Lismore and Mull from Ganavan Sands - 28th August 2016

It was the day after the Oban Sea Kayak Race, and a number of us arranged to meet up for a paddle to shake out some tired muscles.

Looking out on our route from Ganavan sands

The day dawned sunny and still, and we set off in mirror-like conditions heading for the lighthouse on the southern tip of Lismore.

The route out to the lighthouse and back is the course of a race that is held on the last weekend of May each year. I haven't managed to make it to this race, but I hope to one year.

The wonderful conditions made it a very relaxing paddle with views down towards Jura to the south and a mountain panorama around us from the island of Mull through to the highest mountains in Scotland further up Loch Linnhe.

The mountains of Mull

The lighthouse on Eilean Musdile on the southern end of Lismore

We had lunch by the lighthouse, then set off to make the short hop over to Mull. This entailed us crossing the busy ferry route of the Sound of Mull and we had to dodge the odd CalMac ferry going to/from Mull and Barra.

We didn't have time for a stop on Mull, so I just touched the rocks to complete the crossing, and then we turned around to head back via Lismore and reversed the crossing back to Ganavan. A bit of a breeze had developed and the crossing was a bit more lively with some chop and small swell on our starboard beam. It would have been nice if the swell was from more behind us, but you can't have everything!

Duart Castle, Isle of Mull

A great paddle, and I was glad I stayed to make use of the good conditions rather than heading straight back home from the race.

About 24km paddled.