Scottish SIBbing destinations

[Poly]

The Gurnard, Keith (who could forget him) Hart and Zodiac Man (and probably others) have posted some amazing threads on journeys in Scotland on smaller inflatable boats over the last few years. If you've had a great experience or have thoughts for a crazy Scottish trip in a small boat then why not share your thoughts here...

[whisper]

The Corryvreckan is the third largest whirlpool in the world..... and I squealed like a girl

The Corryvreckan is the third largest whirlpool in the world - RIB - YouTube

[The Gurnard]

Great idea Poly..and I will attend a SIB outing..

Scottish weather is always a concern when planning ahead.. so I would like to recommend the Oban area. If the weather is windy..its quite sheltered In the Sound of Kererra / Oban bay... As suggestion if windy.. would be a play in the sheltered water..followed by a wild camp and campfire on Kererra. Its not far from the mainland.. here is a photo with the mainland on one side and Kererra on the other side.



However.. if the weather is good..we could go all the way down to Easdale from Oban..no problem for a SIB in good conditions.. hey I feel another Gurnard adventure report of that route coming soon :-D

Regardless this suggestion .. I will go where everyone else wants to go.

Whisper..if you were squealing in your RIB.. dont try it in a SIB or a kayak.. when that big swirling green eye opens.. it sure makes your eyes water

Photo from my brother Douglas’s Blog.. in the Correyverchan and the tide is not moving

[John Kennett]

Corryvreckan is great (I saw a 4m Searider disappear completely into a hole in the sea here!), but don't miss the Grey Dogs tidal race just around the corner

Falls of Lora is cool too. Need to pick your tides a bit in a SIB though!

[whisper]

Yeah we did the grey dogs too, that was also awesome

That area was my favourite part of Round Britain, absolutely beautiful.

The east coast of Britain was shite in comparison apart from the awesome castle ruins on every cliff top and loads of leopard seals etc. Oh yeah and the wind farms and the northern birds... (Puffins)

The Irish and Scottish food was great, much better than England

[Tony Hill]

A number have suggested Oban/north Argyll as a venue. Someone may know of the opportunities available from Easdale with the potential of very sheltered waters around the east side of Seil, Melfort and Luing to intermediate potential being sound of Luing, Black Isles, Belnahua or should the weather be good the west side and out to The Garvellachs.

Easdale has a large car park for trailers, access to pub and camping for the first night along with B&B for those who prefer. Easdale harbour is safe to leave boats afloat overnight. Not that one looks for trouble but seafari adventures based at Easdale could provide overarching cover being a phonecall away.

Should you wish to consider Easdale and contact me email oban@seafari.co.uk

Tony

[Bern Hanreck]

Don't want to get off topic here but.........without knowing how far South you went to avoid any hazards off St.Katherines , what you saw was not Leopard Seals . They are an Antarctic species that eat penguins.....
I'm sure our colleagues in the Falklands can confirm.

[The Gurnard]

Yup.. I agree with you Bern.. although it is very common to spot seals around our coast..the only breeding seals in the UK are either common seals or grey seals although I have been told we sometimes get visitors from wandering northern species..like ringed, hooded or even a walrus..if it gets really lost. I have never seen one though.

Both our common big blubber boys have spots ..so I can see why they could be confused for a leopard seal but they are defo not a penguin eating species. I find it is difficult to tell the difference between a common sea and a grey seal in the water if you don’t know’s the nose differences.
The grey seal has a roman shaped nose with parallel nostrils .. .



while the common seal has a more distinct forehead and a V shape to their nostrils...



Regardless..Im sure we will spot many of our species on the SIB trip ..wherever we choose to go.

IMO Arisaig is the best area for seals seeing..if that is what floats folks boats

[whisper]

LOL, I was told they were Leopard seals..... We also saw neck seals and gasket seals too but no navy seals, I think they come from the USA

[Poly]

Originally Posted by Tony Hill

A number have suggested Oban/north Argyll as a venue. Someone may know of the opportunities available from Easdale with the potential of very sheltered waters around the east side of Seil, Melfort and Luing to intermediate potential being sound of Luing, Black Isles, Belnahua or should the weather be good the west side and out to The Garvellachs.

Easdale has a large car park for trailers, access to pub and camping for the first night along with B&B for those who prefer. Easdale harbour is safe to leave boats afloat overnight. Not that one looks for trouble but seafari adventures based at Easdale could provide overarching cover being a phonecall away.

Should you wish to consider Easdale and contact me email oban@seafari.co.uk

Tony

Tony, thanks - I've moved your post over here to keep it separate from understanding the preferences of people who might come. Your offer is appreciated (and your ears were probably burning this week during some of the discussions - as Easdale is definitely on the possible base/destination options!) and if "Oban-ish" pops out as a likely venue we'll give some more thought to where exactly... there is so much opportunity round there that we might struggle to decise!

[willk]

Originally Posted by whisper

Yeah we did the grey dogs too.....

.....and loads of leopard seals etc.

..... and the northern birds...

I reckon you've just got your species mixed up dude

[The Gurnard]

Yup..I can see the resemblance there Wilk.

I see nothing fishy with either your leopard seal or my grey seal.. however .. Im not sure if even the tide would take either of them out ?



If its birds the SIBBERS want.. there are plenty birds in the Clyde area.. thousands apon thousands of greedy gannets




Or the more common.. fish n chip gull seen in abundance around the Largs area

[The Gurnard]

Or if you are not so keen on the Birds of the Clyde

How about a visit to the beautiful Loch Sween



And let a trip round the sheltered Fairy isles tickle your fancy ?



The world is our oyster..assuming the weather is good

[whisper]

Loch Ness...

[The Gurnard]

Thats the spirit Whisper..tantalise taste buds with suggestions for Sibbing in Scotland

Talking of Oysters.. you wont get a finer oyster than home grown ones in Loch Fyne.

Its a mighty fine sea loch to explore with its many picturesque villages



And majestic Castles

[jambo]

Hi don't want my place swarming with sibers unless you invite me as your safety boat. 👍😃👹


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[Poly]

Originally Posted by jambo

Hi don't want my place swarming with sibers unless you invite me as your safety boat.

Oh the irony if the sibs had to tow you home!

[jambo]

Originally Posted by Poly

Oh the irony if the sibs had to tow you home!

One of these days your smart arse will catch up with you!!


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[The Gurnard]

Hey... We could also think about sneaking up on Jambo from the rear .. by going down Loch Craignish from Ardfern



Keeking to the eastern shore of Island Macaskin so we don’t accidentally put our foot in the door of The Doris Mor tide race



Round the corner past Duntrune Castle



Then over to Crinan for lunch in the hotel ...



Guess Im not much help.. I ain’t got a clue where to go

[jambo]

Too many places to go that's the problem but all worth while


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