07/04/2026
Chasing Tides — Oban, Scotland
There are certain places that sit in your mind long before you ever paddle them.
The Grey Dogs. The Falls of Lora.
For years, these weren’t just locations, they were reference points. Places you’d seen, talked about, and quietly wondered how they’d feel in real life.
Craig, Stuart and Mirco first came across them in the, 'This Is the Sea' films by Justine Curgenven.
Our SKUK sponsored paddlers headed north with a few simple aims:
Paddle some of the UK’s most iconic tidal races, eat a KFC, forage a bit of seafood along the way, and to see an otter.
The Grey Dogs were quick and precise, fast-moving water where timing matters and things change quickly. Although it runs through a narrow channel, it feels exposed, remote and committing, especially knowing that once you’re through, you’re not getting back against the tide. Out beyond, Atlantic swell pushed through, making the race dynamic and constantly shifting. It created some of the most memorable waves of the trip, powerful, clean, and just unpredictable enough to demand full attention. The Falls of Lora had more presence, huge volumes of fast water, strong features, and heavy, whirling eddy lines. Yet it’s all contained within a relatively narrow stretch, with long eddies that make it, in comparison, feel more manageable.
They foraged where they could, getting some mussels, scallops and clams, and let the days be shaped by weather and tide rather than any fixed agenda.
Some places build up over time through stories, photos, and films. Occasionally, you get the chance to go and see for yourself and find that the reality is better than you imagined.
Special thanks to Craig https://www.seakayakinguk.com/paddlers/craig-leslie and to Stuart https://www.seakayakinguk.com/paddlers/stuart-leslie SKUK Adventures and Mirco Goldhausen (featured) https://www.seakayakinguk.com/paddlers/mirco-goldhausen and https://www.seakayakinganglesey.co.uk/the-coach 🌊 An inspiring trip!
