Kayaking Scotland's Slate Isles 5 Day Trip Full Circumnavigation "Part 1"
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- čas přidán 11. 01. 2024
- Our 5 day Sea Kayaking trip around the entire "Slate Isles" Including Garvellachs, Jura & Scarba including putting my Corryvreckan strategy to the test !!
Part 1: Days 1 & 2
Day 1: Launching from Lungs Estates, near Croabh Haven marina Will and paddled off West passed Shuna and Luing across the sound of Luing to NE Scarba, through Grey Dogs tidal race then out to Scarba's West Side exploring old landing and camping possibilities for future trips then down to our extended lunch spot on Scarba's SW side.
Then pressing on to entering Corryvreckan just before the last hour of there flood stream on on of the biggest spring tides of the year! We used the strong back eddy to penetrate up to the headland just West of the whirlpool area. This gave us a clear view of overfalls and turbulence we would encounter as we made our crossing and from this position we shouldn't be swept out on the "Great Race"! We made our crossing with turbulence encountered but remarkably we didn't get pushed too far West, once across we made our way down the West side of Jura to Glengarrisdale to stay the night in the bothy.
Day 2: Early to paddle back to Corryvreckan in time to catch the last of the Ebb stream and cross back to the West Coast of Scarba, paddling back to yesterday's lunch point then made our crossing West to the Southernmost island of the Garvellachs. Stopping for lunch and exploring the old ruins of St Brendan's monastery.
Back in the boats to round the southern tip before. heading up the West side where we experienced very strong gusting conditions that almost stopped us dead in our boats, slow progress made till we pushed through the gap South of the main island of the group to the East side, then made our way NE to Belnahua and on to Fladda where we called in for a cup of tea and meet a new friend who owns the Island. We then paddled back to Belnahua where we pitched tents for the night.
An excellent 2 days paddling in challenging conditions and testing out new strategies in crossing the Gulf of Corryvreckan. - Sport
It's a sea tour with such beautiful scenery that you'll want to go there right now. great!!
Hi Oneslife, thanks for your comments. It's an area full of magic and excellent sea kayaking.
Hello my friend! You have already covered a large part of the proposed route. From my point of view, a reckless expedition, and I must note every time, your physical and moral strength. Very cool!
👍👍👍
Hi Viorel 👋 great to hear from you again. Yes, I really love this area so you will recognise some Iconic spots as we paddle around. Reckless, maybe to some, but a plan I've thought about for several years and safe enough when conditions can be observed thoroughly before commiting but ensuring there is an escape route. Thanks again for joining me 👍
Beautiful video Geoff! Makes me want to get out in a kayak!!!
Thank for your comments Dave and pleased it's had that effect 😀 👍
If not already please subscribe for part 2 coming soon, feel free to browse and share with friends 👍
Best regards Geoff
Stunning scenery Geoff thanks again for taking us with you on your journeys, looking forward to the next part
Thanks for your comments DK, yes that area of Scotland is stunningly beautiful !! Lots of remote, wild uninhabited islands abounding with wildlife even though it was so late in the year. Just great having you along with me...I need to get to work on part 2 now 😀👍
What an amazing video Geoff. It feels like we're on the boat paddling. The islands and rock formations are fascinating. Close call on the boats at the lighthouse A-Ha! Cannot wait for the next videos.
Great comments again Martin, thanks so much 👍👍 That area of Scotland is stunningly beautiful, remote and wild uninhabited islands shaped by the ravages of wind and sea, teeming with wildlife even so late in the year! A mecca for any discerning Sea Kayaker. Yes absolutely, 😂😂when landing we'd moved the kayaks well beyond any tideline but it was one of the biggest Spring tides of the year! We were alarmed 😱 how far it had risen and on paddling off to Belnahua, looking back nearly all of the island was awash with only the sea wall visible, I've never seen that before!...we made doubly sure they were much higher on Belnahua for the night. 😂😂😂 Cheers Geoff
Another great video Geoff. Reminding me I need to get back on the water and increase my skills.
Thanks Gadget 👍 Yes, get the cobwebs off that boat of yours and put some mileage in...no excuses 🙄 it's your summer over there 😀 😉
@@geoffburke It is indeed summer. Also rabbit season so helping a few farmers out. Have been putting in the k's on the water too.
@@gadgetman_nz4092 ha, ha, well done. I'm sure you're busy but there's always time for a kayak trip and "salt water injection" as I like to call it. 😂😂👍
Thanks for the video Mr. Geoff. Watching you lot navigate through the various conditions was educational. Enjoyed the rock chiseled by nature and the wildlife. Stopping at the house on the island you called 'boffy" I think, sorry don't know what it's called was nice. Seeing you head north into the wind and waves pick up was interesting. Glad you enjoyed the voyage, loved the rainbow off in the distance that shown through the clouds.
Hi Steven, you've certainly been binge watching 😂😂 haven't you 😀 👍 Thanks so much for your continued support and feedback, it's important in helping me to improve my editing skills and I very much appreciate you taking the time!
I know the area well but it's constantly changing, never the same with different conditions and state of tidal cycle.
The scenery and wildlife are always magical and never disappoint.
The "Bothy" you mention in Glengarrisdale Bay is one of many old buildings/homesteads which have been signed over to and maintained by the Mountain Walkers Association, used as retreats for walkers and others to use in these remote areas. Very basic/primitive but a welcome sight if caught out in bad weather. Users, usually leave spare food etc and firewood when possible for those in need.
A cracking full 5 day trip!
@@geoffburke It's enjoyable to watch from the POV of the kayaker. Editing is a very time consuming task because along with being entertaining you're telling a story of the trip, what you see, the unique qualities of the area. The Appalachian Trail that covers several states in the US has structures that are open ended for hikers to stay overnight in or to take breaks along the trail. Most hikers don't concern themselves with who stays but you never know who is lurking, females that hike alone or in pairs are vulnerable. The "bothy" looked nice and because the travelers on your side of the pond have respect it's nicely maintained.
@@stevenhulbert7540 Absolutely, on every aspect you mention Steven. Yes, unfortunately certain elements in our society these days have little respect for their surroundings, others or even themselves. Thankfully, most of the areas we visit in sea kayaks are so remote, requiring effort, careful planning, consideration and a mindfulness of our surroundings that it deters the majority of that element.
I suppose a great deal of your popular trails with start & finish points more accessible to 4x4 vehicles and large groups partying can lead to a lot of inconsiderate behaviour.
We can only do our bit to ensure these magnificent areas remain!
I had to do quite a lot of soul searching before actually commiting to posting my adventure video's on CZcams as I feel social media can play a huge part accelerating the negative aspects of everything these days.
Thankfully our wonderfull sport requires a great deal of effort etc as previously mentioned, that it's almost self governing...long may it last! Phew, nearly got into one of my aged rants there 😅😂😂
Best Wishes Steven and thanks again.
Thanks for that Geoff, great adventure and really nice part of the country. I love that wild west coast of Jura as well and looking forward to visiting Scarba in the future..
Your part 2 should be good, all best.
Thanks for your great comments and joining me on my travels. Yes, Jura's coastline and all the islands in that entire area are totally stunning! That together with their remoteness and varied sea conditions keep dragging me back time after time, it's a great favourite of mine. Cheers Geoff
Great episode I really enjoyed it and enjoy seeing a part of the world I’m never likely to see with the closest I’ll get to Jura is there excellent single malt 🥃
Thanks again Bryan, it's a magnificent part of the world especially for Sea Kayaking I never tire of the area no mater what the conditions (within safety margins 😂). Always something different to see and experience even after more than 40 years of paddling and diving the area I'm still learning the small nuances of the many complex tidal streams.
Keep that whiskey glass full as part 2 will hopefully be posted for next weekend...keep checking your CZcams notifications 😉 👍 Thanks again and stay safe Geoff
Thanks for sharing!
Thanks Aaron, pleased you enjoyed it. Part 2 to follow soon !👍
You certainly had tough conditions, thanks for discussing the tides. I've spent the last week studying charts and almanacs in preparation for a trip from Ireland to Islay, but we will cheat and sail across in small boats.
Thanks as always David, have a great crossing and suitable south-westerly. Stay safe! I use Admirality Pilot books (may be old hat now but) very reliable.
Fantastic as usual ,hurry up with part 2
Thanks Kathleen, but they do take a great deal of time to produce. If you can't wait you just need to hop over the fence and I'll give you a preview of the raw footage 😉 😂😂😂
@@geoffburke Did video production for a few years in college, it's a lot of work putting together anything like this, like the music that goes along.
Really enjoyed watching this episode Geoff. Will watch the next edition with interest. Thanks for the video.
Question please - rear deck, is that a tow line set up ready to go if required?
Hi Chris, 👋 and thanks again for joining me. So pleased you enjoyed it, the whole trip was very rewarding in the challenging conditions and the area never disappoints (one of my favourite), it also gave me the opportunity to test my theory, something I've been thinking of for several years. Great to have you along 😀 👍 Yes, the tow system is my own idea and stays on my boat permanently ready to deploy swiftly. It puts all the snatching load on the kayak instead of under the paddlers ribcage. I have used it in anger many times, easy to deploy and disconnect before entering surflines etc.
If you like I can supply detailed pics and the process. 👍👍 Thanks again....Best Regards Geoff.
Another great watch Geoff, thanks for sharing.
Thanks Alex 👍 Great to see you're still joining me on my adventures 😀 😊 don't forget to share with friends too 👍
Yes I always love yours and Bob Evans videos. You both take us to some amazing places and it drives me to try and improve my sea kayaking technique so one day (maybe) I’ll have the ability confidence to paddle to these lovely places. 😀 @@geoffburke
@@alexdobie1808 Thanks Alex, I'm pleased you feel inspired 😊 👍that makes all the hours spent editing and choosing suitable (in my opinion 😂) all worthwhile. I sure with the right group of paddlers and suitable equipment, you'll be ready to go in no time. I've taken groups out through Corryvreckan and down the West side of Jura who weren't particularly experienced, some in general purpose boats in those days...its all down to group members and the right ratios.
Something to work towards 👍👍 Best of luck, I wish you well. Where are you based?
Hi Geoff, thank you for your feedback; I’m not short of equipment and do get out on the sea particularly when I go on my annual holidays to Scotland (...usually Isle of Mull and Ardnamurchan) each year but I do have to pick my days when the conditions are reasonably calm and they are going to stay that way during the trip out. I have noticed in some of your videos including this one the conditions look very challenging and I always imagine how I would feel/cope with them if I got caught out. I think confidence plays a big part and the ability to relax even if the conditions are a little uncomfortable. I live between Sheffield and Worksop (South Yorkshire). @@geoffburke
Quite wise Alex, safety is so important especially if it's a solo trip...can never be too careful.
If you're ever up in the North East and fancy a local paddle or a trip out around the Farnes, give me a shout, I'm always up for a nice trip and it'd be good to show you around the Farnes 👍👍
Great video, didn't need the music at all.
yup, couldn't handle the unnecessarily intense music
Thanks for your comments and pleased you enjoyed it. I always do a trial production when all the clips are edited, trust me adding music pulls the whole thing together. Understandably the type of music can be very controversial as we all have different tastes. Having tried lots of different genre's over time, the feedback I'm currently receiving is very very positive.
I'm sorry if it's not to your liking but music is essential to video to retain one's audience having studied TV, Films and Documentaries. Thanks for your input and I hope you rejoin me for Part 2 Best Regards Geoff
Geoff, Amble and Coquet paddler here…there is a Garmin handheld gps on your foredeck. Can you tell me which model, which charts, if any, are loaded, and what you do about batteries?
Hi Josephine and thanks again 👍 The Unit is a Garmin GPSMAP 65s they are available at a little over £300 and come preloaded with their 'Topo' maps shop.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/garmin-gpsmap-65s/?sku=753759257873&gad_source=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI4NH9m9bbhAMV15xQBh1hcgIdEAQYASABEgKgWPD_BwE
You can buy OS Map cartridges which covers the whole of the UK but are expensive at £301
www.amazon.co.uk/Garmin-TOPO-Great-Britain-PRO/dp/B0977CN9W3/ref=asc_df_B0977CN9W3/?tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=535073594861&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=8870765529043675453&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=t&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1007133&hvtargid=pla-1415934564154&psc=1&mcid=edb230ad0a843c6bbec7048102236414
I tend to use mine for distance and speed as well as producing route trails for my video's by uploading the file to 'Relive'
I'm regularly asked about the GPS and the mount I made for the boat so if you're interested I've photos of how it's made and mounted, just give me a shout.
The Unit takes 2 'AA' batteries which they claim you can get 2 days use out of but I change mine each day. I bought a whole bunch of rechargeable's to take on multi day trips and swap out with fully charged ones every evening ready for the next day. I also have a couple of large capacity power banks for charging my drone batteries, phone and Action 4 camera...too much technical gear, it's a pain as it's not light 🙄😂😂
You'll have to give me shout when you're out and about and we'll get a trip in together as I only live down a Houghton le Spring.
Best Regards Geoff
@@geoffburke Geoff, that’s brill. Thank you. My purpose for it would be a confident satellite given GPS “You are here” as opposed to where am I heading?
I’m off to Shetland myself in July, and feel such a bit of kit worthwhile up there! I will certainly give you a shout one day for a paddle. Best wishes for the upcoming paddling season.
@@josephinebennington7247 That's great 👍 I find mine very useful especially in tidal areas to judge progress/speed, also open water crossings to judge drift. The TopoActive maps are a bit like retro 'Packman' type arcade games (very blocky) so the map cartridge would be great but I can't justify spending more money on techy stuff at this stage 🤔😱
Sorry, I'll miss you in Shetland, I'm up there in June this time and possibly again in August depending on how my wife's knee replacement is progressing.
Let me know if you get the GPS and I'll send you pics of the mounting, it's easy to replicate, actually I have a spare piece of foam so could make one for you. 😃
@@geoffburke I’ve ordered the unit. 14 days to check it fits my requirements and return if it doesn’t. I did consider the 79s with Bluechart maps. Depends how blocky the 65s maps turn out to be. I’m considering also a Deck Pod which has a pocket for such as the handheld. I’ll keep my options open, and may come to you for our holder. Cheers for now, and I will report results.
@@josephinebennington7247 Excellent! I hope it meets your requirements, I hate suggesting equipment as we all perceive things differently 😀 I have made the deck mount utilising garmins belt clip to ensure easy fitting and removal, I'd suggest fitting a lanyard and if doing a rescue it can be dropped overboard to avoid damage. Please reply with your email address so I can send pictures, once I have it I'll confirm then you can delete your reply for security.
Always happy to help 👍😊
curious how you can have 800+ views and only 60 odd thumbs-up
Hi KJ, I've just had a look at my 'CZcams Analytics' page and that trending around normal for me maybe slightly higher.
I don't think it's that straightforward to give the thumbs up/like when viewing CZcams content on a Tablet or Computer and certainly not on a Smart TV as there's no touch screen🤔🤔. I always advocateand tell friends on Facebook to watch my content on a large Smart TV to take advantage of the detail in my video's, so I could be doing myself an massive injustice or be "shooting myself in the foot" there!! 🤔🤔
Thanks for bringing it to my attention though! I think it's something I'm going to have to live with as I can't see anyway around it. Any advise would be most welcome, please.
Some people start with a welcome comment and an explicit request that "if you like this, please remember to 'like' " . Given the length of your videos, perhaps repeat the same request at the very end? Or only give at the end? Or have a text flash at the end asking people to 'like' ?
@@kjflynn3379 Agreed, yes, check out my other video's most have all of what you suggest in fact 2 flash screens one shortly after the start and the other just prior to the end, and I think this is the only one recently that I haven't started with "Hi, and welcome back, to the channel" or more of my Sea kayaking adventures. So, not sure how I can attract more viewers through 👍 or Like statistics 🤔 Still think it's a CZcams thing and certainly an issue with the likes of viewing on Smart TV's or Tablets??? Anyway most people who watch seem to be enjoying them, and I only really produce them as a memory of the trip and maybe an instructional/inspirational thing to help others, if that's not too pompous 🤔☺
How do you see them as feedback is always interesting, gives me a good grounding on what people think or want and I'm always willing to learn and improve...However, I never profess to being an expert with anything I do 😂
Best Regards KJ Geoff
Well you certainly do a good job from my perspective.. and quality over quantity every time, in everything!! Safe paddling!
@@kjflynn3379 Thanks KJ, praise indeed !! I appreciate your kind comments and I'll try to maintain the standard...but it would be nice to improve also 😊 😂😂 Yes, safe paddling to you too and I'll get back to part 2 edit tomorrow 😊
Best regards mate 👍👌