Blazing Paddles : Scottish Coastal Odyssey

by Brian Wildon

Alone in his tiny kayak, Brian Wilson sets off on an 1800-mile odyssey around Scotland’s grand cliffscapes, unspoiled shorelines, fearsome sea passages and Hebridean islands. He discovers a world of sea-level adventure, and in the process takes a good look at Scottish identity from a unique and fascinating perspective. Sometimes harrowing, frequently philosophical, often hilarious, this book will appeal to all lovers of the coast and its endlessly varied characters, wildlife and lore. Adventure is there aplenty as he battles with whirlpools, heavy seas and hypothermia, streaks naked in front of Lady Diana, and survives a close encounter with a killer whale. The narrative is brim-full of history and folklore, disasters at sea, haunted bothies and the exploits of Celtic Saints, Viking raiders and mermaids. It is inhabited by larger-than-life characters like Tex Geddes the shark hunter, Dr Stan the cave-dweller, and a whole camp of homosexual gold panners. It is also a perceptive commentary on submarines, supertankers, and other issues threatening the Scottish coastline and its unique and fragile wildlife.

'As good a maritime sage as has ever come out of the Scottish seas.’
The Scotsman

‘I don’t know whether the adventure itself or the story of it deserves the greater admiration; the combination strikes me as a triumph – which I hope will have many successors.’ BBC RADIO 4 – A Book at Bedtime

‘One of the classic pieces of canoe writing. This is without doubt the best sea canoeing travel book I have ever read.’ CANOEIST Magazine

‘Beautifully illustrated, by a perceptive conservationist … is both topical and entertaining.’ Canoe Focus

Genres: Travel, Scotland, Biography, Nonfiction

Paperback

First published May 1, 1998

Reviews

[David Canford · Rating 4 out of 5]

It took a bit of getting into but once the author leaves the safe waters of southwest Scotland and heads off to the Western isles and Scotland's tempestuous north coast it had me hooked. A great adventure story.

[Ben · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this fun romp around Scotland by kayak. Brian Wilson did the trip solo, and some of his experiences are pretty out there. Hard to believe he made it in one piece, and hard to believe he did it before the age of GPS, portable radios, or even good camping gear. It was neat to hear about the British kayaking scene back then, and about the work he did getting ready for this trip, as well as the main focus: the coast of Scotland, but it didn't strike me as something I wanted to do - at least not as he did it. Definitely worth a read if you are a kayaker or interested in big solo endurance trips, but don't think you'll get a guidebook on how to do it yourself!

[Nicola Nicholson · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a distinct landlubber with a phobia of deep water ,I did wonder why I was reading this,at the beginning of the account but I was soon drawn in to the beauty of the coastlines,the terror of the sea and the varied language of weather,tides and flows. Absolutely nail biting at times and so far out of my comfort zone as to leave me with sore joints when I put the book down because I had been so tense. In the end,I felt happy that I need never kayak round Scotland but sad that the journey had come to its end.

[Ja Lhorn · Rating 5 out of 5]

An epic adventure in which Wilson encounters fearful seas, as well as beauty and serenity. His understanding and exploration of environmental concerns is also central to the book: such issues are brought into stark relief as the deleterious effects of pollution, and other human activities are seen first hand. Wilson's intimate relationship with coast and sea, fomented over weeks alone in this environment, makes his observations particularly poignant. Wilson is not only erudite but shows incredible fortitude, bravery and determination in meeting the physical and mental challenges imposed.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

This account of a solo journey around Scotland in a sea kayak before mobile phones and modern navigation devices was incredibly exciting and well described if a little slow to start with. As someone who has just recently got into sea kayaking, I found it inspirational and while also making me content with much shorter trips in much less dangerous conditions! I'd also recommend it to anyone interested in Scotland, coastal geography, marine wildlife, or the environmental risks to the sea.

[Alastair Arthur · Rating 4 out of 5]

Travel adventure epic – a solo kayak around the coast of Scotland. It definitely helps if you have an interested in that part of the world, or in sea kayaking, but an amazing effort of bravery and stamina. Very well written with some good humour and a “take what comes” attitude. Some useful ecological points too put into the context of a wonderful natural environment.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

This tale is one of courage and sheer adventure. For anyone with a longing for adventure this book has it all. Paddle up!!