Fingals cave, Staffa, Scotland - weekend 23-25 May 2008

[Ezgoing]

Hi guys

K'ado is going to try to make it to Staffa to check out Fingals Cave on weekend of May 23. All welcome to join in. Current plan:

Friday evening depart Redbay for Gigha.Overnight Gigha. (petrol available)
Saturday Depart early for Staffa and Fingals Cave. Overnight in Craobh Marina.Dinner Sat night in Craobh and stay in Lunga Castle. If waether too bad visit Corryvreckan, Grey Dogs etc.

It appears the Cave is approx 1.5 hours trek from landing site. Is it possibe to anchor off and swim in? Info on Fingals Cave welcome.
http://www.streetmap.co.uk/newmap.sr...2415&ay=735005

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ss1Fe...eature=related

http://www.showcaves.com/english/gb/caves/Fingals.html

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=utlxzs4nLuI

Sunday return to Redbay.

[BruceB]

I could be totally wrong but I thought Staffa was a little island that you could walk round several times in an hour and a half?
Is it larger than I thought or is the 1.5 hours a typo?

[Mike C]

I did Staffa some years ago, but from memory, I walked with kids and dogs to the cave from the landing point in about 10-15 mins.
The main problem is that the landing jetty is very busy. Trip boats come and go ALL the time. You will need to disembark passengers quickly., then find a 'rock round the corner' to tie up to before the next one hits you.

Its like Picaddily Circus in the rush hour! But very interesting

Mike C

PS. Thinking of doing another trip there in June!

[dougcrock]

try to time visit after trip boat drop crew to walk 10mins then weather permitting pick up in cave very deep see attach

never miss an opportunity

[craig_c]

i could be up for that. see what the boys are saying to it.

ill bring the wakeboard 2!

[K&S]

Hi, thanks for the pm.
Would be very interested in getting out there.
Will keep my eye on this post for more details.
Kim & Susan

[Ezgoing]

Some of us staying at Lunga Castle.

Sarah is on 01852500237

http://www.lunga.com/



Rgds

[hobnob]

There are tour boats departing from Ulva Ferry and Iona, every couple of hours. Not enough to compare Staffa to Piccadilly Circus! The cave is indeed only 5 minutes from the pier and accessible in all weathers but slippy when wet. Tour boats skippers hate you because they pay National Trust landing fees and you don't. They're also trying to make living in a short tourist season.

Landing difficulties should not be underestimated. Next stop to the west is Newfoundland, so there is a huge Atlantic swell most of the time, which lasts for up to a week following a big Atlantic storm. On many days, the tour boats turn up but do not dock for these reasons.

But the views and scale of Staffa and Fingal’s Cave will take your breath away!

[Ezgoing]

Lunga is booked out and we are considering Ardfern. Suggestions welcome.

Rgds

[alystra]

Originally Posted by Ezgoing

Lunga is booked out and we are considering Ardfern. Suggestions welcome.

Rgds

The Galley of Lorne is the hotel in Ardfern, but the roof to the accommodation blew off not long ago and they're still working on it. There are some usable rooms I think. It may be finished by the end of May

B&B is thin on the ground nowadays - may even have vanished in Ardfern, not sure about Craobh. Several self catering properties, but they may be booked too.

Lack of accommodation for visitors is becoming an issue in the village, I think. Dire, considering the number of tourism based businesses here. The Lord of the Isles at Craobh is building some hotel rooms, so things may improve for next year.