Walking from Helensburgh to Rhu and back is a lovely walk. Paddling this stretch is equally pleasant. You do need to keep an eye out for the odd large rock though as it can get quite shallow in places, especially if you are near to low water. But today, being not too long after high water, it wasn't a problem for me. These large rocks seen at low tide on the beach at Helensburgh, are evidence of the last ice age and are known as glacial erratics – these were carried from a distance inside the glaciers and dropped into their current locations when the glaciers melted.
I am always wary of crossing over to Rosneath peninsular, just in case there are large shipping movements. The crossing does mean entering a restricted channel. Before setting across, I keep a good look out and listen to any VHF traffic noise. Going across from Rhu point was fine, quick and easy. On coming back though, I had a Royal Navy patrol boat pass in front of me, which did make me think if there would be any follow on shipping traffic. I decided to head back to Helensburgh across the restricted channel - if it was going to be a problem then I am sure the patrol boat, would soon let me know. It didn't and I crossed back over without any incident.
Despite the odd shower or three, it was a cracking little paddle. I really like paddling in the rain when you are all dry inside your dry suit and the rain is bouncing off the water in front of you...
