Tuesday, 19 June 2012

Rockhopper's Paradise

 With a day to spare before starting work on the Summer Isles I decided on an exploratory paddle around the Rubha Na Coigich peninsula.
In his book, Doug Cooper describes an old wooden slipway near the beach at Achnahaird. What I found, with just three planks remaining, wasn't much of a slipway but made an easy launch.


 I set off following the rocky coastline in glorious sunshine, but then it's always sunny on the west coast, isn't it?


Scenary was spectacular, so I took the obligatory photos of rocks with holes in.


And spiky rocks.


And kamikazee sheep.


And more holes.


For my first lunch break I chose a sheltered rocky cove...


...with a fantastic view of the mountains of Assynt.


Lunch part two followed an exciting blast of following sea, created by the northerly force 3-4. I stopped on a beach at Reiff for a leisurely meal.


After lunch I returned the way I had come, now paddling into the wind. Climbers were making the most of dry sunny conditions and perfect rock.


As I neared the end of my journey my yellow paddle waggon stood out like a beacon, making it impossible to miss the small slipway.


I then discovered the best use of a 'No Overnight Parking' sign. Needless to say I ignored its intended message.


This old winch presumably dates back to when the slipway was in better condition.


This is where I went. Total of 26 km paddled.

2 comments:

  1. Glad you've clocked the great truth that it's always sunny on the west coast!

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