DAY 1: Approx. 5 miles (for ref. each grid square on large OS map is 1km)
Nice easy access is behind the Church, down the track beside the Police station there’s a car park of sorts and a walk down and over the bridge. Put in just above the bridge and off I went. Apparently can also put in at Allangibbon Bridge which would add a mile or so I guess, but with water levels wasn’t worth it.
From the off it was pretty evident there’d be a lot of walking/lining instead of running rapids, had to get out at most sections and pull the canoe through them. Other than two runs which were good fun as my first ones. Nothing big. I reckon another foot of water was needed at least to make them all paddle-able.
Tonnes of wildlife along the River Ken; saw two deer have a quiet drink before bolting at the first scent/sight of me, a couple of red kites circling above, and a small water vole that popped up on to a rock no more than three foot from me and watched me go by silently as part of nature.
While I was coming down the river Michael drove the car back to the old railway bridge at Loch Ken Holiday Park and headed up in his boat (with outboard) and most of the kit (most of which was his)!! Turns out the islands we were aiming for at the top of the Loch aren’t really any good for camping on; very overgrown and marshy. Which added an extra couple of miles on to the trip for me as we claimed Green Island as ours. Was surprised there wasn’t already someone on it. Found a pretty good spot about 0.5 mile down from the top of the Loch, no trees for tarps or anything really but a cracking level pitch up from the waters edge. Looked like there was an old caravan there, hadn’t been used for a while.
Down at Green Island by mid afternoon and camp setup…
DAY 2: Green Island & Fishing
First night on my new Pakmat (early birthday pressie), and can definitely say it’s comfortable. Same level as the big flock airbed mattresses! Very quick and easy to get setup, alter the pressure once you’re on and stays inflated all night without issues. Actually didn’t have to add any air the second night either! Fits perfectly inside my ex-army mosi net. Felt a couple of twinges of cold through but nothing that was enough to spoil my sleep really. Slid a silver emergency blanket under the Pakmat early morning and it seemed to take them away nicely, and doesn’t add any extra pack size.
View from my bed, not bad…
And a nice hearty breakfast…
Decided to go fishing down at the Blackwater of Dee opposite the campsite, more kites above on the way down with one low enough to see the markings under the wing. Fantastic sight. At the river all rigged up, rafted the boats and anchored – time for some fishing. A little bird, not sure what type but those ones that dart around just above the water surface, obviously got it’s timing a bit wrong and ended up in the canoe with me!! Poor thing was obviously terrified and my attempts to lift it out didn’t help it much. Tucked itself at one of the canoe for a while, before having a wander down past me and eventually finding a way out (obviously harder done than said in an ‘open’ canoe!). Old Town ‘Jack’ living up to his name and bagged us a decent sized Pike for supper, thanks Grandad.
Headed back to the island late afternoon with the wind behind me making easy progress, making me want a sail once again! Feeling very pleased with myself having supper sat behind me (even with the dubious headwear!).
Fish gutted and prep’d, didn’t have any newspaper to truly do a Jack style number on it but I was fairly impressed with my handiwork and culinary skills. Simple fish tastes so good!
One more little animal we made friends with, a mouse on Green Island… Not quite sure how he got there but seemed to be unfussed by us wandering past and quite happy to carry on with the evening. Treated to a wonderful sunset and spectacular moonrise that the pictures don’t come close to doing justice. And of course a nice big fire.
DAY 3: Back home…
Was freezing overnight! Being clear the temperature really REALLY dropped, sleeping bag well and truly tightened up, wrapped round, fastened and every other method of staying warm! And still it was cold. A welcome relief at 6ish when the clear skies started giving us some warmth for the day. And what a day! Beautiful!! Sun shining, very little wind and nice and WARM!! Fire started up for warming breakfast, and once that was underway got things packed up.
And Loch Ken had one final bit of wildlife to throw at us on the journey back down to the car, sadly no photos as the Blackberry isn’t quite up for long range shots. An eagle calling out to the nest and circling the treetop before perching on the branch. Made the kites look small!!
A cracking trip in a lovely place… Many thanks HRH for the extra time off! A yes, the standard must have shot.
