Loch Shiel circuit by John C

Loch Shiel circuit by John C

Three of us completed the Loch Shiel circuit, starting at Glenfinnan. We paddled down Loch Shiel, camping on the riverbank overnight before continuing on day two.

We stopped at the old burial ground on St Finans Isle, the Loch then flows into the River Shiel, which we paddled to the end, the river then empties into Loch Moidart with the impressive Castle Tioram directly in front. We camped behind the Castle which was even more impressive as the sun went down.

Day 3 saw us paddle down the north channel to the open sea, where we pitched up early on the white sandy beach before exploring around the local islands. We entered the north channel again, but at low tide, it actually turns dry. We were treated to an amazing sunset.

Day 4 saw us leaving Smirisary beach and heading round the headland before entering Loch Ailort to paddle back up to reach the end of the circuit.

We were blessed with the weather, but a lot of attempts at the circuit fail because of the weather; strong winds on any of the Lochs or rough seas can soon put paid to what is an amazing paddle, when the weather gods let you through!