SCOTLAND360° BLOG POST - A SEA KAYAKING JOURNEY AROUND TROUP HEAD

BIRDLIFE GALORE ON A JOURNEY ALONG THE BANFF-SHIRE COASTLINE

23rd July 2019

Summer hols and the original plan was to go west. However, the forecast was looking poor for the west coast but appeared to promise better conditions in the east and so we elected to head to Findochty campsite – one of our regular haunts on the Moray coast.

The choice was a good one and we were rewarded with clear blue skies, sunshine and HEAT!

We’d paddled around Troup Head a few years ago and, given the weather and the conditions, it made perfect sense to repeat the paddle, particularly as it was a great time to see the birdlife. Troup Head is an RSPB Reserve and a spectacular setting for the largest mainland gannet colony in Scotland.

Launching from Gardenstown, we paddled firstly to the fishing village of Crovie and then on to Troup Head itself.

There are few landing spots on the route around Troup Head but the day was warm, the sea was calm and we had almost perfect conditions for the journey. To be able to visit this spectacular setting with time to take photographs and a benign sea allowed us to enjoy the abundant birdlife all around us.

The interactive Google map below traces the route of the journey. Click on the markers to see the individual photographs.

Approaching Crovie from Gardenstown

Crovie

Crovie Village

Crovie Panorama

As we approached Troup Head, the air became thick with gannets

Kayaking towards Troup Head we could see the gannet colonies on the sea cliffs

Tania taking in the view of the tightly packed nests in the gannet colonies, whilst overhead, the gannets wheeled in the sky above us.

Kittiwakes and Guillemots.

At The Coves headland

Tania by The Coves headland

Tania by The Coves headland

Pennan, the set for “Local Hero”, the film from the early 80’s and the famous phone box.

Setting off from Pennan and kayaking around Pennan Head.

Puffins

Puffins

Puffin take off

Sidegate Cliffs and Green Kaimes

Sea Arches