Commercial Expeditions : Barra & Mingulay Archipelago - Outer Hebrides / Mull Mini Exped for Sea Kayaking Wales

 

Mingulay 

Taking on ‘The Atlantic Edge’ on the remote archipelago’s of Barra and Mingulay as my first commercial expedition lead with seven clients and John Gray, a supporting SKL, felt a bit like climbing the Eiger for my first alpine route in another life! A lot of objective dangers with no room for poor decision making or complacency. An F6/7 and 3m swell forecasts drew a very clear ‘off the water’ deadline in the sand just three days from our launch date with the added complication of an exposed F5 forecasted for our second day.

We made a plan to aim for Mingulay with the three main crossings ahead of us, but to review as we went, crossing by crossing, to see how the group performed in the conditions. We created two pods that moved together, with small refinements with each crossing until we finally arrived to the sight of over one hundred seals lounging on Mingulay bay. 

Day one

Day two delivered the forecasted higher winds and the team enjoyed the pleasures of Mingulay wildlife and exploring this remote island with sightings of a Golden Eagle, Sea Eagles, Puffins, Skuas and more, while many seals congregated on the steep sand of the bay. (Photos: Jonathan)

Day three was an early start to meet some key tidal gates for the group to get back to Vatersay before the non negotiable weather arrived. A successful return taking advantage of lighter winds round the west side of Sandray back into Vatersay and camp  

The arrival of strong winds gave us the opportunity to day boat around the skerries off Barra’s east coast which were fantastic in themselves. A great trip then back onto the ferry for another MacNCheese!

A same day turnaround on Oban allowed for re supply then back onto ferry bound for Mull and the second expedition camped at Fidden Farm overlooking Iona  

Fidden Farm Campsite 

Day one was a little shakedown of the group with a lovely paddle round Erraid with some group rescues back in the bay before dinner and a planning meeting of the mini expedition. Launching from Ulva slip up the east/north coast and through the entertaining Ulva Passage lead to an exciting navigation across the westerly swells into a small piece of paradise to pitch our tents overlooking white sands, Little Colnsay and Ben More overseeing from the horizon. (Photos: Wendy Hamlet)

Day two took us out to Little Colnsay with a circumnavigation and a sling shot crossing down to Inch Kenneth then back in time before closing to the Ulva Boat House and a refreshment before landing back at the slipway and home. 

Photos: Wendy Hamlet

A trial by fire on Barra with a soft landing on Mull feels about right. Next stop Norway in July to joint lead Tromso Expedition with John. I expect it will be gentler than Barra with fantastic scenes and awesome paddling.