The Loch Shiel Circuit (attempt) 3 day wild canoe camp, Glenfinnan to Loch Moidart
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 28 ส.ค. 2024
- In this video me, my friend and our two four legged companions take on one of the best wilderness canoe trips in Scotland, the Loch Shiel circuit. A 70km wild camping adventure paddle attempted over three days, starting from Glenfinnan, heading down Loch Shiel, up the river Shiel into loch moidart, around the Shona islands, out to sea and back inland to Loch Ailort, before reaching the village of Lochailort.
However, battling an intermittent headwind for the duration, the completion of the circuit slowly slips through our fingers, then the weather on the exposed headland between Loch Moidart and Loch Ailort proves too much and we have to egress at Castle Tioram.
**prize giveaway results at very end**
/ whennaturepauls
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![Solo, wilderness canoe camp on a Loch island in the Scottish Highlands [Loch Maree]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/qdU7jaC0RrA/mqdefault.jpg)
I loved the rainbow it was definitely pointing to a great campsite on the left of the picture 😊
😂 you might be on to something there,
Perhaps I should of taken the hint.
Greetings from Serbia, and thank you for this video!
Awesome, would love to visit Serbia, I'm glad you enjoyed it, Paul
Great video ,did this trip 35 years ago with two friends in sea kayaks ,had a bit off bother from the land owners regards fishing rights against right off way on the river for boats ,they threatened police action which we welcomed as we were affirming the rights of way ,off course nothing happened, well I digress trip was great and we completed the route ,I admire your attempt in Canadian canoes ,it can be rough along the knoydart coast , maybe I will give it ago lol
I replied in your other comment.
Glad you enjoyed the video though.
Take care, Paul
I've been looking for a fresh way to see the Highlands.. I've climbed and scrambled. Hiked until knackered.
Thank you for a great video. I fancy go at this.🙏😀
Thank you.
I love it, can always moor up and summit a few hills aswell. This circuit would probably be more practical in a sea touring kayak to be honest. But with a little luck it can be done in an open canoe. I went back earlier this year and managed to get round. Well worth having a looking at the next section in the latest video, was so beautiful!
All the best Paul
Great video and really enjoyed it. I done a wildcamp at this very location last week and we put in at the River Polloch which leads out onto Loch Shiel around a mile or two south of St Finan's Isle. Possibly a good site to re-start your next attempt at this route.
Cheers mate, I've completed since but will definitely have a look at you access point as it is such a beautiful place to paddle and will definitely revisit at some point.
Take care, Paul
What a lovely video. Nice work 👍🙂
Thank you 😊
There is another video now where I actually make it round and the beach we find is awesome, plus my mate catches a jelly fish on his head 😂
Thanks for watching, Paul
Just about to watch it… stay tuned for a comment 😃
Loch Shiel Circuit canoeing and camping, beautiful. Congratulations to the winner. Weathers not been playing along last couple of weeks, so been hunkered down for some days now so nice to see others. Winter be here soon enough. Nice video. Thank you for sharing, and wishing you a wonderful day. Take care, atb.
Thank you 👍
Weather not been too great here either last few weeks.
Norway is such a beautiful place, would definitely like live there one day.
All the best, Paul
Great memories of a fantastic weekend! Glad Hope insisted on bringing me along haha! Can’t wait to complete the journey. Great work mate.
😂 Well, needs must 😉🤣
Was a fantastic trip mate!
We will finish it!
See you soon.
Fantastic as always pal. I think you made the right decision, that chop looked like it would get serious. A little short on Highlander impersonations though I feel! 😂 Atb.
😂🤣 I couldn't leave them in, they were rougher than the sea!
Thanks for watching mate 👍
All the best, Paul
🤣🤣🤣
Such a stunning vid! The scenery is just so beautiful and you capture it so well!!!
I don’t blame you at all for turning back though, definitely the right decision I’d say!! Fab vid as always Paul 😃
Sorry Karen, this message slipped me by!
Thank you for your encouragement 👍 it was the right decision I think, we well may of made it, but if we didn't we'd of been in trouble.
Thanks for watching, Paul.
@@WhenNaturePauls no worries, I swear some comments get hidden!! Hope you’re well 😃
@@ksgonewild I've had a few like that. I'm also quite bad at reading the comment with the intention of replying later and simply forget 😬🤣
Take care, Paul
great video/s Paul...last year i bought a house in Tain, currently living in Peru, and will deffo be buying a canoe on my return 😀.......
Oh wow, quite a change of scenery! Be rude not to buy a canoe 😂
Have fun, Paul
That is renowned for being a challenge when you try to get around the headland.
Yes, I always knew it would be partly down to luck and it just wasn't on our side 😢
Will be attempting it again with a few other you tubers in the spring hopefully.
All the best, Paul
Nicely done Paul, enjoyed every minute of it. Looks like you guys experienced the usual changeable Scottish weather. It's a shame you didn't time your trip during the unusual stable condition we've been experiencing here in Scotland this summer - although it would have been more of midge infested.trip. Wise decision calling off the last section of the circuit, at least you guys attempted to head out to sea. Thanks sharing, cheers, Fred
Thanks Fred.
It was a shame, but I've now got a good excuse to go back 😂
I have been impressed by the summer we have just had up here, I'm guessing that's not the usual case then?😂
But yes it was mostly midge free except the last morning and even then couldn't grumble really.
Thanks for watching 👍
Nice videos mate!
Thank you 👍
You are too kind!
All the best, Paul.
Very entertaining. Having a Springer star in your videos is a big bonus too! Several years ago I was paddling from Falmouth to Helford with my youngest son in sea kayaks and we had to turn back at the mouth of the estuary when I realised how rough it was out there. Capsizing in rough seas is no joke! You made the right choice to turn back. Hope your channel grows. Its one of those mysteries to me how some really poor and boring outdoorsy channels have tens of thousands of subscribers and pull in thousands of hits and other excellent channels like your own, putting out well made entertaining videos are in the hundreds??? People talk about YT algorithms but its still a mystery to me?
Thankyou.
Indiana makes for great company, albeit a little hyper 🤪 but then I expect Fergus was the same a few years ago!
Thankyou for your encouragement! Im not too bothered about the numbers to be honest, I guess it's still a fairly new channel and although it's nice to get some recognition, I'm going to be doing these trips regardless of youtube. I quite enjoy filming and editing them and It's nice to have something to look back on.
Thanks again and take care, Paul and Indy 🐾 👍
I've been watch your videos for the past few weeks, I have to say I really enjoy them! I find them quite relaxing. I have just got a kayak too. I've had it out a few times but camping is the dream.
I'm looking forward to watching the rest of your videos and whatever else is still to come.
P.s at around 22.35 I'm pretty sure theres a seal behind you! (I hope that appears as a timestamp!)
🤣🤣 I paused the video to write the comment and you have just mentioned the seal following you!
Thank you Paul, glad you've been enjoying tha channel 😂
That seal was stalking us for ages, kept disappearing as soon as the camera came out 😂
Hope you get out for a kayak camp soon.
All the best, Paul
What a fantastic adventure Paul 👍. Amazing scenery and another great film pal. The rainbow was gorgeous. It's a valuable skill to have in itself to recognise when to call it a day. A wise decision indeed. Congrats to the winner. "There can only be one" 😄. Take care and I'll look forward to yours and Indy's next adventure. Atb, J 🛶👍.
😂 Oh no! I can't be believe I missed that quote opportunity! 😂
I nearly went for it to be honest, but I think it would of been tough going and I don't think the dogs would of appreciated it
Thanks mate 👍
Stunning ! Good move to turn back.. those waves and that wind would of scared the PFD off me ! Thank you for a great video.
😂
Thank you 👍
I don't think the dogs were too happy about the waves either 😅
Thanks for Watching, hopefully there will be a sequel sometime.
All the best, Paul
Just come across your channel, Brilliant video thanks 👍😊
Thank you 👍 glad you enjoyed it!
All the best, Paul
Great video Paul. You made the right call turning back, it looked like it was getting a bit rough out there. Loch Shiel was our first real canoe trip years ago, we didn't even make it to St. Finan's Chapel as the wind picked up and we were forced to retreat. The sea section looked great though, I bet fishing from the canoe around there in decent weather would be rewarding. Atb, Ben.
Thank you Ben
It definitely got a lot worse out there after we retreated. It was a great paddle though, with no one about on Loch shiel, making it very peaceful. Unfortunately I didn't put much effort into fishing as we wasn't doing great for time at any point.
Thanks for watching 👍
Paul
Enjoyable video yet again. Wise choice at end. Better to come back and try again definitely.
Thank you 👍
That was my thoughts, as disappointing as it was.
Thanks for watching and
all the best, paul
Great vid mate awesome scenery. There can be only one!
😂 Thanks dude 👍
And thanks for watching!
Nice film fella, some really beautiful shots and footage.
Atb Rick n Billydog 👍
Thank you Rick, its such a beautiful area it doesn't really matter where you point the camera 😁
Watched J's but not your 5 item challenge yet, so hopefully get round (and looking forward) to that soon.
Give Billydog a scratch from me.
All the best, Paul
@@WhenNaturePauls Cheer Paul, will do infact hes led on me now 🙂👍.
Were heading up to do the Loch Shiel curcuit in May. It's been on my hit list for a few years and had to go to plan B a couple of times with the weather but fingers crossed we land lucky this year. How did the dogs get on with ticks when you were there ?
Cheers Paul atb Rick n Billy
@@RickTOutdoorAdventure1969 Excellent, completion of the circuit is definitely weather dependent. I'm definitely going to give it another bash or maybe start from where we finished.
But, none of us got any ticks 👍
@@WhenNaturePauls result 🙂👍, my Billy had 7 of the little buggers on him after that 5 items challenge in the Lake District
@@RickTOutdoorAdventure1969 that's good going! Since moving up to Scotland my dog has had considerably less than he normally gets. We both used to get loads in the Thetford forest, so many deer (especially muntjac) to carry them and I'm guessing the sheep play a big part in the lake district. However, up here the midges make up for it 😂
I really loved this and since then more of yours. Particularly keen based on your canoe choice. I imported a black S/Birch Broadland 15 to Australia earlier this year and I love it. I really enjoyed your camera and commentary down the rapids on the Spey. The canoe looked like it handled it well. Keep it up. Pete
Thank you Pete 👍
Glad you've been enjoying my videos 😊
It's a fantastic canoe and handles everything well. I can imagine Australia has some great padding!
All the best, Paul
Nice one Paul, amazing scenery and a good call to head back. Stay well and atb
Thank you, the video didn't really capture how bad it was, specially in regards to wind. But I think we made the right decision and gives me a good excuse to do it again 😂
All the best, Paul
Great video, awesome scenery 👌🏼
Thanks Stewart 👍 it really is a stunning route to paddle.
Thanks for watching, Paul
Hi Paul, new subscriber here, i have been watching your videos for a few weeks now, and you inspired me to get a couple of Bento boxes, which i saw you use,or something similar on one of your canoe trips, a cracking idea thanks!
I and my mate had a similar experience to yourselves regarding Loch Shiel, we too were attempting the loop, last year in September, we ended up windbound for two days just a little south of Eilean Fhianain,on the North shore, a storm came in and the loch rose about six feet overnight, flooding out our fire pit, luckily we were tucked out away from the prevailing wind, the waves were about four feet high, it was amazing to watch though, i spent the 24hrs tucked up inside my hammock under the tarp, it got that bad i had stream running under my set up lol. We eventually got a weather window and made it off the Loch, we then headed over to a stunning location, Kentra Bay, we parked up at Ardtoe, and paddled over to the Singing sands, and spent three more days there, and the weather gods decided to give us a break as we were bathed in sunshine for the rest of our trip, anyway i digress.
Thank you for the video, and bringing back some memories of Loch Shiel.
And i look forward to your next video!
Cheers Stuart.
Hi Stuart,
Thanks for your support, I've Subbed you channel (looks awesome) and we give it a proper look later.
Sounds like an epic trip! I would of loved to of had more time to visit the singing sands, I'm definitely going to have to return.
Think the boxes you are referring to were an Aldi special buy.
Take care, Paul.
@@WhenNaturePauls Oh thanks for the sub back, very much appreciated! Yeah the Singing sands are well worth a visit, you won't be disappointed! Yes you cant beat a good old Aldi special buy, i ended up buying Stainless steel Bento boxes from Amazon, they looked very similar to the box you were using, so thanks anyway for getting the old noggin ticking over a new idea!!
Cheers Again Stuart.
Hi From Ireland Paul..what a great Vid. Beautiful scenery. Thanks for taking us along .Ian &Dee😁
Thanks again for watching 👍
It a spectacular route, I'm glad you came along 😁
Take care, Paul
@@WhenNaturePauls we.ll be along for your future adventures ..we still have to catch up on your other vids 😁🍺🍺
Hi Paul, great vid with stunning scenery. Love Indy and look forward to following your channel. Stay safe Jack
Thanks Jack 👍
Glad you enjoyed the video 😊
All the best, Paul and Indy.
OH MY GOSH!!! It was really neat hearing my youtube handle from a cool dude from Scotland! That’s great news!! Thank you! Your videos are so chill and relaxing! Exactly what we need in this day and age! Take care and we’ll be in touch!! Nqu
Cheers mate!
I was starting to think you'd disappeared!
I've just added an email account in my about section on my channel page. Email me the address you want the fire box sent to and Ill get it posted.
Congrats, Paul.
@@WhenNaturePauls Thanks so much for getting back to me!! That sounds really cool!!! I’m actually a twig stove aficionado! They all have their different purposes! I lovem! When I take my kids out anywhere even at home, I’m always looking in different woodsy areas and quipping how there’s so much firewood in those woods!😁 My girls roll their eyes😁 by the way, great info on the tarp setup. It seems the DD tarp is the common one to have. I ended up getting a free soldier one which I like but it’s heavy. 2.5 lbs. A little over a kilo I believe.
Well thank you again Paul and I will send you my address straight away. Take care and love your tranquil videos!! Peace! Paul
@@notquiteultralight1701 excellent!
I won't lie, I had to Google that 😂
@@WhenNaturePauls no worries my friend. Not quite ultralight was something I came up with when I realized pretty quickly we don’t have the resources to buy all ultralight stuff so I backpack as light as I can.
Anyway, I checked your about page and I didn’t see an email. Just wanted to pass that on. Hope you’re well and we’ll talk soon. Paul
@@notquiteultralight1701 going ultra light is very expensive. I meant I had to Google aficionado. I hadn't hit the 'read more' button on your message and originally missed half you message, so my response didn't make a lot of sense 😂
Maybe no email as I've just set it up.
Should be in about > details >view email address. But It's whennaturepauls@gmail.com
Fabulous adventure Paul ....stunning ! ...one I have to try and emulate .
Thank you,
Hopefully if you do, you'll have better success 👍
All the best, Paul
@@WhenNaturePauls to give it a go and maybe catch some fish ....I’ll be happy ...can’t wait for your next adventure .
@@tamlyon4435 I did take a rod but didn't dedicate much time to fishing. Did see saw a humongous salmon jumping out of the river Shiel not that I could fish them.
My grandad used to swear by the medicinal benefits of cow pats. Acne? 'Get some cow pat on it', he would say. Arthritis, 'rub some cow pat in'! So you missed a trick there, if anything ails you, that beach would have been quite a therapy 😂
😂 Probably why indy has never had acne 😁 I think I will give it a miss though 😂
@@WhenNaturePauls I gave it a miss too, still have a few zits from time to time, have to admit.
😂
I'm hoping to do this next spring on my paddle board, currently staying in Kentra and the weather is really changeable, had a couple of good mornings paddling Loch Moidart and Kentra Bay, but doesn't look like I'll get anymore for the next couple of days
There's actually a great little bay camping spot under the castle walls on the Loch side
Excellent, I would like to venture round to the singing sands, they look beautiful!
Weather is not looking to promising unfortunately.
Probably the most challenging thing is timing enough good days of weather to have a successful trip 😂
Good luck, Paul.
@@360_Wanderings that would be special! Although the Scottish outdoor access code does state not to camp near historic buildings. So I personally I wouldn't, although it would be great 😂
I didn't realize that, I stopped their for a coffee and swim after an early paddle earlier this week.
@@360_Wanderings sounds perfect 👌
Wise decision Paul, I know it hurts… the ego doesn’t like being humbled!! Been there many times but 100% right decision buddy. It’s all about calculated risk and your gut never lies out there. It does all the maths for you 😉
Cheers Eze, my gut can't be any worse at maths than my brain 😂
It was a but disappointing, but at least I get to go back 😂
Halfway through your Spey trip (only cause I struggle for an hours peace😂) great video so far!
Thanks for watching, Paul.
@@WhenNaturePauls Exactly bud, a good commander knows when to retreat, and save his troops for another day... ! No rush to watch it, enjoy !
Hey paul I’ve been watching a few of your videos! Great channel I love the canoe camps! I’m on the verge of purchasing a canoe I noticed you had a hou canoe on the canal then a silverbirch Broadland. I’ve been pondering the hou prospector…is there a reason you changed canoe? Just curious I want to know anything I can before I drop my cash on one!! Thanks
Hey, and thanks for watching!
My hou was a 14 not the prospector and really only suited to flat water. I wanted a prospector so I could tackle some moving water and chose the broadband 15. I've paddled a few prospectors, but not the hou unfortunately, so cannot give you a direct comparison.
Take care, Paul.
16:30 Canoes are prone to weathervane in a headwind, making steerage impossible at times, certainly hard work. Rather than raft up, you might like to consider sitting up front & concentrate on making headway, with far fewer steering problems; as the canoe is already downwind of you, it cannot weathervane into the position it already occupies. Just keep up the J stroke & it will still be hard work, but with fewer distracting steerage issues. Good effort, very well done both of you & in a great place too.
A technique I've had to use before. To be honest the rafting up was mostly for my friend with little open canoe experience and who had never solo paddled before. He understandably found him self zig zagging up the loch and we were struggling to make good time. Thanks for watching and I appreciate the feedback. I completed the trip last year on my second attempt, the video is on here, it is worth a watch it was so beautiful on the next leg.
All the best, Paul
Great video i really enjoyed it,may i ask which model silver birch that is?
Thank you 👍
Mine is the broadland 15, I love it and edgier than a satsuma 😂
Thanks for watching, Paul
Fantastic looking trip, I notice your choice to wear a wetsuit to paddle in rather then a dry suit just wondering why you chose that are there advantages.?
Thanks for watching Martin, it is a superb trip (not that I finished it 😂)
It was still a bit too warm for a dry suit I think. My wet suit is a long john style, so still quite warm and gives protection but without the chaffing, I wouldn't recommend a sleeved wet suit for paddling.
All the best, Paul.
Hi pal, absolutely loved your video. You had great weather to begin with. Shame you didn’t make it around to complete. What was your plan with the canoes when you got to loch ailort to get the train. Plus isn’t the train fully booked, can you just jump on? I hope you get to complete it soon. What month did you attempt this? I know you uploaded last week. Sorry for all questions
Hi mate, glad you enjoyed the video. yes it can be hard stringing together 3good days of weather on the west coast.
My van was in Glenfinnan, so the plan was to get the train to Glenfinnan then drive back to collect the canoes.
The train tickets are less than a fiver and it wasn't fully booked, but I would of got of before the viaduct, so maybe less busy. We started on the 18th September.
All the best Paul.
Great video can I ask what canoes do you both have?
Thank you and thanks for watching.
I have the silver birch broadband 15 the other was a hire for my friend. It was a venture and the ranger model I think.
All the best, Paul
@@WhenNaturePauls Thanks Paul, excellent channel btw 🙂
Nice trip 👌 ... what size Blue Barrels do you use ? 🤔
Thank you 👍
I'm away at the moment so can't say for certain, but I think it's a 60ltr.
Take care, Paul
I attempted the great glen canoe trail back in September but ended up finishing at loch end on Loch Ness because the fetch was so bad we couldn't actually get into the mouth of the canal so, I know the disappointment of not finishing a trip. It was still a fantastic experience and I will go back. I've been thinking of having a crack at the Loch Shiel circuit. Did you use any guide books etc you help you plan the trip?
Hi Brian, thanks for watching 👍
Shame you didn't get to finish it, it's always disappointing. But on the plus side (as you say) it gives you a good reason to go back 😁
I can definitely recommend the Loch Shiel circuit. Loch Shiel is beautiful, quiet and with no roads running along side it, it gives a nice sense of seclusion. I've been referring to a book written by Eddie Palmer called Scottish canoe classics for a few of my recent trips (including this one), it's well worth having.
If you have any more questions, feel free to ask.
All the best, Paul
@@WhenNaturePauls Hi Paul, that's great thanks. I've been looking at that very book on amazon. Do you happen to know which OS map covers the area? Thanks again.
@@brian_ward_outdoors 390 and 391.
390 covers most of it, but 391 covers the first half of loch Shiel, you can see the maps at the start of my video in the animation 👍
@@WhenNaturePauls That's great thanks.
This is great - but in my humble opinion, lose the terrible elevator music. It spoils it. Just my opinion, and thanks for the video.
Yeah it's tricky, I get a lot of conflicting views and sometimes the alternative is just horrible wind noise.
Thanks for watching, glad you sort of enjoyed it. Take care, Paul