Coasteering and Climbing Combo on Mull.

On Wednesday I was working on a Roses Project adventure activity course on Mull which are based out of  Tavool House Outdoor Centre located on the North shore of Loch Scridain. We headed to the sandy shores of The Ross of Mull for some water and rock action. In the process we found and used a lovely new venue for rock climbing and abseiling. Being a low water venue the tides were kind and we had the afternoon to ascend some great cracks and chimneys and enjoy the blistering sunshine and emerald seas. This combo is perfect for families and those looking for an adventure day whilst planing ahead for holidaying on Mull. We found some great rock pools to investigate and in one found a few squat lobsters.  For details of activities contact us on hebpursuit@aol.com

Recent sketch book landscape drawings by Andy Spink.

I have rediscovered the sketch book! I have been working for Hebridean Pursuits Ltd on a variety of expeditions and courses in some incredible locations recently. Trekking in The Atlas Mountains, sea kayak guiding out at St.Kilda, Shiant Islands and the east coast of the Uist's  and closer to home mountaineering in the Scottish hills and rock climbing on the beautiful Hebridean islands. I studied fine art painting for my degree and after graduating I worked for a gallery on a commission basis in London before starting Hebridean Pursuits in 1989, business has dictated my time up to now, but recently I have rediscovered the sketch book. It has been a while since I have used a sketch book and it is becoming addictive once more [ if a little scary ]. Scotland in particular offers such variety of landscape and the light [ however over emphasized ] does created a unique atmosphere for drawing and painting landscapes. Here are a few sketch book pieces of recent travels, fast, painterly sketches intended to be used for painting from in the future.
My canvases are blank at present but I am keen to fill them in the near future. If any of the blog followers or followers friends have any thoughts on venues for a potential exhibition spaces or potential patrons for collaborative shows then please contact me on Andyspink01@aol.com.

St.Kilda. Boreray from Hirta.

Afella 4041m , Morocco.

Azib Tamsoul 3200m, The Atlas Mountains.

Summer landscape.

Boreray, St.Kilda.

Sea Kayak Guiding out at The Shiant Islands.

Yesterday Hebridean Pursuits ltd were guiding sea kayakers out at the remote and beautiful Shiant Islands. Out in the Minch these islands offer adventures through caves, stunning cliff lines, basalt columns and interesting short crossings between the small islands and incredible sea bird life. Based on a motor vessel we are able to get kayakers to destinations that normally we may not be able to reach easily from ferries or road heads, giving a very flexible itinerary for all concerned. HPL will be running St.Kilda and expeditions to the Hebrides again next year. Contact us for details of dates and availability. 01631720002 or Email hebpursuit@aol.com

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Sea Kayaking off The Islands of Uist and The Shiant Islands with Lothian Sea Kayak Club.

Based on board  the Gaelic Rose again this week. We have been sea kayaking our way up the east coast of Uist hiding from the wild westerly winds which have precluded our heading out to St.Kilda this week. Some what of a contrast from last week but an adventure all the same. We will kayak out to the Shiant Islands tomorrow and head back to Harris the day after. Hebridean Pursuits will running expeditions again next year contact us for details.

North Buttress in Glencoe and Tower Ridge on Ben Nevis with Hebridean Pursuits. July 6 and 7th.

Last weekend one of our instructors Scott Sutherland guided John and Mark on two classic mountain rock routes in near perfect conditions. On Saturday he took the guys up the fine line of North Buttress on Buachaille Etive Mor in Glencoe and on Sunday they headed to the majestic North Face of Ben Nevis and ascended the iconic Tower Ridge. Thanks for the photos Scott, I know guys had an immense time out there!

The North Face of Ben Nevis. Tower Ridge is on the left in the darker area.

North Buttress.

Tower Ridge.

St.Kilda. Sea Kayaking Expedition. 6 to 12th July 2013.

We have just returned to Harris after a superb week of sea kayaking and exploring the Archipelago of St.Kilda. This is the sixth trip we have managed to reach the dramatic and very remote island group 50 miles off the outer Hebrides.We use motor vessel Gaelic Rose to support these expeditions which gives us maximum flexibility in our ability to reach some very inaccessible places. This week has been just fantastic. The weather calmed down giving flat seas and sunny weather each day after the fog cleared to leave us with the most dramatic land and seascapes in the UK. With an incredible history and culture these Islands were inhabited until around the 1930's. The village leaves no allusions of how hard life must have been to survive on  such a rock. We had a very strong and experienced paddling group on board so we paddled the whole island complex, around the immense sea stacks. I even managed to ascended the very steep and seldom reached top of Boreray. On the way back to the sound of Harris we spotted a Minkie Whale, Dolphins, Basking Shark and three Sun Fish, all adding to the wonder of such environments. We are back on board next week with another group who I hope will also be lucky enough to reach this unique Island group. Fingers crossed. We will be offering another trip in mid July 2014, for walkers, kayakers and those whom just wish to get to St.Kilda. www.hebrideanpursuits.co.uk.

The Sound of Soay.

Mike looking towards Boreray from Hirta.

A very strong and experienced paddling crew. Amongt others, Andy Stamp, Howard Jeffs, Nige Robinson, Bill Taylor and Mike Devlin. 

Village Bay. The Street.

Glen Bay Arch on Hirta.

Boreray.

Village Bay. Hirta.

Mike Devlin in The Sound of Soay. 

Sea Stacks and Gannets.