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 N going stream a strong tide race extends from Rhubha Fiola to Ormsa then past the SW side of Belnahua. Between the Garvellachs and the Black Islands the spring rate 2-3knots. On the west side of Lunga the spring rate is from 3-3.5knots. South of Insh Island, the spring rate is 1-1.5knots.
Eddys are frequent, especially round the north end of the Garvellachs.
On the day, it was 4 days after springs Oban HW 0915 LW 1531 HW 2138. We left Ellenabeich at 1015, the SW ebb had started at 0720. On the return we left Garbh Eileach at 1605, the NE flood had started at 13:45. We returned to Ellenabeich at 1757.
A rough crossing to the Rough Islands.
Sea kayaking under the west coast cliffs of Garbh Eileach.
A fishless lunch on Eileach an Naoimh.
Garvellachs rock face.
The great eagle of Eileach an Naoimh.
Return tickets for the Sound of Luing express.
Bear right at Belnahua!
An encounter with Loti on an uneasy sea.
A unobstructed view thanks to midges and shaggy dogs.
Photo album map. (Note that Google maps know nothing of the Garvellachs or Insh Island!)
