Pabbay - May 2022

The trip almost didn't happen! In the days proceeding there was the inevitable unsettled forecast that lead to a conversation we've had many times. "Should we go? Shouldn't we go? It's looking pretty wet!". Luckily blind faith prevailed and we set sail from Oban with an optimistic outlook that, whatever happened, we'd have a good time.

Of the 7 days on Pabbay, we had 1 wash out day, a day with some mixed weather, and 5 more days with pretty good conditions. It's often worth the punt it seems!

The full team aboard the Boy James on the Saturday evening. It's always an exciting crossing from Castlebay to the Bishop Isles

The transfer craft full to the brim! This small craft is what the boatman uses between the Boy James and the landing spot on the rocks

The Vibes

Even without the climbing, the Bishop Isles are just a fantastic place to be. Sitting watching the seals bob around in the water as the light fades, it's hard not to appreciate how special a place the islands are. On Pabbay there is fantastic pitch site a short distance from the abandoned settlement where villagers once lived. Fresh water can collected from a small stream around 150m from the campsite, however this can get down to a trickle during a very dry period.

Going for a dip in the sea after a long day climbing or just sitting at the tent watching the waves roll in, it really doesn't get much better. The sea tempature was still quite cold when we were out so a wet suit really allowed you to enjoy the water properly.

It's hard to find a better place to pitch a tent than on the Pabbay

The banded wall after a wet night. Calum on pitch 1 of Endolphin Rush