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Welcome to SwimCamping,
Part 1: Land |
Welcome to SwimCamping,
Part 2: Water |
Welcome to SwimCamping,
Part 3: Detailed Kit |
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Swimming from Bhalasaigh, Stuart and myself went past Liongam following the coast along before crossing to Eunaigh Mor for a quick look around then it was onwards to Fuaigh Mor and it's outstanding village, which must have been very busy back in the day (we even saw a buzzard as we swam in). We walked across Fuaigh Mor, taking in the views on the way, to jump in the sea to swim to a secluded beach at Teinis (where we met a couple of friends) before walking over to Traigh na Beirigh for a final swim of the day to Bhacasaigh. Stuart and myself walked to Tearbaso on the island, which has amazing 360 views. Heading across Bhacasaigh, we met up with kayaking friends David and Helen who had been in touch about camping with us. Tents pitched, kit sorted out, dinner had, a nice fire on the shore, a couple of tinnies and good yarns. It made for a grand day out. On Sunday morning we met visiting swimmer Katie who swam over to swim back with us. Thanks to David and Helen for seeing us across before heading off. A few more islands bagged on an awesome SwimCamping outing. One that I'd definitely do again as the place is teaming with wildlife and views galore. Some photo's/video clips are from Stuart and David. Route taken is shown at the end of the video. Click here for history of Fuaigh Mor Click here for history of Bhacasaigh Click here for link to YouTube Video from the SwimCamp
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This is one that I've been wanting to do for years ever since swimming from Huisinis to Mealasta for charity. Stuart and myself walked & swam from the slipway at Mealista to the bay at Tamna Siar which unfortunately was covered in litter, we got out and walked over to the bay on the other side, Tamana Sear, swimming over Loch Tamnabhaigh for a look round the old settlement there. We heard some noise from a house which was being renovated so we popped over to say hello and we were invited in for a cup of tea by the very kind family. Had a fantastic chat with them before we headed over Aird Bheag to swim across Loch Tealasbhaigh to land on Aird Mhor for a stomp up the glen then down the side of the loch to set up camp there and also a cool off in the water of Loch nan Uidhean. In the morning we walked down to the shore and crossed Loch Reasort, walked round the coast a bit and got in the sea again to cross Loch Crabhadail with a quick walk over to Loch na Cleabhaig to swim across it. We then walked the hill path from Traigh Mheilein to Huisinis which has 360 dramatic views where you just have to stop and take in. This was my best outing yet, with views to die for and wildlife galore, eagles, deer, starfish, jellyfish, urchins, caterpillars and so much more. Click here for YouTube Video link1 Click here for YouTube Video link2 Great SwimCamp outing to Kenmore on the Eishken estate with Joseph (kayaking) and Stuart (walking). I had a few issues with misty goggles on the way there but it didn't stop us taking in the stunning scenery around loch seaforth. Plenty of wildlife on the go above and below sea level. Good craic with good company. Had a gander round the old house which has fantastic views. A beautiful place indeed. Some photo's are Joseph's & Stuart's. Click on this link to read about the sad history of the Pairc clearances Click here for link to Youtube Video Fantastic SwimCamp going from the jetty at Bhaltos via a wee play about at the sand bar on Siaram Mor then to it was across to land on the beach on Pabaigh Mor followed by a plod over to the lagoon stopping by the remains of blackhouses, bothies, walls, stockpens, St Peters Church and the old lobster lagoon plus a look in the spooky cave. It's a small world when you bump into your second cousin, at the lagoon, who you've not seen in about 30 years. Then later 2 friends came ashore and I had good yarns with them too. On Sunday I noticed someone watching me from the pier at Bhaltos as I was swimming in, it was Angus from Fife who is a social media friend. Had a good yarn with him, his Dad and Uncle. Pabaigh sure is a beautiful place and one that I will definitely return to. Click here for YouTube video link Fantastic time in North Harris this weekend hiking from Huisinis over the hill path to Crabhadail and a tad further, then it was back to Traigh Mheilein for a swim over to Fladaigh for an overnight camp. In the morning I swam back to Traigh Mheilein (could feel that the currents were strong) and walked back over the hill to Huisinis. Good times.. Click here for info about the North Harris area Click here for link to YouTube Video Firstly Stuart and myself went for a coastal walk (and swim in parts) from the slipway at Mealasta down to Aird Dhrolaigeo which had stunning scenery all along the way (plus we spotted a deer) and finally with beautiful views over Liongam down to Crabhadail, Traigh Mheilein, Huisinis and Scarp. Then it was back to the shore for a swim over to the main beach on Eilean Mhealasta, dropping the rucksacks and going for a wee coastal swim to check out some inlets we had noticed earlier. Once back to the beach we had a wander around some of the island, deciding on pitching in a place to make the most of the sunset. Dave and Helen kayaked over from the slipway and we spent the evening watching the sun going down whilst having some drinks, good yarns and gazing at the light of the Flannan Isles. Eilean Mhealasta is abound with birdlife and we'll definitely be back to explore the island more. On Saturday morning Stuart and myself said our goodbyes to Dave and Helen and we swam back to Mealasta with birds flying over us and a small boat going past too. Great times indeed. Some photo's are Stuart's, Helen's and Ivor's. Click here to read about Wild Murdoch of Mhealasta Island Click here for link to YouTube Video Fantastic SwimCamping outing from Lemreway pier over to Eilean Ewart with Stuart, which included some filming for the BBC and we also met Dave and Helen on Saturday morning who were out for a day paddle. Sealife, birds and boat's galore as well as the coastguard helicopter. Had more of an explore of the island this time as extra daylight helps but there's still more to see. Definitely be back again as the view's are something else not to mention the history of the place. Really enjoyed the first SwimCamp of 21. The island has fantastic history surrounding it, some of it involving Bonnie Prince Charlie, which can be read here: AngusMacleodArchive Click here for YouTube video link Season finale swim camp outing for me in 2020. A short 500m swim across to Seaforth Island and a bog slog round the side before dropping my Lomo bag to get a quick peak down Loch Seaforth out to the Minch, before ascending to the summit of Seaforth Island (8425th highest peak in Scotland, 14177th highest in the British Isles) and pitched my tent just down from it, to shelter from the wind. Half of the island is on Lewis, half is on Harris. Think there was disputes back in the day as to who it actually belonged to. Beautiful place and stunning views all around. Saw 4 eagles, 3 (possible) moorhens, 1 deer, loads of sea urchins and 1 starfish. Will be back for sure. Click here for SwimCamp YouTube Video Link Great swimcamp outing with Stuart, going from Lemreway pier over to Eilean Liubhaird/Ewart (Hell Island), landing at the bay at Seanna-Bhaile (Old Town) before going for a wander around to find somewhere to set camp for the night. We also visited the Taigh a' Gheumpaill (Lone House) and were totally stunned by the panoramic views from the island. We’ll definitely be back for more exploring next year. We had a campfire on the shore, watching satellites and a couple of planes going overhead, seeing the milky way and spotting 4 shooting stars each. What a place! We’ll definitely be back for more exploring next year. The island has fantastic history surrounding it, some of it involving Bonnie Prince Charlie, which can be read here: AngusMacleodArchive Click here for SwimCamp YouTube Video Link Swam round the edge of Little Bernera for a change and into the lagoon, passing by Eilean Fir Chrothair then over to land at Cealasaigh. Was just starting to set camp when 4 kayakers were passing by and I invited them to join me if they liked. We all camped on the island and had a campfire on the stoney shore along with some drinks and stories. Good times with good company. Took a different route on the way back. Duckman was saying an average of 11 degrees. Click here for SwimCamp YouTube Video Link |
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