Mainland Raiding Party

Yesterday was a lovely calm day and both Wally and I had the day off. We took the difficult decision of water over hill and put the kayaks on the roof of the van for a little jaunt over to the west of Arran.  The mainland was sat there winking at us from across a perfectly still Kilbrannan Sound as we put in at Dougarie. It was too much to resist and before long we were out in the channel and heading for Kintyre dreaming of ice cream shops and friendly locals.

Looking back towards Drumadoon point from the Kilbrannan Sound. 

We saw plenty of wildlife on route, including a wonderful flypast by a couple of puffins, and a fleeting glimpse of a porpoise fin rolling through the water in the distance. Gannets soared overhead, and a fish jumped clean out of the water in front of us.

Before long we were approaching Carradale Point, and knowing that we had a good supply of munchies on board decided to forgo the teashops and icecream of the village (are there teashops in Carradale? There ought to be) and head round to the sheltered bay on the other side of the point in search of a peaceful spot for a picnic.We explored the point on foot,  the location of a well preserved fort that  is cut off from the mainland in high tides.

The rocky coastline of Carradale Point

Sheltered beach that was perfect for a stop. 

It is a rugged and dramatic stretch of coastline.  Arran is visible beyond. 

We wished that we had planned a longer trip and brought tents and sleeping bags with us for a night out but it was not to be.  Reluctantly we tore ourselves away from this lovely and wild stretch of coastline and got back in to the boats.  The wind and waves were up and the paddle back to Arran required a bit of body power before we were back on dry land for a well earned beer and rest. 

 Lighthouse Buoy of Crubon Rock by Carradale Point, visible at low tide. 

Approaching Arran's shore again after a tough windy crossing.