The forecast for Teesside was grim but sunny in Scotland so I went to Loch Ken with my daughter and another family. My daughter was on her SOT and the other family in an impressive inflatable Palarva.

The weather fantastic and the lake was stunning with rolling countryside around it rather than any grand mountains. Our first expedition was about four miles down from the campsite to Cross Michael, the kids had lots of fun on the way. Exploring little channels and islands with shouts of turn around that swan is standing up. On the way we saw many Red Kites that were just mesmerizing to watch.

Next day was mountain biking in the very well organized Dalbeatie forest that included some great taster and skills runs.

On the last day we attempted to go up the River Dee, very pretty but after dragging the boats over three sets of small rapids we came across a larger set and came back down. Iki Wa’a did well bashing off rocks and riding the rapids with just a few minor scratches. This sort of abuse was certainly not part of her design brief.

There were a couple of open canoes with rigs on also enjoying the Loch. One had a commercial rig and was going well but it added a lot of kit and it looked all a bit much for Iki Wa’a. The other had a home made version of the Endless River spirt sail, it was very slow, about half padding speed and simply not worth the trouble.