Loch Long Otter Hunting.......

[Scots_Charles_River]

Was sea kayaking today, quite hot and humid. The metoffice rainfall radar showed stormy showers building in Ayrhsire. But, we were at Loch Long, near Arrochar. We launched at Finnart, big oil terminal, which is in Fjordlike scenery. Two divers set off here, no flags or bouys. Bit dodgy with tugs and work boats about.


After we crossed toward 'Mark Bothy (MBA)' we started senaking up the rocky shore to spot otters, none seen but lots of piles of clams and muscles on high rocks. There was a single sea kayaker in the Bothy with a fire on, he left after we passed on our return, fire was then out.


Rocky Mica Schist Shore on Loch Long by Nick_Scots, on Flickr


We crept up on the glassy clam sea, looking for otters. The point lighthouse which defines the rocks at the end of Loch Goil and it's joining to Loch Long just visible left.


Rocky Mica Schist Shore Loch Long by Nick_Scots, on Flickr


We started to turn into Loch Goil and look for a spot for a coffee break. It was in the 20s and very humid, so lots of water gulped. This is the Loch Goil shore line. Easy to stop in plastic Kayaks rather than delicate GRP sea kayaks.


Otter Spotting by Nick_Scots, on Flickr


We heard a loud breathing noise here, but it was actually seals following us, we thought it was a weasel, otter or mink on the shore.


Otter Spotting by Nick_Scots, on Flickr


Coffee stop. Carrick castle across the loch.


Coffee Stop Loch Goil by Nick_Scots, on Flickr


My cheap single skin sea kayak, £450.


Coffee Stop by Nick_Scots, on Flickr

If you intend to paddle aorund here it is worth reading this MOD document as a lot of the area is Queens Harbourmaster, who actually have more control than normal coppers.

http://www.qhm.mod.uk/clyde/navigati...e=2088&id=2103