29.05.19, Canoes, Loch Clunie


On a calm day we set off for Loch Clunie clutching our wet shoes and flotation vests.  Heaving 5 kayaks to the lochside we were paired into our Canadian canoes, although one of our number had brought their own green inflatable. After a safety briefing and some instruction from Jamie, our instructor from Ancrum Outdoor Centre, we were on the water.  The canoes were very stable, easy to paddle and steer; although co-ordinating with our co-crew was a little harder - some of us may be a little challenged in telling our left from our right!

We practised our paddling techniques with Jamie giving us various points on the loch to reach.  After lunch we headed to the little island that houses the ruin of Castle Clunie once used as a hunting lodge by Kenneth MacAlpin,first King of Scotland.  We were sad to see how ruinous it had become in its thicket of trees.  Re-launched, we headed for a narrow channel to see how our skills had improved.  Some had learnt better than others but we all laughed at the 3 point turns,  groundings and attacks by low, overhanging branches.
All too soon we were headed back to the shore.  Thankfully we were all dry, except for our feet, and we gratefully changed into dry socks and shoes.  Everyone had felt very confident on the water and had a great time enjoying a new wee adventure.  

 (Photos courtesy of Mike Taylor)

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