2021 Scottish Sea Kayaking Trip to the Summer Isles
Day 08 Sunday Ardmair Point to pebble beach on Carn Nan Sgeir (island). Keith Steer
After all enjoying the evening meal arranged by Roger and Catriona most of us were up early in the morning and busy packing our boats for the second week. Around 9:00am and Ian, Catriona and Dave headed off for the car shuttle to leave a vehicle at our two finish points. Catriona could only stay for another 2 days. Frankie, Andy and I enjoyed numerous coffee`s and second breakfasts on the steep shingle point opposite Admair Campsite.
We set off just before midday and headed out past the Isle of Martin and before long saw the same wind turbine that we had spotted on numerous occasions on the first day. After a couple of hours of paddle in saw Carn na Sgeir, a small island with a pebble tombolo (spit) between the two islands. We landed and enjoyed a late lunch and brew on the beach. It really was a stunning place with views all around the Summer Isles.
After some discussion and consultation with the tide tables (we were on neaps) this spot proved too good an opportunity given the long shuttles and idyllic location to pass up. We decided to stay the night, having vowed never to bypass a 5-star campsite. We put up our six tends on the flat top of the pebble beach – we had great views over the water to the West and East. It did not take long to explore the small island and chatted and drank coffee until it was time to cook our evening meal. We all slept soundly that night.
On our return we discovered that the next island over, Càrn Deas, was up for sale – £50,000 would secure its purchase. A little larger than our island but very similar. Part of the Daily Mail article is précised below.
Tiny 22-acre island in Scotland’s ‘Summer Isles’ goes on sale for bargain price of £50,000 (but good luck building anything on it)- The uninhabited Isle of Càrn Deas measures 295 yards at its widest points and 530 yards at its longest
- It lies four miles off Ullapool’s coast in the north-west of Scotland and is a popular area for sailing and fishing
- Biggest building which can be erected would be a ‘small cabin’ — which would require planning permission
A tiny 22-acre island in Scotland’s ‘Summer Isles’ has been put up for sale for the bargain price of £50,000. The uninhabited Isle of Càrn Deas measures just 295 yards (270 metres) at its widest points and 530 yards (485 metres) at its longest. It lies four miles (6.4 kilometres) off Ullapool’s coast in the north-west of Scotland and is a popular area for sailing, wildlife and sea fishing. But developers planning to make the island more habitable may run into trouble, with the land and forestry group selling it suggesting the biggest building that can be erected on the land would be a ‘small cabin’ — and even that would require planning permission.
Prospective owners can reach the island via a 25-minute boat journey from nearby Badentarbat Pier, near Achiltibuie village, or Old Dornie Harbour. The village has a shop, post office, well-known hotel, restaurant and a primary school. Càrn Deas has a dramatic coastline with cliffs, coves, and a shingle beach and is surrounded by crystal clear waters home to a range of fish and wildlife. The Summer Isles gained their name because they were where the local crofters used to transport their sheep for the summer grazing.
Goldcrest Land and Forestry Group said: ‘Scotland’s west coast, and in particular the scenic waters around the Summer Isles, is renowned for the quality of its sailing and water sports. ‘The long summer days and the warm current of the Gulf Stream ensure Càrn Deas’ seawaters are a rich feeding ground for seabird and aquatic life. ‘There is plenty to be caught by anglers of all abilities, both from the rocks and further afield, where mackerel, cod, pollock, coalfish and ling can be found. ‘There are also lobsters, crabs and langoustines off the coast. Porpoises, dolphins, whales, basking sharks and otters are seen in the waters around the Summer Isles. Its deep, clear waters provide ideal conditions for diving and snorkelling.’ |
More photos………
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