SIB'bing the Small Isles of Scotland

[The Gurnard]

I have been enjoying the lovely spell of weather over the west coast of Scotland and took my SIB over to the Small Isles of Eigg, Rum and Canna ..for four days of wild camping.

The round trip was over 100 miles and used around 70 litres of fuel. I went with a friend Duggie.. who is also a forum member..and it was great to have some company on this adventure.

I have put together a quick video of the first day of the trip.. and if there is interest.. I will do the other days when I get some time...and add them to this post

Music is by Runrig ..a Scottish band..and I think fits the mood of a trip to Canna.

Its not a journey in a small inflatable for the faint hearted ..but it certainly worth the effort if you do.

This is a map of Day 1



This is the video ..which includes some photos I also took of the trip

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wuTi4lvDyAs

Enjoy
The Gurnard

[Pikey Dave]

Excellent as ever, more please

[A1an]

Got to hand it to you, that's a fair trip in a SIB!

[jambo]

Fantastic as always, respect all round!

[Fenlander]

The combination of a smallcraft, Scottish West coast and the ability to do what you want when you want... just perfect.

Thanks for uploading Gurnard.

[The Gurnard]

Thanks guys..glad you enjoyed it..and I agree .. it is stunning scenery and very remote. I only saw half a dozen boats over the four day period.. and very few folks on the land.

For a little background into my adventures ..its important to realise I don’t just jump in my SIB and hope for the best. I spend a little time researching the area ..studying tidal flows ..distances .. tide times .. etc.

And although I appreciate many will be lost without the latest GPS gizmo ..I tend to ignore them and stick with an old fashioned map and compass.

Here is the map overview I took for the trip. On it you can see the islands..(I shaded them in purple as my old eyes can barely make out printed outlines.) Possible routes with their distances. Tide speed in knots through the passages between islands and also which direction etc.



I use it to navigate along with the ships compass. I also use my mark one eyeball as my second eyeball has a cataract at present..so its not so useful. I also have some local knowledge..a lot of experience ..and a strong survival instinct. IMO All that is better than an electronic nav box in a SIB...of course some may choose to disagree.

I ALWAYS carry an auxiliary outboard on such trips..plus a handheld VHF.. (which may not help as its line of sight communications and few other boats around) .. and of course ..a PLB.. flares .. I no longer carry.



I also printed a larger view of each individual island.. marking possible landing spots. There were no landing spots on the south west side of Rum..it was cliffs the whole way..except a very small rocky beach at Harris bay..but only for emergency landing. Therefore I knew there was little assistance if in trouble .. between Eigg and Canna. .



And of course..I printed the weather forecast for the four days..and also wrote on high tide ..low tide times. Notice it is the Met Office forecast..but I also noted Magic Seaweed forecast in green..which seemed to agree with XC weather forecast too. I tend to average them all into my own forecast.


Sunday was going to be the worst forecast.. gusting Force five to force 6.. and as Sunday was to be day two..it was a case of suck things and see what to do...



Then Monday and Tuesday back to gentler Force 3 winds. However due to the pressure system that brough the good weather..winds were all over the place.




My routes were being decided as I went. It was a bit lumpy crossing from Eigg to Rum..so I decided to go up the sheltered side of the islands ..and head straight for Canna. I didn't want to attempt Canna on Sundays possible Force 5 winds.

To be continued....

[jeffstevens763@g]

Excellent gurnard good to see you have the quicksilver out stunning video.

[duggie12]

Hi Gurnard hope your drive home was okay

[duggie12]

And folks i was was the other chap on the trip, I feel I could have a laugh by poking some fun at Gurnard twittering on about his survival instincts and map and compass stuff, I hope you're going to tell us all about the bit when you got a wee bit confused heading off from eigg Gurnard? Maybe use the gps nexy time. Ha ha sorry to out you so publicly mate I'm sure you'll take it in good spirit

Seriously folks lovely part of the world get out and about there if you get the chance

Cheers

[kerny]

As always excellent report and great video Gurnard

[Yabadabadoo]

Great video, stunning scenery, lambs, rams and phone boxes. Near white sand on that beach, from dusty London that was a treat to watch - more please

[Stevem]

Sounds a great trip, still haven't been out yet!

[The Gurnard]

Originally Posted by duggie12

I feel I could have a laugh by poking some fun at Gurnard twittering on about his survival instincts and map and compass stuff, I hope you're going to tell us all about the bit when you got a wee bit confused heading off from eigg Gurnard ? Maybe use the gps nexy time. Ha ha sorry to out you so publicly mate I'm sure you'll take it in good spirit

Yup..I take it in good spirit Duggie.. and have no problem showing the approx route I took. I agree that I drifted a bit south even though I was following an easterly bearing. Poor mainland visibility and an over correction for my tidal drift calculation was the culprit



As the waves increased in size as we neared the mainland..Im sure you agree that ..then turning and planning with the larger waves directly on our tail ..was easier on both the boat and the body but Im sure you will correct me if you think Im wrong.



So personally I don’t think I made much on an error ..its on the last day video..so I wouldn't mention it until then







Thanks for all the interest in our adventure guys..I hope to get day 2 done soon

[duggie12]

Poor mainland visibility and an over correction for my tidal drift calculation was the culprit

Aye right :-)

[duggie12]

It's what I call a bit lost. Don't worry Gurnard I didn't have clue where we were either :-p

[The Gurnard]

Duggie..why don't we just tell the truth.. to everyone.

I though I was doing you a favour taking you along as we only ever met momentarily before hand. You contacted me and asked if I was going anywhere so I invited you along.

So perhaps now folks will understand why you are bickering in this tale. I ask you to stop it. I will continue the video but cut all reference to you out of it.

If you continue to add snide comments ..I realise its your option as it is a public forum .. other can now understand why and suss out for themselves

It could be me ..or it could be you

< This post has been edited by a moderator >

[duggie12]

Toys out!! :-)

[The Gurnard]

Thanks again for all the comments guys .. its appreciated

So as promised ..here is the video of day two “ You Canna beat a bit of Eigg with a touch of Rum”

I didn’t expect to go round the Small Isles and not get a bit of wind .. its all just part and parcel of a Gurnard adventure

Music is again by Runrig.

Part three and four .. will follow once I get a bit of time to produce them

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yV9vlrJK6kE

Enjoy
The Gurnard

[kerny]

Brilliant!! Can't wait for part 3 😎👍

[Maximus]

Originally Posted by kerny

As always excellent report and great video Gurnard

x2
Keep em coming Mate!