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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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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
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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 Fantastic swim camp over to Pabbay Beag, which is just across the lagoon from Pabbay Mhor that lies off Reef beach in Uig. Choppy conditions on the way over but nothing too bad for the bag to handle. Lots of wildlife to see and hear as well as so much stunning scenery to view all around. Good times..... Click here for SwimCamp YouTube Video Link Fantastic Socially Distant Swim Camp over on Scarp with Grant and Stuart. The weather on Saturday was so clear compared to on Lewis. We walked over to Traigh Mheilein, dropped our kit, then headed over to have a peek at Loch na Cleabhaig that has the cottage on it before gearing up for a swim over to Scarp itself, setting up camp and going for a wonder up the hill for some scenic views around and about. The mist came down at night but on Sunday morning it was clear enough for a swim back to the jetty at Hushinish. Had good yarns with folk on Scarp and at Hushinish over the weekend. Duckman was saying 13-14 degrees average. Good times indeed......Some photo's by Stuart & Grant. Click here for SwimCamp YouTube Video Link Stuart and myself headed over to Bosta to meet up with Joseph, who kayaked over to Chapel Beach (Little Bernera) while Stuart and myself swam over. We set up camp, had some scoff, beers & a good craic. Sunday morning was bright and sunny, making it hard to leave such a stunning place...till the next time.... Some photo's by Stuart and Joseph... A swim over from Reef beach in Uig to the island of Vacsay for an overnight camp took about 30 minutes while keeping an eye out for other water users. I'd never been here before and with stunning scenery along with so much to explore, I'll definitely be back again. Midge's dampened the fun but it is summertime in Scotland so it's to be expected. Photo's aren't in order btw. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vacsay Click here for SwimCamp YouTube Video Link Swim camping over on the island of Flodaigh, which lies off Bosta beach on Great Bernera. Flodaigh is teaming with wildlife on it and around it above and below sea level. I was swimming with seals on the way into the bay, watching gannets diving, had 2 geese sitting near my camp, had a dolphin or porpoise swim under me on the way back. I set up camp facing out towards Bearasaigh and old hill. Bearasaigh is where pirate Neil Macleod was based. Click here for more information about him. Click here for SwimCamp YouTube Video Link |
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April 2021
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