Glenelg, Sandaig and A Squall in Loch Hourn

[Steve509926]

The one trip on Redneck that I really wanted to do whilst in Lochalsh was to follow in The Gurnard's wake and launch from Glenelg and go to Loch Hourn, but the broken transom wheel would probably be a bit of a problem. In the end we decided to go to Glenelg and hopefully someone would be there to help carry Redneck down the beach. We wanted to launch at low tide to give us the most time out on the water, before returning a couple of hours after high tide. The weather forecast for the day was fair, sunny spells with light 8mph NNW winds, slight sea with small waves. Perfect apart from it being so very cold!
The drive to Glenelg is one of the most beautiful and scenic I have ever done. High, steep, twisty and narrow but beautiful, the drive alone is worth the trip.
We arrived at Glenelg beach, to face two problems. No one else was there to help carry Redneck down to the water and a height barrier restricting high vehicle access ment we couldn't drive onto the car park with Redneck on the roof! I need not have worried, my wonderful better half took it in her stride, helped me get it off the roof and carry it down the beach The beach was firm enough for me to drive down with the rest of the gear to set up.
Fully set up, we launched and headed off past Glenelg village towards the Sandaig Islands, then headed to Loch Hourn, towards a small island at the mouth of the Loch where we were joined by some very curious seals. We had seen lots of other seals on other days, but for some reason these seals appeared to be as interested in us as we were in them, had someone been feeding them? We pressed on towards Arinsdale, weaving through some small islands, when Diane spotted some porpoises. I headed off to the middle of the loch where we saw a small pod of porpoises feeding. I cut the OB so as not to disturb them and try, very unsuccessfully, to get some pictures. After a few minutes the porpoises disappeared, it then went very dark and we were hit from behind by big waves, high winds and hail stone. The water changed from being relatively calm to a mailstrom of disturbed water going in all directions. I started the OB and headed at displacement speed back to the shelter of the small islands, it took a very uncomfortable 5 mins to reach a bit of shelter. We managed to ride out the squall hiding behind one of the bigger islands for about 10 miserable, very wet, very cold minutes. Then as if someone had flicked a switch, all was calm, the sea became a little smother, the wind dropped and even the sun showed its face. I have to be honest, although I was calm on the outside so as not to worry Diane, I had been very concerned.
Squall past, we decided to carry on down to Arnisdale, which thankfully proved to be a calmer trip. On the way we briefly saw two Sea Eagles high above the mountains, but to far away to get a picture.
We didn't hang around at Arnisdale or delve any deeper into Loch Hourn as dark, black clouds gathered towards the SW, which was where the first squal came from.
We headed back via the Sandaig Islands and went across to Skye, where we beached and had a very late lunch.
We headed back to Glenelg, sticking closely to the Skye shoreline before crossing over to Glenelg just south of Kyle Rhea. I had heard about the water flowing out of Kyle Rhea when the tide turns, but the strength of the flow took me by surprise. It was only an hour after high tide, but the flow was easily 6-8 mph.
An enjoyable trip? Without doubt - Yes, would I do it again - without hesitation, but the day was also a big learning curve for me.
The last few pics on the video are from the next day when we walked to the Sandaig islands, before headed of back home after having a wonderful holiday in Lochalsh - we will return, there is so much we didn't do and see.

[Brinormeg]

Steve thanks to you and Diane for taking us along on your travels, and glad you have had such a great holiday. I'm sure anyone seeing the videos and pics will be as inspired as we both are when following donny's adventures.

Shame we couldn't get time off work to pop over, but perhaps we will have our sea legs in order by your next visit up here

[Maximus]

Enjoyed the Vid and write up
Glad to see everyone had a great trip ....and learning a lot in the proscess for next time is "Money in the Bank"
Will arrive in Oban ourselves today and looking forward to seeing sites and friends old and new!...,Ye-Can-Nay Beat it!

[Steve509926]

Originally Posted by Maximus

Enjoyed the Vid and write up
Glad to see everyone had a great trip ....and learning a lot in the proscess for next time is "Money in the Bank"
Will arrive in Oban ourselves today and looking forward to seeing sites and friends old and new!...,Ye-Can-Nay Beat it!

Thanks Maximus.
Have a great time in Oban, looks like you will have good weather

[Steve509926]

Originally Posted by Brinormeg

Steve thanks to you and Diane for taking us along on your travels, and glad you have had such a great holiday. I'm sure anyone seeing the videos and pics will be as inspired as we both are when following donny's adventures.

Hanks Brian,
The Gurnard certainly inspired me and provided invaluable info.

[Fenlander]

Great write up... those Scottish squalls in what might be regarded as sheltered locations (compared with the wide open sea) really take you by surprise and as you say it can change back as quick as it came.

[Steve509926]

Originally Posted by Fenlander

Great write up... those Scottish squalls in what might be regarded as sheltered locations (compared with the wide open sea) really take you by surprise and as you say it can change back as quick as it came.

You're right there Fenlander, one minute all was peaceful and calm, the next it was mayhem. Learned a good lesson though, always check what's creeping up behind you

[The Gurnard]

In truth the sea lochs can be more dangerous than the open sea.. the wind can swirl in the high glens of the mountains surrounding the lochs..then funnel down narrow valleys at a tremendous speed kicking up water spouts when it hits the water.

The sea is far more predictable from that aspect. A workmate of mine a few years ago lost his son in Loch Etive when it happened to him..a the wind blew his speedboat over ..four in it were in the water ..three were rescued..his son drowned. He was the only one not wearing a life jacket that day. I remember it well as I too was on the loch that day ..in my own boat

The moral if there is one .. is always wear a life jacket..and never think any water is completely safe

[jeffstevens763@g]

Great write up and vid Steve you now have the bug I’ve had it for 60 years it’s hard to explain what calls you back year after year sometimes to the same place but it’s always different that’s the draw I think.

[Steve509926]

Originally Posted by jeffstevens763@g

Great write up and vid Steve you now have the bug I’ve had it for 60 years it’s hard to explain what calls you back year after year sometimes to the same place but it’s always different that’s the draw I think.

Thanks Jeff, well and truly bitten by the bug.
These next 4 weeks can't pass quick enough, that's when Redneck will be in the Gower

[Steve509926]

Well who would have thought that the place I was just 9 days ago (Loch Hourn) where it was about 7°c would record the highest temperature in the UK today! Could have done with a bit of that warm sunshine when we was there!

[The Gurnard]

That is Scotland for you Steve ..you never know what you are going to get until its over. I was milk bottle white last week..this week my face has sucked the saturation out the pink granite rocks on the Ross of Mull.



Look on the sunny side..you had few midges ..they are now out of lockdown and starving.

The Ribnet mob visiting Oban just now are having a whale of a time in the sun ..but then they always do regardless the weather.

[Steve509926]

Originally Posted by The Gurnard

That is Scotland for you Steve ..you never know what you are going to get until its over. I was milk bottle white last week..this week my face has sucked the saturation out the pink granite rocks on the Ross of Mull.



Look on the sunny side..you had few midges ..they are now out of lockdown and starving.

The Ribnet mob visiting Oban just now are having a whale of a time in the sun ..but then they always do regardless the weather.

This is true, don't think we saw a single midge

Can't say the same about the ticks though, poor Isla had to tolerate lots of the little shits!!

[Chris Caton]

great vid

[Steve509926]

Thanks Chris

Do you launch at Ty Calch? and do you need to register a SIB in Caernarfon?

Was thinking of going on Saturday if I get the chance.

[Chris Caton]

Originally Posted by Steve509926

Thanks Chris

Do you launch at Ty Calch? and do you need to register a SIB in Caernarfon?

Was thinking of going on Saturday if I get the chance.

hi Steve,

yes, Ty Calch is great, tractor launch and recovery, they will look after your trailer while you're out, £20 for small boats, £25 for bigger ones

I would let Chris know you're wanting a launch weekends, bank hols etc, it get busy on the slip and is its spring tides parking can be tight

but if its a SIB and no trailer there are other options locally

to be honest if you're only going for the day I wouldn't bother registering, if you were unlucky enough to get pulled up by the patrol boat then just plead insanity, all he's likely to do is to give you a registration form and the harbour office is closed over the weekend anyway!

send me a dm if want some ideas of where to launch locally

[Pikey Dave]

Originally Posted by Chris Caton

hi Steve,



yes, Ty Calch is great, tractor launch and recovery, they will look after your trailer while you're out, £20 for small boats, £25 for bigger ones



I would let Chris know you're wanting a launch weekends, bank hols etc, it get busy on the slip and is its spring tides parking can be tight



but if its a SIB and no trailer there are other options locally



to be honest if you're only going for the day I wouldn't bother registering, if you were unlucky enough to get pulled up by the patrol boat then just plead insanity, all he's likely to do is to give you a registration form and the harbour office is closed over the weekend anyway!



send me a dm if want some ideas of where to launch locally

Registration!! What registration?[emoji6]

[Steve509926]

Originally Posted by Pikey Dave

Registration!! What registration?[emoji6]

I get the message

[Steve509926]

Chris, tried to PM you but you have "exceeded your stored message quota"
Steve

[Chris Caton]

hi Steve, just deleted a load, should be ok now