DATE(S) OF TRIP:30 October 2004

WHERE?: Loch Indaal, Islay

PUT-INS/ LAUNCH SPOTS: Port Charlotte or Bruichladdich.

DISTANCE/ TIME: 13Kms - 3-4 Hours

LOCAL TIDES: Tides are strange on Islay and no tables available - the highest range is 3m on a spring - which this was. Makes exits difficult on a rising tide save for certain beaches - i.e. Port Mor and Wester Ellister.

HAZARDS/ PROBLEMS?: See above

ROUTE TAKEN: Headed south west along coast the return across the Loch to Laggan Point - great for divers and sea birds

EVENTS/ OBSERVATIONS: Common and Grey Seals, Otters, numerous sea duck and sea birds - also can see superb views of rugged coastline - possiblilities of Chough, Buzzards, Peregrine and Hen Harriers.

OTHER NOTES: Mobiles do work - better for Vodaphone. Can be difficult in windy conditions for escape reasons and open to Atlantic swells!

CONTRIBUTED BY: Jeremy Hastings, Islay Canoe Club. Jeremy runs Islay Birding and offers birdwatching and bushcraft courses on Islay.