-out neoprene booties .
For catering , Charlotte and I decided to team up for our main meals . We opted for fresh cooking instead of relying on Geth ’ s out-of-date boil-in-the-bag meals . I wanted to include dishes packed with vegetables and experiment with new sauces , meals that my children usually ate only with much grumbling . My digestive system certainly benefited from this healthy and tasty expedition diet .
The sea kayak I wanted to use had to fit me as well as my SKUK Pilgrim but with more carrying capacity . Our fleet ’ s low-volume Zegul Arrow Play was too small for me , Charlotte was using the mediumvolume Zegul Arrow Play , and our small Tiderace Pace Tour was being used on another SKW Scotland expedition to the Slate Isles and Garvallachs . So , we ordered a SKUK Pilgrim Expedition for the SKW demo fleet and for me to use . Despite placing our order a little late and not being ready in time , Nigel Dennis kindly lent me another one for the week – many thanks , Nigel ! With that , all my expedition equipment fit perfectly in my boat .
A few days before departure , I realised I hadn ’ t practised capsizing and self-rescuing in a very long time . With the boys occupied at either a playdate or daycare after school , Geth , Heidi ( our eldest ), and I headed to the Menai Straits for a quick practice session . What fun to share this experience with Heidi ! Finally , I was ready .
MEETING THE TEAM ON SKYE
Charlotte and I embarked on our karaoke road trip to the Skye Backpackers hostel in Kyleakin , Skye . Given the distance from Anglesey , we camped in the back of the van near Fort William overnight before reaching Kyleakin on Saturday to meet with our teammates and the coaches . The team consisted of Paul , Neil , Moira , Barbara , Rupert , Charlotte , Mirco , Stuart , and myself – a fantastic mix of wonderful and enthusiastic people .
At SKW , we no longer assume good weather on expeditions to the exposed Outer Hebrides islands . Therefore , we approach these trips with the primary intention of heading out to the Outer Hebrides but with a backup plan to explore the more sheltered waters of Skye or mainland Scotland if the weather doesn ’ t cooperate . After a brief discussion about the super promising forecast for our week , we finalised our plans – we would aim to visit the Outer Hebrides ’ islands of : Harris , Scalpay , Lewis and the most beautiful Shiants Island group .
DAY ONE : CALMAC FERRY UIG-TARBERT , THEN SEA KAYAK JOURNEY TARBERT-SCALPAY
At last , we caught the 13:55 ferry from Uig to Tarbert . What a great way to start an expedition ! The ferry is only a 110 minute crossing , but that was enough time to share a meal and get to know the team a little better . We boarded as foot passengers and used trolleys to wheel the kayaks on and off the ferry . What a heavy-going exercise . We will book the van and trailer on the ferry next year to carry the team ’ s kayaks and equipment .
On arriving in Tarbert , we wheeled the kayaks to the slipway and embarked on our nomadic adventure . The bay crossing was made very atmospheric by a sudden heavy shower of rain and a distant thunderstorm . This soon passed and we pressed on to Eilean Glas Lighthouse on Scalpay for our first camp . My diary notes for this day exclaim , “ Camping by a lighthouse , raining , but I ’ m doing it ! Lovely paddle .”
DAY TWO : SCALPAY-RENIGDAL-LEWIS
I absolutely love running and awoke early to enjoy a 5 km run , partly on a weirdly bouncy Scalpay gravel / bog track . After breakfast and lunch preparation , I repacked my boat , “ To have the correct food handy and water in the correct place . Felt very organised and on it !”
The paddle was great , and we went to Rhenigidale for lunch . The afternoon paddle took us to our next camping spot beside an old croft . My notes state that I had a “ lovely chat with Moira and Stuart ” and an “ amazing tikka tea !” with Charlotte .
DAY THREE : THE SHIANTS CROSSING
The Shiants crossing by sea kayak is very committing and rarely settled enough for a group to achieve . My notebook stated , “ Lots of people anxious about crossing , but did well , took 2.5 hrs . It seemed much quicker .” We set up camp next to the bothy at 1 pm . I didn ’ t go to the end of the island until a little later , and then , wow ! “ It ’ s so spectacular !”
My notes continue , “ I ’ m so excited and happy to be here . It ’ s a fab group of people , and I love the banter .”
“ We would aim to visit the Outer Hebrides ’ islands of : Harris , Scalpay , Lewis and the most beautiful Shiants Island group .”