The clear water allowed us to admire the submarine rock architecture.

After we left Cleits Shore we turned east along the south coast of Arran. In the distance we caught first sight of Pladda lighthouse.

 The coastline here is very varied with alternate basalt dykes and shallow sandy bays.

At Torrylinn, the sun cast shadows of our sails on the shallow sandy bottom and the water was so warm that we headed in for another swim before setting off for...

 ...Bennan Head.

Steep cliffs fall to shattered scree slopes which are partially wooded. These slopes are home to rock doves, golden eagles and peregrine falcons.

We got cricks in our necks admiring...

...the rock architecture and the scenery.

Bennan Head is a complex headland with a waterfall (dry when we passed) a cave and a blow hole through  the roof of the cave.

The clear water allowed us to admire the submarine rock architecture.

There is nothing in our club's constitution to prevent our members taking an early luncheon...

When we landed at Inchmarnock it was high water. Our temperatures were also high and we were so hot that we wasted no time in getting out of our hot dry suits.

Though Mike showed better judgement, Ian and I threw ourselves headlong into the inviting cool looking waters of the Sound of Bute. The air temperature may have been 18C but what I can tell you is that a water temperature of 7.5C is scarcely compatible with human metabolism and life. Ian and I staggered out of the icy waters after only a few seconds. After some time, we regained the power of speech and assured Mike that it had been wonderfully refreshing.

Fortunately there was no wind and the sun had warmed the pebbles on the beach. We warmed up nicely as we enjoyed our first luncheon. Ian and I are often quizzed on the difference between third breakfast and first luncheon. It is really very simple. As we had enjoyed a snifter of 15y old Dalmore with our meal, this was first luncheon. We are most abstemious and NEVER take liquor with breakfast of any description. It is the only rule in our little sea kayaking club. Of course, there is nothing in our club's constitution to prevent our members taking an early luncheon...

It was difficult to imagine anywhere in the World where we would rather be. There was not another soul, boat, ship or building in sight. The only sound was the occasional lapping of a wavelet on the shingle of the beach. We enjoyed a wonderful view over the Sound of Bute to the mountains of Arran beyond. All this yet I was only 50 kilometres from my home in Glasgow!

We savoured the environs of Inchmarnock for over am hour before we somewhat reluctantly took to the boats again and...

...paddled out of Inchmarnock's beautiful lagoon.

For the full StereoVision experience see Ian's account here.

Three unexpected swims in the Sound of Arisaig.

Leaving the skerries, we made our way to the north shore of the Sound of Arisaig where we discovered...

 ...this stunning white shell sand beach...

...which nestled between rocky outcrops.

 We drew our kayaks up...

...on the pristine sands and...

...made our way up to a closely cropped grassy sward and...

 ...found a most suitable vantage spot to partake of...

...our first luncheon.

 A solitary rock pipit hovered round waiting for crumbs.

From the little hill beside the beach there was a stunning view back to the Moidart hills behind Samalaman bay from where we had set off.

 There was another stunning view of Eigg and Rum...

 ...not to mention Skye.

 Next we turned our attention to the beach...

 ...which was covered by thousands of shells.

Despite looking very hard...

...only Jennifer found a solitary northern cowrie. They were much harder to find here than on our visit to Gunna.

 Finding the cowrie seemed to go to Jennifer's head, she did a series of cartwheels straight...

 ...into the sea, which was only 7 degrees Celsius!

Photo by Philip Toman

Not to be outdone, Ian and I also felt obliged to go for a quick dip. Swimming in Scotland in mid February...whatever next?