2025 Inner Hebrides Sea Kayak Trip – Part 2 Loch Awe

Thursday 28th, Loch Awe Day 3 – Innes Chonnel Castle by Ella (Day 13)

We set off at 9 o’clock after spending the night on Monkey Puzzle Tree Island (named after a rather large Douglas fir tree growing in the centre of the island). It was raining.

After paddling down the edge of the loch, we stopped for 1st and 2nd elevensies. The rain continued. 

After 11 miles, we stopped for the day at Innes Chonnel Castle, an old castle ruin on its own island. The castle was great to explore, and you could walk through the old arches, dark dungeons and up high along the castle walls.

In a clearing below the castle, we pitched our tents and collected wood for a fire. I was given a masterclass in sawing up the wood for this fire; it seemed that everybody had their own advice to give me. However, when it came to building the fire, Ian’s technique was deemed ‘too random’ and Andy was put in charge. With fire to keep the midges away and a tarp to hide from the rain, we enjoyed a social evening before heading to bed early. Overnight, it rained.

…Also, it was on this day that we learned that Ian is not Keith’s butler!