September 2006. Launch Sconser Pier OS:24  GR: 525323      Podcast Available

When the CalMac ferry to Raasay is out you can launch from the slipway but be quick as it returns swiftly.  If you’re having a slow start, launch from the beach alongside.  You can park in the ferry spaces.  Day 1: 38.4km    Day 2: 34.1km

There’s a bothy at the north tip of Raasay, not visible from the water, set about 400m uphill.  Normally this would be done as a three day paddle, which would make the distances more manageable, but a forecast F8 meant we had to rush it into two long days.  

Nevertheless, this was THE BEST paddle we’ve done.  Wildlife, scenery and remote atmosphere was superb, and the rougher sea of the second day gave some challenge.  We had superb views of Applecross, Red Point, Torridon (we could see Gairloch), Lewis & Harris and of course, the dramatic cliffs of Skye including the Old Man of Storr.  Rona and Raasay were superb, with amazing cliffs on the west side, one of which was nearly a paddle through.  Utterly, utterly fantastic. 

Tidal Information

Caol Mor (S.Raasay)

E stream +0550 / W stream -0010  HW Ullapool 1-2kn springs

East side of Raasay

N stream +0505 / S stream -0055  HW Ullapool 1kn springs

Between Raasay & Rona

SE stream +0450 / NW stream -0110  HW Ullapool 2kn springs

Raasay / Skye narrows

S stream +0550 / N stream -0055  HW Ullapool 3kn springs