The Paddler Autumn/Fall issue 2017

ThePADDLER 118
Loch Ness & River Ness
Although part of the Great Glenn Canoe Trail
Loch Ness can be paddled as a shorter half day
or day trip to tackle this iconic location. Just last
week she allowed us safe passage despite the
Force 3-4 winds. Given its 26-mile length and
moody disposition, even the lightest breeze can
create significant waves. Stay close to shore and
ensure you have the right equipment and
experience for the conditions. We launched
from friendly pub and beach site at Dores and
headed into the wind on a suitable course.
After a slightly rough ride we turned downwind to
enjoy surfing down the two-foot waves towards
Loch End. Our Silverbirch canoes and us enjoyed
the work out, catching wave after wave
accelerating each time to maximize the ride.
Behind the stony spit likes the often overlooked
Loch Dochfour, which splits into the ongoing
original canal or the River Ness. We rigged a jury
rig sail (impromptu sail) harnessing the ‘fetch’ at the
top of Loch Ness and then enjoyed a full spread
picnic in our rafted canoe on Loch Dochfour.
We arrived at the weir accessing the River Ness
and after a quick scout ran the right hand side
adjacent the small sluice. Be aware in higher
flows this may require a portage as it can have a
full stopper and be extremely dangerous. The
meandering flow was a welcome addition and
our mixed group of coaches and novices
enjoyed the new challenge. The River Ness is a
brilliant intro river with a series of small weirs
and chutes that can be run in low water or
portaged. Just before Inverness, adjacent a lovely
looking house (mansion), is a small fish weir with
decent wave train running. This caused some
excitement amongst the group with their first
experience of bigger waves in a canoe.
We finished the trip adjacent the car park/skate
park near Bught Park Pitches and returned to
Dores to shuttle kit and vehicles. We stopped in
to the Dores Inn and ordered drinks to say
thanks for allowing us access from their beach.
islets and islands is a real treat and of course
‘leaving no trace’ rules apply.
Isle Maree tucked away among 65 islands, has
the remains of an old chapel, graveyard and holy
well. It is believed to be the 8th century
hermitage of Saint Mael Ruba (d. 722), who
founded the monastery of Applecross in 672.
The same island contains ancient stands of oak
and holly which have been linked with Scottish
Druids. There is also the ‘money tree’ with coins
dating back over 150 years. Queen Victoria
visited the Loch in 1877 which led to the naming
of a waterfall on the south side, Victoria Falls (it is
slightly smaller than the African version).
We paddled and camped this at New Year and
again in October to enjoy the autumnal colours,
each time exploring a little more. We took the
opportunity to feast on tasty campfire delicacies
and of course sampling the whisky with friends
telling tales of ‘daring do’. The loch definitely has
a magical quality and we went to sleep listening
to stags bark at each other. The next morning we
braved the icy waters for a wild swim, which
definitely took the breath away with a vigorous
dip. Breakfast was waffles and Canadian Maple
syrup brought specially from our recent Ontario
Trip. It was perfect and that morning we saw
several stags as we trekked around the larger
islands in search of the ‘loch within a loch’.
Loch Ness & River Ness
https://goo.gl/maps/TRFsXsDNtSC2
Diane and Aaron enjoying a river section.
Loch Maree
https://goo.gl/maps/ujmSM2YrZik
Loch Maree
Loch Maree is one of my favourite places to
paddle in the world with its folklore, ancient
history and beautiful setting. Loch Maree is in
Wester Ross in the north west Highlands
flanked by an impressive Munro named Slioch,
which resembles a craggy fortress. It is the forth
largest fresh water loch in Scotland and 12 miles
in length with a collection of islands including a
nature reserve. Camping here amongst the small