Sea kayaking round Luing.

 Circumnavigation of Luing: a 32km day trip from Ellenabeich, Seil, January 2011.


18.2 km/hr in the Cuan Sound, between Luing and Seil.

The tide times in the Cuan Sound and the Grey Dogs (also the Corryvreckan) are influenced by low pressure Atlantic systems and can be difficult to predict within an hour's accuracy. However, in a high pressure system they are much more predictable, though

Ferry gliding in the Grey Dogs.

We arrived at the Grey Dogs when there was still plenty of ebb left in their bite! Here Jim is ferrying ith the current running from left to right at 7 knots.

On the ebb when the tide is east going, it is usual to pass through the Dogs from west to east, through the broader south channel. But we were here to play so we spent time ferrying the north channel...

... and round Eilean a'Bhealaich,

The Garvellachs from Seil

A 32km day trip round the Garvellach islands from Ellenabeich on Seil. August 2010.the NW coast of Eileach na Naoimh.Tidal streams from Insh Island to the north end of the Sound of Luing:+0430 HW Oban (-0100 HW Dover) north-east going flood begins.-0155 HW Oban (+0500 HW Dover) south-west going ebb begins.The spring rate is 6-7 knots through the islands at the N end of the Sound of Luing. On the

Lunga, Scarba and the Corryvreckan from Crinan

Circumnavigation of Scarba and Lunga: a 47km day trip from Crinan, July 2010.The west coast of Lunga with Scarba and Jura beyond.Nearly finished, the tide still pushes us on from the Dorus Mor and the distant Corryvreckan and Scarba beyond.The tide times in the Corryvreckan are influenced by low pressure Atlantic systems and can be difficult to predict within an hour's accuracy. However, in a

Givin' the Dogs the slip!

Although there was some growling from the throat of the Dogs and the occasional fleck of saliva, all looked remarkably calm and, much to Phil and Jennifer's relief, we slipped past the Grey Dogs on our way north to the tip of Rubha Fiola.Scarba slipped astern but still dominated the skyline above the east coast of Lunga.Ahead lay Fladda lighthouse backed by the island of Seil and the distant

Relaxing, with the roaring of the Dogs in our ears.

The tides carried us north at 8km/hr out of the Sound of Jura into the Sound of Luing, which separates Scarba on the west from Luing on the east.The east coast of Scarba is sheltered from the prevailing wind and has a thick growth of deciduous woodland. Both red and fallow deer can be seen here. Kilmory Lodge lies 88m above sea level while the summit of Cruach Scarba 449m towers high above.We had