Blue Scotland by Mollie Hughes

Author:Mollie Hughes [Hughes, Mollie]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Birlinn

Castlebay is a fantastic blue space to explore via kayak or paddleboard. Head out on a calm day to investigate its rocky shore, ancient castle and hidden inlets, all with the backdrop of the rolling hills of Barra. For this trip, we joined the team from Clearwater Paddling to explore the bay by sea kayak. Clearwater Paddling are a family-run kayaking adventure company based in Castlebay itself but who run tours across the Outer Hebrides packed full of local knowledge. Our launch point was a large slipway next to the marina, where you will also find a good-sized car park.

We pointed our kayaks south towards Vatersay, hugging the coastline as we paddled. We explored the causeway, which was built in 1990 to link the two neighbouring islands by road for the first time. Near the causeway we were lucky enough to see dozens of seals popping up around us as they fed on the high tide. The waters around Barra are rich with sea life. We may have only encountered seals on this journey, but sightings of sea otters, porpoises and dolphins are common, with the occasional basking shark and orca pod too.

After retracing our paddle strokes back into the main expanse of the bay, we headed straight for the castle. Looking up at this towering fortress from sea level is a dizzying experience. It is always particularly special to experience these monuments of Scottish history from the water, a vantage that few get to enjoy.

Kisimul Castle is the only remaining medieval castle in the Outer Hebrides; it was lovingly restored during the 1900s to represent some of its former glory and protect its history.

As we were exploring the castle inlet, the Calmac ferry launched from the port en route to the mainland. Calmac ferries are an icon of the islands of Scotland, and it was quite an experience to view this huge metal beast from the water, and then to bounce through its wake.

The natural harbour of Castlebay and Kisimul Castle itself offer a reasonably protected and accessible blue space to explore via kayak or paddleboard, with great facilities close by.

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