The picturesque Isle of Arran, nestled off the coast of Scotland, played host to a breathtaking event: the 11K Holy Isle Challenge. This challenge promised participants an unforgettable adventure, a test of their endurance, sheer determination and skill. The race starts and finishes adjacent to the pier at Lamlash, where paddlers embarked on an epic anti-clockwise circumnavigation of Holy Island, facing both unpredictable weather and the formidable waves of the Atlantic Ocean (Fourth of Clyde). This gripping race provided an ultimate challenge that left participants with a profound sense of accomplishment, and enjoyment.

As paddlers set off on the race, wind-driven rain and a receding tide posed the first set of challenges. Pushing through the waves, participants navigated their way to Holy Island, experiencing some exhilarating and demanding paddling. As they rounded the southern tip of the island, the true test began, with the open expanse of the Fourth of Clyde unleashing its powerful waves. Boat control became the key to success, and paddlers had to summon their skills and determination to conquer this section of the course.

As you paddled around, the weather then took a turn, offering a welcome relief with bright sunshine illuminating the course. However, the sun-dappled water and tricky currents presented its own hurdles. The sight of the rescue boat is a welcome sign, as it marks the turn back in land, but the realisation that the tide is now working against you, required focus. Challenging both mind and body, pushing paddlers to their limits.

Round the north of the Holy Island, participants power back toward the pier! This probably seems to be the longest stretch as you can see the church tower tantalisingly showing you the way, but never actually seeming to get any closer as you weave between the larger craft moored in the bay.

Getting back is a fantastic feeling of achievement, and a good work out. On bank facilities offer great changing rooms and showers, however, it is the exceptional coffee shop/bakery in the harbour area that truly brings you back to life.

The fastest time of 1 hour, 1 minute and 16 seconds (1:01:16) was achieved by Andrew Preston, setting a new course record in his Surf Ski. The first woman home was Inge Brown, also setting a new course record of 1:27:19, which was achieved in a touring Sea Kayak. Glen Sloss managed the course in 1:32:54 on a Stand-Up Paddleboard. Tommy McLeod and Lindsay Thomson were the first doubles crew in a time of 1:47:55.

A total of 25 boats started the race, and only two retired, the rest achieving the goal of circumnavigation. A big thank you to Arran Kayak Club and Otter’s Tail who organised and hosted the event, many thank yous to the volunteers who helped as officials, timekeepers, and safety crews, making this (and other) epic events possible.

This race has everything to make it challenging for any paddler, and the Island of Arran has so much to offer - it is amazingly green (as far as I can tell it has rain and sun most days), great walks, plenty of wildlife and even a dinosaur footprint if you want to go looking for it!

Question that needs to be asked is: how many of you are up to the challenge in 2024?