When Monsters Were Real
March 28th, 2009 | 
Author: 
A long time ago. Back when we were children. Back when our imaginations were still pulsing through our every thought, the world was much different. It was bigger and full of wonder. Back then, the monsters were real.
Today I’m taking the moment to set in stone, as much as anyone can set in stone my 2009 paddling adventure. It was so obvious to me once I stopped thinking about perceptions and started thinking about what I truly would love to do. I’ve decided to chase a childhood fantasy and go looking for the Loch Ness Monster. Yeah, my grown up head knows Nessie is not hiding out there, but for the moment I’m not going to listen.
In September of this year my goal is to paddle from Glasgow out and along the west coast of Scotland, then head inland and up the Caledonian Canal to Loch Ness and ending my trip in Inverness on the East Coast. The route will take me though some interesting and beautiful areas. There will also be busy shipping lanes, weather and tides to think about including the infamous Corryvreckan whirlpool. I dare not think about how much schleppin around locks there will be in the canals. Oh, and of course there are the monsters to consider…
Update: I gave him every opportunity to slip out the back door, but I’m happy to say that Kelly Blades will be joining me for this little adventure. If I had to pick one guy to go monster hunting with, it would be Kelly!!
For more on the reasons, the region, the story, the details and the Loch Ness Paddle Monster click here to visit the Loch Ness 2009 section of the site. I’ll be updating and adding information throughout the adventure.
*The image above was created by Sam Fentress. CC.
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The offer is still there – if we can help, just ask!
S
Hey Simon,
Just leave your doors open and credit cards on the kitchen table. . .
Thanks! I’m sure I’ll be pestering you more as the time grows closer.
When you take Kelly monster hunting, they will come…
Have fun planning the trip and keep as posted.
(…monsters, beware….)
Say hello to Nessie for me! And be sure not to forget to bring the snacks.
Well, well, well…this should mesh nicely with the new P&H/Balvinie partnership.
ah… hand crafted malt??
I don’t know of these comments are useful, I do hope so; I don’t know how well you know the terrain already. It’s an interesting route, but an unusual one; you might want to be aware that your proposed route …
- Links two fairly grim urban conurbs (they’re not without interest, but …)
- Is predominantly on very sheltered waters – it very briefly hits an area of Atlantic exposure and strong tides in the middle, but quickly returns to sheltered water (and canals), just when you’ll be hoping for more Atlantic adventures?
- Passes by, but manages to miss out, the Hebridean isles, the best sea paddling location in the UK (world?)
Obviously you will have your reasons for focusing on the Clyde/Crinan Canal/Caledonian Canal (I don’t know how much experience you have of open seas?) but I suspect that once you leave the Crinan, you’ll be extremely tempted to head out into the isles and west coast, rather than heading up the Caledonian Canal – you’ll know what I mean when you see the vista ahead of you! Consider going around Ardnamurchan Point and up to Skye instead??? Or out to fabulous Iona? Either way, have a good holiday – I should be up there somewhere too, probably Orkney/Shetland though.
Mark
Thanks Mark. My impression is that it’s a very diverse route. Urban, rivers, canals, open sea, coastal, lakes, etc… A bit of everything. That’s actually the main goal, simply diversity which is certainly more meaningful to the tourist than the local.
I don’t doubt there would be temptation to explore the coast more.. and who knows if it really calls to me or Kelly we can always go back and do more. For the moment though the idea of diverse landscapes, small bits of challenging areas and big chunks of calm relaxing spots sounds pretty nice. 