This is the Sixth post describing my sea kayak trip around the islands of Islay and Jura, it covers Port Charlotte to Kilchiaran Bay.
Rinns of Islay
The Rinns of Islay is the only leg of this trip included in Doug Coopers 100 great Scottish sea kayak journeys guidebook. It's an interesting and unusual trip because you essentially paddling around the edge of a village on a 6kn tidal race.
Despite having much stronger tides than the Mull of Oa it definitely felt a lot less sustained and serious. We again had a very early start, however the paddle between Port Charlotte and Rinns Point was relatively relaxed.
After Rinns Point, it really kicked up for 10 or 15mins until we were in the shelter of Orsay. There's strong tides all around this headland and you really notice the power of them between Orsay/Eilean Coinnich and Portnahaven.
Sheltered from the wind the water looks more like a fast moving river, so unless you're looking for a serious workout you'd be well advised to time this to be going with the tide!
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| Approaching Orsay |
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| Calm at slack water between Orsay/Eilean Coinnich and Portnahaven. |
As soon as we left the shelter of Eilean Coinnich we were out in the rougher water again and it was quite exciting until we turned the headland of Runha Na Faing.
After the Rinns we'd planned to stop for a break at Lossit Bay, however we were fraught again by the swell. The backs of the waves looked like a scene from a surfing movie, so slightly worried we decided to plough on rather than attempt a tricky landing.
From the map, Kilchiaran Bay looked like a better option and thankfully proved to be sheltered from the swell and also had plenty of good camping spots. We struggled to get a mobile signal on the beach so walked up hill towards Port Charlotte and after 30mins managed to get a signal. Fortunately for us the forecast was for a reduction in the swell and wind and clear skies for the next few days.
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| Sheltered Kilchiaran Bay |
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| Andy route planned for the following day |
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