Roof of Britain expedition with Coastal Spirit Sea Kayaking

Day 7, 24th April, Scourie to Durness around Cape Wrath. 42k

We had a weather window, but the tide times were not ideal. It was going to be an early start! Worse still we faced a 200m boat carry to the sea. So alarms were set for 02.30 (ouch). Boats were packed as far as possible the night before. We wanted to be on the water as soon as the light would let us launch through the surf. 04.30 was our best estimate which would let us be at Cape Wrath at 08.00 at slack water. In the end we were ready and waiting in the cold pre-dawn light in the mist. We were paddling at 04.40, the earliest most of us have been on the water!

Mist wrapped the gannet cliffs as we paddled northward. Spooky! We worked hard against the tide and a light headwind. Loud whoops were heard from Roger as we first glimpsed the lighthouse on Cape Wrath! Soon afterwards we were in 3m waves in a race heading out across the Atlantic. Fun, but the wrong direction so we moved inshore. Then a short stop before we turned east... for Tavi to pump milk and Roger water from their cockpits! :)

Tavi  above at Cape Wrath and Anita below and were spot on with arriving at slack water ...

The sight of the lighthouse tower way up above was a welcome one! Cape Wrath itself was awesome, simply stunning even in the mist and conditions that meant there was no chance of playing through the arches. I think we all have it on our wish list to come back in sunshine and less surf!

Our timing at Cape Wrath and the headlands was impeccable and we hit all the main races at slack! Onward past the bothy at Kearvaig, which looked like an amazing campsite except for the pounding surf! Round Faraid Head and into a gully at Smoo just past Durness. And here we are now; looks like 2 days storm-bound before we can move again.

So we are planning the rest of the north coast and our next big corner - the Pentland Firth. I for one can't wait!!!

Tavi Murray

The Roof of Britain Coastal Spirit Rapid Development Expedition 2015

Day 1. 18th April, Skye Bridge to Rubha na h-Uamba, 10km

We were unsure whether to start at Helmsdale on the E coast or at the Skye Bridge. The good forecast though convinced us to start on the west. Dropped cars at either end of the canal section. Seals saw us off at the Skye Bridge and then paddled 10km in beautiful sunshine to camp at the bothy.

Day 2. 19 April, Ribha na h-Umba to Longa Island, 48km

Golden sand and golden sunshine with a F2-3 headwind. Heard and saw many Great Northern Divers.

Day 3. 20 April, Longa to Tanera Mor, 47km

Saw our first otter as we left camp and the first puffins of many shortly after. A day of tailwinds and surf behind making really good time. Short stop at Priest Island, beautiful spot with many Storm Petrels. 

Day 4. 21 April, Tanera Mor to Oldany Island, 48km

Bouncy, lively conditions for our first big headlands made this our best day yet! Nice bit of tide race surfing off the headland just before the Point of Stoer then through an awesome channel between the Old Man of Stoer and the mainland. Finished with some great ditch crawling and exploration at Oldany Island, our most picturesque campsite yet and very tropical. 

Day 5. 22 April. Oldany Island to near Kinberlochbervie, 35km

To Scourie to get weather info and plan Cape Wrath. The only window is Saturday and this means a 4.15am on the water start to get around. So onward through the Bad Call Islands to position us as far north as we can. A pod of dolphins here made our day!

Day 6. 23 April. Kinberlochbervie.

A day off for us all. (Except Roger, who woke up at 3.30am and then each 30 mins to see what time it will be light for us to leave tomorrow). Currently in a warm hotel in Kinberlochbie contemplating deserts. Life is good!!

Fleet sea kayaks for sale - Spring into Summer sale 2015

Sea Kayak's for Sale ... its the Spring into Summer sale . .. 

North Shore, Atlantic - Composite Sea Kayak, with red deck, black trim and white hull.  Ideal for a medium to larger framed paddler - £1200

Skeg has a nylon cable which was renewed in last 6 months, and works smoothly.  No repairs or damage to the deck or hull. Has the usual scratches, of a 3 year old sea kayak. All hatches are dry.  In good condition considering its a fleet boat!

Save over £750 from the retail price!

P&H Sea Kayak, Cetus MV - Composite Sea Kayak, with white deck and hull, turquoise blue trim, which also has a keel strip fitted. Ideal for the medium to larger framed paddler, who's considering day trips as well as overnight camps.  Comfortable and supportive seat/ backrest - £1600

Excellent condition and again no repairs to the deck or hull.  has the usual scratches of a 3 year old sea kayak.  All hatches are dry.  Cable skeg replaced 6 months ago and works smoothly.  Has mainly been paddled by Roger, with occasional client use.  Also has a Silva compass fitted, in the bow recess, which is included in the price.

You save £800 from the retail price!

Sensible offers considered on either kayak and it may also be possible to arrange a try before you buy.  based Anglesey, North Wales.

Thanks,

Roger 

You can email me on -info@coastalspirit.com