Three of us joined Clare on her anticlockwise journey around Bute. With the sun shining and light winds we set off heading towards the north end of Cumbrae then west to Kilchattan Bay. As we passed Glencallum, we were thrilled to spot a pod of Dolphins passing by us less than twenty feet away. We arrived at Garroch Head near slack water so our passage was uneventful. After our second lunch at Stavanan Bay, we continued to St.Ninians Bay. Along the way, we heard a channel 16 pan pan to offer assistance for a rubber rib that had run aground on the northeast coast of Arran. Two vessels assisted with the rib being eventually cleared. Arriving at our campsite, which can be located as being the ruined Abbey on your map. There is a slip there which is most welcome. After parking our boats up for the night and pitching our tents we settled down to watch the receding tide. Clare spotted a Wafarer dingy dropping anchor, and in no time at all the boat’s stern was close to the water as the Anchor took grip. To our delight, the occupants put up an onboard shelter, complete with windows. Camping on a boat. We paddled 28 Km.
Wednesday. We set off early on a very low tide. As we approached Ettrick Bay a channel 16 request for all vessels to keep clear of the bay as there was live firing taking place. We had fears about being torpedoed. later on, we learned that underwater demolition was taking place. Onto Buttock Point and Kayakers Cove. The bracken most certainly needed to be trimmed back as this made the toilet inaccessible. We cleared the Ferry, then onwards down the Kyle of Bute with a very much increasing wind, F4. A well-earned break at Port Ballantyne then onto to Rothsay Bay where we waited for the departing Ferry before crossing. The wind had very much gained strength constant F4 gusting 5. On arrival at Bruchag, there was no obvious landing spot, but we did find a cleared area of rocks to land. Our campsite was a bit tricky as we crawled under an electric fence to get to it. We paddled 40 km.
Thursday. A 10 km trip back to the Largs Marina. Coffee then home.
A big big thanks to Clare for organizing and leading the way. Fellow travelers were David Bertram and Kevin Bonfield.
David Towsey