Silver Practice Expedition

 We are to set off at approximately 11.00 am from Balloch Pier (NS 385 824) on the shores of Loch Lomond and paddle, heading north, loch right.

 We are to paddle to Portnellan Farm (Inchoch Wood) for our first camp night. We have applied and have been given permission to camp overnight by the farm owners.

 We are to depart Portnellan Farm and head north to Balmaha.

 We are to paddle in-between and around the small chain of Islands in the centre of Loch Lomond, approx opposite Balmaha.

 We are to camp for our second night on Inchconnachan Island.

 We are to paddle from Inchconnachan Island down the other side of the loch to return to Balloch Pier on Loch Lomond Shores.

Map Features

DAY 1

 To set off and paddle from Balloch Pier (NS 385 824) on Monday 11th June 2012 at approx 11.00 am.

 To paddle Loch right past Balloch Castle Country Park.

 Paddle past Boat House, loch right.

 Paddle past Balloch Castle, loch right.

 Horsehouse Wood, loch right.

 Burn of Balloch tributary, loch right past Horsehouse Wood.

 Small wooded area past Burn of Balloch.

 Small clearing, loch right.

 Wooded area heading up to Boturich Castle and its ancient remains, loch right.

 Boat House and waterfall, loch right.

 Forestry area, loch right with Knockour up a slow sloping hill.

 River tributary, loch right.

 Another tributary, loch right.

 Large forestry area called Knockour Wood.

 Another tributary, loch right.

 Less dense forestry, loch right.

 Paddle round bend, forestry loch right.

 Largish Island opposite Portnellan Farm, our destination for our first camp night.

 Camp at Portnellan Farm and meet the owners and wild camp at Inchoch Wood.

DAY 2

 Paddle from Inchoch Wood at approx 9.00 am and see smaller islands beyond Portnellan Farm, loch right.

 Large outcrop of land, loch right and still forestry.

 Paddle past Pumping Station, loch right.

 Ross Priory, loch right, open land with less trees.

 Tributary, loch right with small forest.

 Claddoch settlement.

 Caravan Park and tent park inland near Gartochraggan.

 Claddochside settlement, this settlement is closer to the loch, loch right.

 Wooded area begins again, loch right.

 Wooded area no longer at Low Mains, loch right.

 Bracken, heath and rough grassland, loch right (Nature Reserve).

 Ring point, loch right.

 At Crom Mhin, the mouth of the Endrick water empties into Loch Lomond, river/loch right.

 More bracken, heath and rough grassland with small tributaries emptying into Loch Lomond.

 Jetty at Balmaha (NS 419 906), major settlement, loch right.

 The famous West Highland Way runs through the town of Balmaha.

 Paddle from Balmaha to pier on Inchcailloch Island, loch left.

 Paddle past Inchacialloch Island, loch left.

 Paddle to pier/jetty on Inchfad Island.

 Paddle from Inchfad Island, loch left.

 Paddle to Inchcruin Island, loch left.

 Paddle round Inchcruin Island and paddle between the heads of Inchcruin Island and Inchmoan Island.

 Paddle length of Inchmoan Island.

 Paddle through The Straights to Inchconnachan Island (NS 375 912) where we camp for our second night.

DAY 3

 Paddle from Inchconnachan Island at approx 9.00 am and paddle past the Stot Isle, loch left.

 Paddle to jetty on Inchtavannach Island, loch left.

 Loch right are the castle remains of Inchgalbraith.

 Paddle from jetty on Inchtavannach Island to Boat house at Bandry Wood, loch right.

 Paddle to small peninsula at Rossdhu Ho, loch right (is this a golf course)?

 Paddle past forest area, loch right.

 Paddle past Finlas Water which empties into Loch Lomond, loch right.

 Paddle past Ross Park, loch right.

 Inchmurrin Island opposite at loch left.

 Paddle past forest area called Allt a’ Ghualliann Wood, loch right.

 Cross Burn empties into Loch Lomond, loch right.

 Auchentullich Natra settlement, loch right.

 Jetty, loch right.

 Gravel Pit, loch right.

 The Carrick on Loch Lomond Golf course, loch right.

 Burnfoot settlement, loch right.

 Boat House, loch right.

 Arden House and settlement, loch right.

 Small wooded area, loch right.

 Lomond Castle Pier, loch right.

 A82 runs close to Loch Lomond, loch right.

 Jetties at Duck Bay, loch right.

 Small forestry peninsula, loch right.

 Paddle round peninsula past Cameron Bay and Cameron House Hotel and settlements, loch right.

 Wildlife Park, loch right.

 Slipway at peninsula approaching Loch Lomond Shores.

 Paddle into bay area of Loch Lomond Shores.

 Lift canoes out of the water at Balloch Pier

 Lift canoes onto trailer.

 Depart in minibus back to Musselburgh.

 Parents pick us up at the Musselburgh Outdoor Learning Base on Wednesday 13th June 2012 sometime in the early evening – await time from Martyn.