BRIDGE OVER THE ATLANTIC

Clachan Bridge, a beautiful old stone bridge built in 1792 spans the stretch of water between mainland Scotland and the off-lying island of Seil. It’s whimsical name of Bridge Over the Atlantic has stuck. Who could resist paddling under and maybe even making an ‘Atlantic’ crossing of your own? The route starts opposite the historic Tigh an Truish Inn by the bridge. The name means ‘House of the trousers’ and comes from the period after the 1745 rebellion when the Government banned the use of the Gaelic language and kilt wearing. It was here that islanders heading for the mainland would change from their traditional garb into trousers.

Paddle information

This paddle begins at the Tigh an Truish Inn where you can scramble down the grassy bank to launch directly opposite the inn. Entering this delightful, enclosed area, dotted with small boats bobbing on their moorings and meandering passages between islands with a jumble of houses and small jetties pushing up to the waters edge, you are immediately transported into another world. You will have no trouble paddling underneath the Atlantic Bridge as the steeply humped bridge which was designed to allow water traffic to pass underneath. The sharp bump doesn’t make things easy for modern day cars passing overhead. Once you have staged your own ‘Atlantic Crossing’, turn south and enjoy a leisurely meander through Clachan sound take you as far as the village of Balvika on your right. There is so much to see that a leisurely paddle is well rewarded, keep your eyes peeled and you might spot otters or herons fishing at the water’s edge. Make sure that you turn around with plenty of time to paddle back before the tide turns. Beware that the tide flows very strongly through Clachan Sound so take care to time your paddle correctly. Time it right and you can use the tide to assist both directions of your journey. The return journey is equally delightful as different views are revealed around each corner. Finish your paddle at the same place that you started, relax and soak up the surroundings from the Tigh an Truish Inn.

Extra excitement

Head down to Easdale where there are beautiful gardens at An Cala House and visit the famous Easdale Slate quarry. If you fancy being a world champion, then try the World Stone Skimming Championships, which is held every year on the last Sunday in September on Easedale. Slate quarrying continued at Ellenabeich until 1881 and on neighbouring Easdale until 1911. Ellenabeich itself is a picturesque village, with neat white terraces of workers’ cottages, and well worth exploring. There’s a lovely restaurant and fabulous views over the Firth of Lorne. Or catch the passenger ferry to Easdale from the small pier at Ellenabeich. Head to the small village of Cuan at the island’s southern tip for the five-minute ferry crossing to the island of Luing.

Fact file:

Launch point: 56.31756, -5.5838

Distance: ~3km

Rating: This is an easy paddle but care needs to be taken due to the strong tides

Facilities: Tigh an Truish Inn