CORVID-19 is still here and you are asked to be safe whilst out in the North West of Scotland. Current restrictions have been relaxed recently. Even so, please do not go out in the area if you are showing signs of Corvid-19. When out paddling or hillwalking make sure you give people space - 1m at least and preferable 2m. Remember that if it feels too crowded then you can walk away and try somewhere else; the environment will still be there tomorrow. Also remember the emergency services, the RNLI and the MRT. They will come out to rescue you but they should not have to put themselves into danger from this virus.

Take Care Out There.

Oldany Island

Oldany Island
OS map : 15
start : Culkein Drumbeg.
gridref : NC109338
summary : Culkein Drumbeg - Oldany Island - Culken Drumbeg
tide : HW/LW 5mins AFTER Ullapool. Tidal flow is around 0.5kph.
distance : 7.0km.
time taken : 2hr. 10min.

Around Oldany.

Clashnessie Bay.

Clashnessie Bay.

Oldany channel.

Oldany beach.

Views from the beach.

A circumnavigate of the island and return is a great journey with many interesting little islands to explore. Sometimes the seaward side of the island is rough so the circumnavigation may be out. Perhaps go as far around as the sea conditions dictate. The southern channel between Oldany and the mainland is particularly interesting and sheltered.

There is a jetty at Culkein Drumbeg with a large area to park and get sorted out. Down a small road off the small road to Drumbeg. This is a remote part of the UK.

Put in at the Jetty at Culkein Drumbeg and kayak through the islands. This bay is a great place to explore. with a mix of small rocky islands and small bays. Make your way up the east coast of the island and you reach a beach. Pull off here. There is a cottage just over the back of the beach. It is in regular use by the owners and their friends. Please respect their privacy.(1kms. 0hrs. 20min.)

Decision time. The swell can affect the ouside of Oldany considerably But on a good day it is a great paddle. Continue around the island from the beach taking the outer line on the first spur. Paddle around this first bay, Poll an Cuile, to the top of the island. Here the coast is quite rocky and not really suitable to get out and rest. Take the inside line between Oldany and Sgeir nan Gall and continue around the western edge of the Island. Followed to the promontory, Ruhba nan Cosan, and then onto Bogha nan Meann. This inlet is now followed as it gets narrower and narrower until it becomes a narrow channel beween Oldany and the mainland. This is always wet enough to paddle, but only just on the very low tides. It is also sheltered and can be a respite from the winds. Once through the channel you can make to the beach on the east again, or go straight back to the starting bay and wander about rocky islands.(6kms. 1hrs. 50min.)