Madonna of Knoydart

You're shelter from the storm
Give me comfort in your arms
-"Nothing really matters", Madonna



Paddling up Loch Nevis you come to the shelter of Inverie Bay with its isolated village backed by the Rough Bounds of Knoydart. As you round the headland, you are greeted by the open arms of the Madonna of Knoydart.



Knoydart was so remote that following the Reformation, when most of Scotland became Protestant, the Roman Catholic faith survived here in isolation and shelter. It is a great place for a winter paddle (this was last January) and it's got a pub!

Sea kayaking pubs: the Old Forge, Inverie

Sitting in the pub after our abortive Mull of Galloway trip, I reflected on more positive sea kayaking encounters with premises of a licensed nature. First to mind, came the Old Forge Inn at Inverie, Knoydart. Although it is on the Scottish mainland, there is no road in, so ferry or kayak trips are essential if you wish to sup their fine ales.





They do not seem to mind dripping dry suits.



These fine gentlemen, with whom we enjoyed passing a good part of a short winter afternoon in pleasant conversation, were dripping blood on the floor. They had just come off the hill where they had been gralloching deer. No one bothered about their drips either.

After some time, we made our way back down Loch Nevis to Mallaig where we arrived after nightfall.

Sea kayaking desktop photo calendar 2007.

January
Looking northeast from Sgeir a'Ghail, Loch Nevis, to Knoydart.


February
Cailean Macleod at Coldingham Bay, Scottish Borders.


March
The distant Cuillin mountains of Skye are seen to the south west from Eilean Stacan, Loch Carron.


April
The Scarba shore of the Gulf of Corryvreckan at slack water. 15 minutes later we were doing 18km/hr without paddling!


May
No, it's not Scotland! It is the wonderful reef of Les Ecrehous 10.5km NE off the NE corner of Jersey in the Channel Islands.


June
Looking towards the grey hills of Lewis from Scarp.


July
The entrance of Loch Rog, Lewis.


August
The Sound of Harris from Bearnaraigh.


September
Sea stacks at Cliobh, Lewis.


October
Paddling out to Bearasaigh and Seana Chnoc, Lewis.


November
The tidal Clachan Sound runs under the "Bridge over the Atlantic", Nether Lorn.


December
Sunset down the Sound of Jura from Loch Caolisport, Knapdale.

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May 2007 be good to you.