solo circumnavigation of Skye

Tuesday

2011-09-27T15:55:00.001+01:00

The day was spent exploring the area. Wind and rain has been a constant factor in not paddling today, only to continue tomorrow. Ringing home I find they are basking in blue skies and sunshine.
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Scalpay

2011-09-26T16:39:00.000+01:00

Scalpay in the distance
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Lower Breakish Skye

2011-09-26T16:33:00.000+01:00

Arrived on Skye this afternoon, wind blowing. Setting off from Lower Breakish in the morning, through Kyle Rhea and onto Armadale. All dependent on weather.
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Follow Me

2011-09-24T18:44:00.000+01:00

Follow my journey with find me SPOT

http://share.findmespot.com/shared/faces/viewspots.jsp?glId=0ppPoHOM1L691zsqoc0ZnqVtUAhBsbviB

paddle on Ullswater Lake District

2011-09-21T19:09:00.000+01:00

My good lady wanted to have a few days in the lakes so we loaded the Kayaks and did some paddling on Ullswater between the heavy rain we had some nice paddling

Norfork Island above north end of Ullswater

Lunch stop

IMG00143-20110507-1458.jpg

2011-09-05T15:30:00.000+01:00

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Morning paddle along the cliffs

2011-08-22T17:19:00.002+01:00

Scarborough from the sea

2011-08-22T16:37:00.002+01:00

Looking Back

2011-08-22T15:35:00.001+01:00

Looking back to Elgol from Loch Scavaig earlier this year

Early Morning Paddle NE Coast

2011-08-22T15:24:00.000+01:00

IMG00188-20110822-0849.jpg

2011-08-22T08:51:00.000+01:00

0830 Monday morning Scarborough south bay out for a quiet morning paddle
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My Return Paddle

2011-08-20T16:31:00.000+01:00

Due to the weather and being called back into work, my return to finishmy paddle has now been put back again to the end of September.
I will finish it this year (I hope) looking up at the weather gods

Return to finish Skye paddle

2011-07-11T18:10:00.000+01:00

Finally managed to get some time off work to finish my solo circumnavigation of Skye. The date for the return will be the 5th August, just keeping my fingers crossed that the weather will let me pass this time.
Depending on the wind direction the two possible routes are Uig to Lower Breakish, or Lower Breakish to Uig.
fingers crossed
Follow the blog for updates and on twitter, also live tracking with Spot

Happy paddling to all

NE Paddle

2011-07-11T18:02:00.000+01:00

Some heavy showers

North East Paddle

2011-07-11T17:56:00.001+01:00

North East Coast Paddle

2011-07-11T17:51:00.000+01:00

A short paddle along part of the North East Coast line. A nice start warm and sunny then caught in a heavy showers.

Part Two

2011-06-03T20:39:00.000+01:00

In the next two to three weeks, I'm looking at finishing the other half of my paddle around Skye, if you have been following you will know the expedition was put on hold due to the weather and a bad case of synovitus in my right wrist.

Other the last couple of weeks with a break from paddling the wrist feels much better. So tomorrow I'm off to the north east coast namely Scarborough to have a test paddle over a few miles to see how the wrist holds up. If everything goes to plan I shall have to get down on one knee and ask my very kind bosses for more time off to go play.

keeping watching this space for the conclusion of my paddle round the Isle of Skye.

Day One & Three Camp Sites

2011-05-17T14:18:00.000+01:00

North of Eilean Flodigarry

2011-05-17T13:56:00.001+01:00

East Coast of Skye

2011-05-17T13:38:00.000+01:00

As you paddle north along the east coast of Skye there are some incredible lines of cliffs, the picture below is the waterfall at Kilt rock. Then you get to see pinnicles just free standing a needle thrusting skywards.

Lunch on day three was at a little beach just round the corner from Staffin bay, nice and sheltered as Staffin bay can get quite wild in W/SW wind as it was this day.

The journey continues

2011-05-17T13:14:00.002+01:00

Looking into Brochel in the picture below. This is the start of the famous Calum's Road 1 3/4 mile stretch of road built over many years by Calum Macleod, with a pick, shovel and a wheelbarrow. Grit and determination by one man not to let his community die.

Heading to the north end of Raasay and the small channel that leads from the east side of Raasay to the west.

Day two camp in the bay of Beareraig on the east side of Skye looking north, after crossing from Raasay and getting caught in a nasty wee squall

Few pictures from the journey so far

2011-05-17T12:43:00.000+01:00

The winds were a constant factor from the start of the paddle, in between the squalls and showers the Isle of Skye showed some amazing coastline. The picture above is the east coast of Raasay with Dun Caan up in the mist.
The picture below is taken from a pebble beach next to Brochel looking south at the squalls over Broadford/lower Breakish

The same pebble beach next to Brochel where I had my lunch stop taken in the spectacular views

Exped on hold

2011-05-16T09:46:00.000+01:00

Due to the deterioration of the weather and with it getting worse throughout the week, and a right wrist that has a painful bout of synovitus. I've decided and common sense prevails to come back and conclude the trip at a later date. In Uig at the moment wet windy misty. Thanks to everybody that's been following watch this space for the completion. There has been some wonderful sights so far from Breakish along the east coast of Raasay then up to Balmacqueen and round the north east tip of Skye to Uig when the weather has allowed me to view them. Will post some photos on my return home.
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Day three camp

2011-05-14T09:35:00.000+01:00

Camped in a lovely bay at balmaqueen. Managed to cross Staffin bay the wind funnels so much
Passing the bay on the way to balmaqueen the cliffs with arches and caves amazing the forces of nature. Will post pics later day 4 having rest day a painful bout of tino syno vitus
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Day three lunch stop

2011-05-14T08:20:00.000+01:00

A small beach at Staffin for lunch. Just waiting to see if the wind drops to cross Staffin bay. It funnels the wind straight out into the bay. Some nice arches an the way up this morning will post the pics when I get home
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Day two

2011-05-14T08:00:00.000+01:00

Set off from the north end of Scalpay and paddled up the east side of Raasay. Stopped at Brochel for lunch. Then proceeded up through the channel to the west coast of Raasay. Then paddled straight across to the east side of skye which was day two camp
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Camp

2011-05-11T18:14:00.000+01:00

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Departing

2011-05-11T17:58:00.000+01:00

Set off this afternoon at 1350 after numerous plans from lower Breakish Stornaway Coast guard giving F5/6 very lumpy white horses north of Broadford bay. Headed towards Guillamon Island then on and around the east. Coast of Scalpay. Once in the lee very pleasent paddling. Pulled into a bay north of Scalpay. Early start tomorrow up the east coast of Rassay. Thanks to Gordon & Morag for their invaluable advice
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Arrived on Skye

2011-05-10T16:01:00.000+01:00

Arrived on Skye after an 8 hour drive. Strong wind warnings in force. Settling down tomorrow F4 southerly. Setting off from Broadford across to Scalpay and up the east side of Raasay to Brochel. Just at the CO-OP for my provisions. More later from on the water
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Pre pack check

2011-05-07T15:05:00.000+01:00

Spending this afternoon packing the good trusty Cetus with all the kit, making sure there is plenty of room for my huge load of food. Three days and counting getting really excited and nervous at the same time. Hope the weather will be kind
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Follow my progress live

2011-05-04T16:20:00.002+01:00

Click on the link below to follow my progress as I paddle round the Isle of Skye
Using the SPOT satalite receiver

All being well I shall be setting off from south Skye to finish my solo paddle

http://share.findmespot.com/shared/faces/viewspots.jsp?glId=0ppPoHOM1L691zsqoc0ZnqVtUAhBsbviB

Last Minute Prep

2011-05-01T17:22:00.000+01:00

With just over a week to go before I depart from the beach at Armadale on the Isle of Skye on my solo circumnavigation of the Island, its getting the last minute bits and bobs sorted.

Foods from de-hydrated to fresh, water containers, dry bags, packing of kit which part of the boat its best located, I should keep it how I always pack but im prone to change things around.

Im looking at driving up on Tuesday the 10th May and setting off first thing on Wednesday 11th May on the ebb tide.

Really excited to get going, and to take in the exceptional sites im going to encounter on my paddle around the coastline.

if your around Skye in the next few weeks come and join me for a paddle. I shall be leaving Armadale and paddling in a clockwise direction.

Video

2011-04-16T23:02:00.000+01:00

Scarborough Video

2011-04-16T22:43:00.000+01:00

few more pics

2011-04-16T22:22:00.000+01:00

Scarborough to Filey Brigg

2011-04-16T22:00:00.000+01:00

Awoke this morning to a good forecast, the sun was out light wind sea state smooth/slight. So off to Scarborough and a paddle from south bay to Filey Brigg and back.

Arrived just before low tide so a bit of a carry down to the waters edge, but high tide on the return paddled to just a few metres from the car, so hardly any carry. check out some photos from today.

Skye

2011-04-06T10:48:00.000+01:00

Taking in the beautiful scenery Skye has the offer (photo by Gordon Brown)
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Guinea Pig 4* Assessment

2011-04-06T10:38:00.000+01:00

Rocky landing (photo Gordon Brown)
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Guinea pig 4*Assessment

2011-04-06T10:36:00.000+01:00

I'm being scooped back in my kayak with a dislocated shoulder. Well done Will for getting me back in (photo by Gordon Brown)
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Weekend Trip to Skye

2011-04-05T14:59:00.001+01:00

I've just arrived back from a few days up on Skye very wind blown and wet, Finalising routes and options for my solo circumnavigation of Skye,
A huge thank you to Gordon and Morag for their invaluable advice on areas to go and not to go in certain conditions, and particular areas of interest to explore.
Also for inviting me up to be a guinea pig on the 4* Assessment, and all that valuable on water coaching from the "Jedi Master" himself Gordon (Simon's quote).
It must of been a weekend of meetings this weekend, I also bumped into Simon Willis at Armadale, a thank you to Simon who's advised me on the blog and advertised the expediton on his blog site.
Keep up the training Simon ( Simon had just cycled from home to Mallaig caught the ferry to Armadale cycled to Gordons, I caught up with him on his return.

Keep watching the blog for more training reports then live on the water reports from the expedtion six weeks to go.

Useful Links

2011-03-24T17:41:00.000Z

If your after some quality coaching or wanting to buy dehydrated food for your next expedition. Or
you might be in the market for some new sea kayaking equipment check out the LINKS at the bottom of my blog page, i'm sure you will find what your looking for.

Cromarty2Cromarty

2011-03-24T17:34:00.000Z

A 430 mile sea kayak journey around northern Scotland. To check out this amazing journey go to

http://cromarty2cromarty.wordpress.com/

Kayak Fisherman

2011-03-24T16:20:00.000Z

Its funny who you bump into on a nice quiet sea

Scarborough North Bay

2011-03-24T15:53:00.000Z

Another glorious day we are blessed with, early start this morning to get a couple of hours paddling in. So picked Scarborough for the second time this week its only 40 minute drive, plan was to set off from the RNLI station again pass the harbour entrance and head north across North Bay and follow the cliffs along the coast turn and retrace my paddle strokes.

The Lone Kayak Fisherman

Looking back into shore north of Scarborough

This bird just hopping around on the breakwater in front of Scarborough harbour. From above it would blend right in with the rocks.

The headland north of North Bay

My return to South Bay and the harbour, the breakwater on my right

Met an interesting gent just sat there bobbing up and down on the swell on his sit on top kayak, fishing. He hadn't had any luck so far when I bumped into him. He was telling me that kayak fishing has really taken off as a hobby/sport on the North East Coast, there was a load of them heading towards Sandsend today to try their luck.

Sandsend Point

2011-03-23T19:52:00.000Z

Short Video

2011-03-23T16:46:00.000Z

Todays Paddle

2011-03-23T16:05:00.000Z

Another fine day for paddling, set of this morning went further north than yesterday back to my old haunts of Whitby and Sandsend. The sea was smooth with some swell, at times you could not tell the difference between sky and sea really weird feeling.
I paddled up to Whitby from Sandsend went into Whitby harbour and had a look around, came back out of the harbour entrance turn to go south under the large cliffs, as this was nearly low tide I could not get any where near so had a play in the small surf breaking on the reef.

Paddled back to Sandsend to the point on the way to Runswick Bay nice surf breaking of the point at low tide.

Leaving the beach

2011-03-22T19:21:00.000Z

Leaving the harbour and beach at South Bay Scarborough heading south towards Cayton Bay and Filey Brigg

North East Paddle

2011-03-22T18:37:00.002Z

I woke this morning to find the sun cracking the slabs, a beautiful morning to wake up to. A quick breakfast and it was load the kayak and kit onto and into the car, a quick forecast from the met office west F2-3 sea smooth -slight of I went.
Scarborough was my first thought, got there park by the RNLI station, the view along the coast was amazing with the sun beating down, finally a hint of summer. Boat and kit unloaded a bit of a carry as it was a really low tide today. The plan was to head south towards Cayton Bay then onto Filey Brigg. Photos and video below.

Just south of South Bay Scarborough

Looking south along to Filey Brigg

Looking south along the coast

Looking back towards Scarborough and the castle

A lonely seal

First time I've seen a seal on its own usually they are in big groups

Back to Scarborough and the harbour

Beach landing in front of the RNLI station

More Photo's

2011-03-18T18:06:00.000Z

Bottom of third pitch

Hauling bags up

Entrance pitch

Fern leaves on entrance pitch

My Other Passion

2011-03-18T17:54:00.001Z

My other passion is caving, and living quite close to the Yorkshire Dales which has the best limestone karst in the country ( other people might tell me otherwise) it was kit packed and heading towards Kingsdale which is just north of Ingleton.

Clear sky sun shining nice and bright im heading to a cave called Bull Pot, this cave is situated on the west flank of Kingsdale. Since the introduction of SRT (single rope technique) in the seventies, it makes it a lot easier to cave solo as your not carrying bulky ladders, just lengths of 10mm static rope and Krabs.

Its amazing with just rain water and carbon dioxide from the air and vegetation to make the water slightly acidic the formations created in caves.
some photos below

The Entrance to Bull Pot

Inside bottom of the second pitch

Ascending the second pitch on the way out

Looking up the second pitch

On the ledge bottom of second pitch

Looking down the second pitch

Today Sandsend

2011-03-17T15:13:00.001Z

Ended up at Sandsend, sea coming up to high tide and battering the slipway, went further down the beach to get some calmer launch.
some inquisitive ducks came up very close, used to being fed. some photo's below before getting wet.

The slipway gets a lot of surf when the tides up

Eye Eye

North from Sandsend

Taking things easy

Plan for Tomorrow

2011-03-16T20:21:00.001Z

The plan tomorrow is find some where between Whitby and Scarborough to go paddling for a few hours.
Inshore forecast giving easterly 3-4 variable north west sea slight to moderate 3 or less later.

So a paddle south from Whitby down the coast and along the cliffs famous for the Whitby Jet looks promising.

Going to test my new Pentax Optio W90 waterproof camera tomorrow and see how it holds up. Anybody out there used this camera and any recommedations?

Expedition Prep

2011-03-16T20:10:00.004Z

It has been a cold, foggy pea souper of a day here in North Yorkshire , been for a long run then got back and settled down to some exped preperations.

First of all photocopying the west coast of Scotlands tidal streams atlas then transferring all the constants for varies areas to it, using Ullapool as the main port then adding the high and low tides.
Saving on weight better than carrying carry a load of books with me, more room for food.

Also received some high calorie de-hydrated foods from Expeditions foods very light weight, this will be complemented with fresh food on the journey.

Also very important the ordering of a midge net from Kari-Tek as the fierce little buggers will be rearing they little heads as I go on my journey in May, nothing worse than being bitten to death as you make camp on an evening.

Ho and ive been a bit naughty and ordered myself a new touring cag from Reed Chillcheater nice bright yellow and black. Watch out for pictures sporting the new attire

Withdrawal

2011-03-11T14:48:00.002Z

Only been back from Skye 5 days and getting itchy feet to get back up there, so plans are a foot to return for a week at the beginning of April. that will be my final visit before my expedition to solo circumnavigate the whole misty Isle.

This will be such a fantastic journey the stunning scenery, coastline and wild life that I should encounter on the way round. If the signals and communications hold up I will be reporting live from the water and at camp as it happens so please do follow my travel round this beautiful Island.

Various pictures from the weekend

2011-03-07T22:26:00.001Z

Top picture coming up to Indrigill Point, second picture Point of Sleat, below Wiay Island in the distance.

My Charity

2011-03-07T15:14:00.001Z

On the 16th May 2011 I shall be doing a solo circumnavigation of Skye, and on the way I would like to collect as much money for Help 4 Heroes as possible.
When you visit my blog could you so kindly donate a pound every little helps, for our service men and women who have to rebuild their lives.

If you would like to donate a pound the LINK IS www.bmycharity.com/soloadventure

Sunday 6th March Paddle with friends

2011-03-07T13:57:00.000Z

Fun day on Loch Long with Janice and Clive, wind had picked up by today, paddle down the Loch and up past Eilean Donin Castle (hope its spelt right)

Photo's courtesy of Janice and Clive

Saturday 5th March Armadale round the Point of Sleat

2011-03-07T13:45:00.000Z

Another clear blue sky on Skye, very impressive scenery in the sound of sleat as there is all over Skye.

Drink stop at a nice sandy bay at the Point of Sleat

Friday 4th March Coral Beach, Isay, Mingay and Clett

2011-03-07T13:39:00.000Z

Another good weather window today, the high pressure keeping the nasties at bay, a nice pleasent paddle along Loch Dunvegan to Coral Beach, quick drink then the sort crossing to the three Islands, Isay, Mingay and Clett

Just paddling up to Coral Beach

Taking in the view

Coral Beach its not realy coral its sun bleached Algae, Coral Beach does sound better than Algae Beach

The old ruins on Isay, if only the walls could speak what tales they could tell

Coming back to Indrigill point

2011-03-07T13:15:00.000Z

Skye living up to its name as the misty Isle, the weather later turned out clear blue skye, Maidens in the backgroung just coming across Indrigill point

Leaving Mcleods Maidens

2011-03-07T13:12:00.000Z

Last Thursdays paddle round Indrigill point and to the Maidens, video is of the return from Mcleods Maidens

Armadale Beach

2011-03-05T15:29:00.000Z

Set off from here this morning went to and round the point of sleat great weather again
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Loch Dunvegan

2011-03-03T18:54:00.000Z

Camped on Loch Dunvegan ready for tomorrows paddle Coral Beach Isay Mingay and clett.
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Harlosh Point

2011-03-03T16:28:00.000Z

On Harlosh Island beach looking back at Harlosh Point
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Harlosh Island

2011-03-03T16:16:00.000Z

Sandy beach on Harlosh Island
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Loch Bracadale

2011-03-03T16:13:00.000Z

A very satisfying paddle today. Set off from Camas Ban across to Indrigill point then round to Mcleods Maidens very impressive. Set off east to Waiy Island and Camas na Cille then north to Harlosh Island. Skye live up to its name misty Isle very misty as I set off beautiful scenery world class sea kayaking
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Skye

2011-03-03T08:25:00.000Z

Misty morning here on Skye. Heading towards Harlosh Loch Bracadale. Paddle out to and around Indrigill point and Mcleods maidens and on to Waiy Island
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Back to Skye

2011-03-01T17:00:00.001Z

Heading back up north to the Isle of Skye tomorrow, spending four days paddling different areas, and getting some long paddles in, in preperation for my solo circumnavigation starting May 16th 2011.

Follow my training sessions here and follow the expedition live as it happens with my spot finder map link located at the bottom of the main page.

South along the cliffs

2011-02-25T19:33:00.000Z

Coming south along the cliffs towards Sandsend and on to Whitby

South to Whitby

2011-02-25T19:27:00.001Z

Looking south from Sandsend to Whitby, the famous Abbey you can see to the right and a close up picture below. the Abbey was last used as a Benedictine monastory before it was disestablished in the reformation under king Henry viii.

Another famous gem to come from this coast line is Whitby jet, jet is a geological material and is considered to be a minor gemstone. jet is not considered a true mineral as it is of organic origin being made from decaying wood under extremely high pressure.

Leaving Sandsend

2011-02-25T19:09:00.000Z

Paddling out from Sandsend north along the cliffs

Looking south

2011-02-25T13:55:00.000Z

Whitby in the distance.
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Pack up

2011-02-25T13:53:00.000Z

Had a good paddle besides the wind was howling to start off with paddled north around the cliffs from sandsend the south back to Whitby then return to sandsend enjoyable day
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Spot

2011-02-16T16:45:00.000Z

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Spot Adventure

2011-02-16T16:42:00.001Z

To follow the progress of my expedition around Skye follow it with Spot Adventure, there is a link on the site links at the bottom of the main page. If you would like to know more about the Spot location device go to
http://www.findmespot.com/

Harpoon At A Venture

2011-02-16T12:42:00.000Z

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The Basking Shark in Scotland

2011-02-16T12:41:00.000Z

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History Basking Shark

2011-02-16T12:37:00.000Z

When I paddle around the coastline of an area I like to find out about part of its history the good and bad periods, the people, wildlife and how the area was formed in geological terms.

When paddling a few weeks ago on Skye from the small village of Elgol out to the Island of Soay, I had a brief knowledge of the history of Soay and Gavin Maxwell and his enterprise of hunting Basking Sharks. I did a little research after that trip to find out more about his exploits on the west coast of Skye, I found a couple of interesting books that if you are interested they a well worth the read.

The first book is by Gavin Maxwell titled "Harpoon At a Venture" charting the beginings of his enerprise shark fishery on Soay and the developments of catching and the equipment.

The second book by Denis Fairfax titled "The Basking Shark in Scotland " covers a full history of the fishery of the shark. including anatomical and biological references to the shark.

Pen y Ghent

2011-02-10T09:31:00.001Z

A day off kayaking. Going to stretch those legs beautiful morning in the Yorkshire Dales
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Tidal sill Soay Harbor

2011-02-02T17:32:00.000Z

Elgol to Loch Coruisk

2011-02-01T16:46:00.000Z

sky on skye paddle

2011-02-01T11:18:00.000Z

The amazing sky calm waters, heading from Loch Coruisk over to Soay

Loading on the beach

2011-02-01T10:01:00.000Z

A FEW MORE PICS

2011-01-28T17:27:00.000Z

My start point for the circumnavigation of Skye Armadale harbor

Tarskavaig last Saturday

Saturday paddle in Tarskavaig bay with the Cullins as back drop

The clouds rolling through

The Misty Isle

360 panorama

2011-01-24T22:26:00.002Z

Sky on Skye

2011-01-24T21:05:00.000Z

A Few Pics

2011-01-24T20:58:00.001Z

Looking back from the bothy

Landing

Start of Loch Coruisk

Panorama

2011-01-24T20:44:00.000Z

Panorama of Elgol harbor with the Cullins in the distance

Cullins

2011-01-23T16:48:00.000Z

Looking out from Elgol. Good paddle today from Elgol to loch coruisk then to Soay harbor and back to Elgol weathers been great
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The long drive

2011-01-22T13:49:00.000Z

Just arrived on Skye for a few days paddling calm and still at the moment in Broadford. A long drive through the night. Went to Oban first to collect some bits from sea kayak Oban. Broadford harbor looking out
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Training trip to Skye

2011-01-17T15:12:00.000Z

This coming Friday night plans are in hand, all weather dependent to depart my little yorkshire moors village and head up to Oban then on the Skye for a few days of paddling in this mecca for sea kayaking.

Cayton Bay in the distance

2011-01-13T20:20:00.000Z

Paddling along the cliffs towards cayton bay and Filey Brigg

paddle out from south bay Scarborough

2011-01-13T19:12:00.002Z

Scarborough Paddle

2011-01-13T17:59:00.000Z

Just about to set off from south bay beach in front of the RNLI station heading south along the cliffs towards cayton bay and Filey brigg

Looking across the south bay

2011-01-13T14:51:00.000Z

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Start point

2011-01-13T14:50:00.000Z

In front of the RNLI station
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Afternoon Paddle

2011-01-13T12:28:00.000Z

At Scarborough south bay going for a short paddle along the cliffs towards Filey
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Help 4 Heroes

2011-01-12T14:20:00.000Z

As I Prepare for this expedition I would like to spare a thought for all those men and women in the armed forces wounded and killed in action.
Those who are many having to come back and rebuild their lives from debilitating injuries, so to help I have set up this link below to try and raise money that will go some way to help the rebuilding of these men and womens lives.

Please donate at the link below many thanks

http://www.bmycharity.com/v2/soloadventure

GoPro and spot test

2011-01-08T20:23:00.000Z

Just popped down to the local river to test out my new GoPro video and still camera results look promising. Its my first time messing with such technology (any tips Simon). Hope to run a video diary as I do my solo circumnavigation of Skye, the only problem I think will be the upload to the blog site with wifi or mobile dongle. If anybody can give any info on signals around Skye would be of great help. I use a orange mobile dongle I know the east side of Skye orange has some good reception but the west? If all fails back to picture diary
The spot tracker worked fine no problems at all, I will add a link to the blog so everybody can follow the progress of the expedition