Published by the Open Canoe Sailing Group

OCSG Return To Loch Lomond (JanP)

I did have my doubts about the wisdom of travelling so far for only two days, with such a bad forecast, to stay on a campsite that we were not entirely sure of. These doubts returned on Saturday morning lying snug in my sleeping bag still listening to gusts lashing the tent after a very rough night. Indeed, Keith must have felt something similar as we gathered under his dripping awning for his welcome and briefing. With the wind gusting force 6 straight onto the beach where

the waves were breaking continuously, there was little hope of sailing that day so we all went our separate ways. DaveM (who had arrived on Tuesday to allow time for exploring) had damaged his rudder line the previous day while braving these conditions so a repair party got to work immediately. We wondered how Dave managed to get off the beach at all until he admitted that a friendly

Waves on the beach at Cashel.

The rudder work party.

windsurfer had given him a shove. Some wanted advice while there were those willing to give it and to catch up on news while others went in search of visitor attractions in the area. As the afternoon brightened I enjoyed the views of the loch walking in the Millennium Forest Park at nearby Cashel Farm with a new visitor centre since we were last at Loch Lomond 5 years ago. We were pleased to find that the Cashel campsite was more relaxed and pleasant than we had been led to believe; refurbished shower blocks, attractive planting and everything looking tidy and well kept.

Wanting to make the most of Sunday and the steady SE force 3, an early start was planned; to sail to Luss for coffee, to explore the islands, returning via Inchcailloch and perhaps Balmaha for afternoon tea. Our small group, Dave, Oliver and I setting off well behind everyone else, bypassed Luss, heading through the narrows between Inchtavannach and Inchconnachan in favour of a lunch stop where we could watch and photograph everyone's progress as they sailed or paddled through.

We joined them, using the occasional gusts as best we could and following DaveM and AndyW to look at the castle on Inchgalbraith. By now it was apparent that the wind was quickly

Pauline and JeremyT in The Narrows.

dropping but, for old time's sake, we wanted to pass through the shallows between Inchmoan and Inchcruin so we parted company. Here we lost the breeze completely and decided against sailing to Balmaha. Eddie, Stuart and Paul planned a shorter trip to be back early and we converged on Cashel just as the rain began. Keith and Ann, MikeW & family and Jeremy & Pauline, along with Dave and Andy, were made of sterner stuff, landing on Inchcailloch as planned before a rather damp paddle home.

Later in the pub at Rowardennan, we agreed that the rain, persistent though it was, didn't really spoil the day. It was good to be back among the islands on Loch Lomond again and I for one hadn't

realised how much I missed it! It's certainly worth another try.

An Antique Peterborough Canoe at Loch Lomond
PaulL brought along his newest acquisition from eBay; this lovely old Peterborough canoe. His plan is to restore her to her former glory and get her sailing again.

Further Report On Loch Lomond (EddieP)

I was the person who first visited the Cashel site in March 2007, after the ownership had been transferred, and, especially in winter, with no leaves on the trees, the site looked very desolate. The part we used to use still looks very different, and rather bare, but the experience over the August Bank Holiday weekend was a very good one. I feel that some of the things I was told about had been subject to more thought, and some common sense. The people in charge were very friendly and helpful, and we had no restrictions on where we launched, or left boats. If a group is a mixed one of caravans, camper vans and tents, then the issue is one of arriving not too late in the day, and seeking out each other - hard standing is interspersed amongst grass sites. Originally, I had been told very different things, with many apparent restrictions.

Cruising around the islands again was great, and Sunday gave us a really enjoyable trip. Saturday

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