'The Canoe Boys: The First Epic Scottish Sea Journey by Kayak' (Amazon £26.54).
"It's too late in the year!" they were told, but they still set off. By canoe from Crinan to Skye, up the West coast of Scotland, with plenty of adventures on the way. Alastair Dunnett and Seamas Adam spent a glorious Autumn in the 1934 meandering up the West Coast of Scotland.
As they went they sent back reports to the Daily Record with tales of their progress along the way. Their story makes fascinating reading for sea kayakers and non sea kayakers alike as they were hailed by crowds wherever they went as 'The Canoe Boys'.
Sea kayakers will marvel at their naivety as they kayak through tide race at Dorus Mhor but everyone will enjoy their balmy harvest working on Calve Island off Mull, quenching their thirst with a mug of drammach (oats and water) as they are written in a superb lyrical style by Dunnett.
This is an adventure story of youthful exuberance and of how life once was lived before the war changed everything for ever. This second edition is illustrated with archival material and press cuttings and has an introduction by Dunnett's son, Ninian who has also supplied a full glossary and notes on each chapter.
This epic voyage has also been reenacted into a Video: The Canoe Boys by The Adventure Show where renowned Sea Kayaker and Author Brian Wilson is joined by ex-footballer Michael Stewart in this Adventure Show special to recreate one of the great pioneering journeys of Scottish canoeing.
'The Canoe Boys: The First Epic Scottish Sea Journey by Kayak' (Amazon for £26.54)
By Philip Clegg
With over two decades of working in the sea kayaking industry, Phil can be found on a daily basis coaching for Sea Kayaking Anglesey. That's when he's not expeditioning, playing or putting kit to the test.