The Mull of Kintyre – Day 2a Davaar Island to Southend

Day 2a Davaar Island to Southend by Mike A

On the water at 06:00! That meant setting alarms for 04:45, I thought we were on holiday??????

As always, paying attention to tides is important on sea kayaking trips. Sometimes, as yesterday, you can paddle against them. Today was at times not one of those days, so the plan was to be on water for 06:00, catching the easy tide south before crossing the strong tides in the Sound of Sanda to Sanda Island. We would then recross the Sound to land on the mainland near Southend. This would enable us to use the tides in the Sound to our advantage.

We woke to a glorious sunrise over the Isle of Arran. The cows that had been very inquisitive neighbours were soundly resting around us; luckily, there had been no incidents of huge cow horns ripping lightweight flysheets (my worry).

Feeling refreshed, we paddled around Island Davaar and on for 6km before stopping for breakfast – hope we didn’t wake the campers who were on that beach. We weren’t that loud.

Following the impressive coast, a decision was made that the conditions looked fine for a trip to Sanda. This is a serious crossing; the island is 3km offshore, but we were going to be transiting for about 8km to get there. As we paddled away from the shore towards the island, the strength of the tide meant we had to head well upstream of the island to ensure we managed to get there.

The group paddled amazingly, staying close together as we headed out. Past Sheep Island, we powered into the bay at Sanda Island for a well-earned break. The sun was shining as Eamon decided to practice some yoga on the shore.

Fully refreshed, we launched back into the strong tidal flows of the Sound. A nice 3km ferry glide saw us back at the mainland, which we followed to the beautiful Dunaverty bay (22km done). Here we were met by some more cows, but not quite as beautiful as the Highland Cows of yesterday.

Given the weather windows, we agreed that we would stop here and refuel for 5 hours before heading off around the crux of the trip. Some rested on the beach, which had benches and toilets, and some went exploring Southend – it’s shut and for sale.

The area was a pretty holiday stop with a long history. The original inhabitants were known as the Epidii (horse people). It was the location where Saint Columba first set foot in Scotland before going to Islay. The old castle once sheltered Robert the Bruce, and there was a massacre in 1647 that is still recorded locally.

Anyway, time to fuel up, stare over at Northern Island (12 miles away) and dream of the upcoming paddle.