22 KM
Grade C
This trip is one of unsurpassed variety and beauty that shows some of the best Islay has to offer. With sheltered coastlines, remote and inhospitable coastlines, interesting wildlife, picturesque villages, an imposing lighthouse, fast water and perhaps Islay’s most spectacular beach.
22 KM
No Landing Zones
Coastal Paddling
Strong Tidal Effects
Surf Landing
Vehicle Shuttle
Grade C
Show Description
Fast tides around Orsay & Frenchman’s Rocks
Picturesque village of Portnahaven
The amazing beach at Lossit Bay.
The remote west coast
Great views across to Northern Ireland
The imposing lighthouse on Orsay
Useful Links and/or Updates
Updated Tidal information (Scottish Sea Kayaking 1st Edition)
At Frenchman’s Rocks & close to shore: The N going tidal stream starts at about 4 hours and 45 minutes after HW Oban. The S going tidal stream starts at about 1 hour and 25 minutes before HW Oban.
Off the West coast of Rhinns of Islay & offshore: The N going tidal stream starts at about 5 hours and 30 minutes after HW Oban. The S going tidal stream starts at about 40 minutes before HW Oban.
Between Orsay & Eilean Mhic Coinnich and Porntahaven: Due to the eddy formed on the S going stream, in this channel the stream runs NE for about 9-10 hours. This NE going stream starts about 2-3 hours after the start of the SE going stream.
Max Rate Sp: On the south side of the island of Orsay 8 knots. In the area of Frenchman’s Rocks 8 knots. Between Orsay & Port Wemyss and in Caolas nan Gall 7-8 knots. Off Lossit Point 2.5 knots.
Gallery
Orsay Lighthouse, Rhinns of Islay
Orsay Lighthouse, Rhinns of Islay
Highland Cow, Rhinns of Islay
Frenchman's Rocks & Orsay
Lossit Bay, Rhinns of Islay
Lossit Bay, Rhinns of Islay
Lossit Bay, Rhinns of Islay
Heading to Lossit Bay
Landing at Orsay, Portnahaven behind
Orsay Lighthouse
Port Mais-sgeire beach & Orsay lighthouse
Portnahaven
Orsay Lighthouse
Rhinns of Islay SW Coast
Machir Bay, Rhinns of Islay
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This trip is detailed in the following Guidebook:
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This trip is covered by the following OS map:
OS Landranger (60)
Islay
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