advice for SCOTLAND ribbing

roydavies · 19 July 2023, 16:00

hi there fellow hydrophiles and thanks in advance for any advice offered to this lowlander.

due to the flipping atrocious conditions so far this summer I am planning an escape to the fine highlands (around Oban?) for a week or so in august when we will get that stable locked high pressure??? dream on but mybe?

Anyways just casting the net out for ideas to get the most out of my time up there.....ive got a 4.8 mt with a40 hp

Id like to get to jura but it seems a tad ambitious

any advice from you guys on good places to explore / launchng and the like.

I know about loch Lomond but cant be arsed with registration and launching fees.

again any advice to help maximise my time in your lovely highlands will be gladly received

roy davies in landlocked sheffield (issing it down)

paddlers · 19 July 2023, 18:58

Hi Roy. We go to Carradale Bay holiday park every August. Great beach launch/recovery ,river , slipway in village harbour , safe bay , seals , beach ,fishing in fact the works. Site owner Colin super and lots of sibs usually . I've seen up to ten pulled up on the beach. Kintyre on its eastern coastline . If you ever get the chance give it a go. We've been going for 12 years now.

telecast · 19 July 2023, 19:45

I’m a big fan of Loch Sunart - very sheltered and plenty of exploring to do. Also gives access to Tobamory and Mull - or if conditions are good out to Coll & Tiree or Eigg Muck etc

Launching at Strontian is sheltered and easy great slipway.

spartacus · 19 July 2023, 20:33

Possibly too late for this season, but check out Melfort Pier and Harbour. If you book the Dock Master self-catering house, you can have the boat moored at the end of the garden.

16 miles south of Oban. Near Corryvreckan, Jura, etc. Beautiful part of the world.

Lodges are currently being refurbished. We stayed there earlier this year. The slip is tight as a gnat's chuff, but doable.

Roflhat · 20 July 2023, 16:50

Loch Sween good for accessing Jura too, very sheltered can launch at Tayvallich

fastasfox · 20 July 2023, 21:10

There is a member on here called ( The Gurnard I think) and he has a youtube channel.....search Donny Wilcox. The bloke is a legend and you will be able to see all his trips on the west coast. Drop him a message I'm sure he would be happy to help you.

Easedalenovice · 21 July 2023, 05:15

I have a small YouTube channel and there are several videos from this year to boating in that area. Link to my channel below please feel free to subscribe

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCR7...sh_FwM_q5gOg6Q

fastasfox · 21 July 2023, 07:19

Quote:

Originally Posted by Easedalenovice

I have a small YouTube channel and there are several videos from this year to boating in that area. Link to my channel below please feel free to subscribe

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCR7...sh_FwM_q5gOg6Q

Unashamedly plugged lol

Came across your channel the other day....cracking stuff Sir.

Easedalenovice · 21 July 2023, 07:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by fastasfox

Unashamedly plugged lol

Came across your channel the other day....cracking stuff Sir.

Many thanks.... Just a little folly of mine but something to do as one moves into ones latter years

Flamair · 22 July 2023, 09:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by Easedalenovice

I have a small YouTube channel and there are several videos from this year to boating in that area. Link to my channel below please feel free to subscribe

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCR7...sh_FwM_q5gOg6Q

Link appears to be broken??

Any chance you could repost?

Easedalenovice · 22 July 2023, 13:33

Quote:

Originally Posted by Flamair

Link appears to be broken??

Any chance you could repost?

It seems to work for me but here you go. If not search for Boating Sibbing and Wandering about

https://www.youtube.com/@boatingsibb...ing3262/videos

Wardy1982 · 22 July 2023, 18:44

Really interest to see your route, when planned.... I am thinking of doing the same next year, with two random main concerns

1. Where to leave your vehicle if you plan on heading off for a few days with some wild camping planned in
2. I don't do so well with the midges, so do you just purchase a face net mask?

willk · 22 July 2023, 19:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wardy1982

2. I don't do so well with the midges, so do you just purchase a face net mask?

Start the match with a spray of 50% DEET - Jungle Formula or similar. Do your hands, ankles, hair and rub some on yer boat race. This should work when there is a light breeze and they've been fed recently.

If they've not eaten an Englishman for a few days and the wind falls, a hat with an integrated net is yer last hope

Wardy1982 · 22 July 2023, 20:40

Quote:

Originally Posted by willk

Start the match with a spray of 50% DEET - Jungle Formula or similar. Do your hands, ankles, hair and rub some on yer boat race. This should work when there is a light breeze and they've been fed recently.

If they've not eaten an Englishman for a few days and the wind falls, a hat with an integrated net is yer last hope

Sounds like a good plan... Probably an old wives tail but I heard eating marmite can and has worked. Already ordered a spray called Smidge.

Hopefully be prepared for the jaunt next year

paddlers · 23 July 2023, 00:49

I've fed a few million Scottish midges over the years . The only 100% method I've discovered is to stay inside & drink a nice single malt. Failing that , midge net on your hat and rubber gloves if the wind drops ......

GuyC · 23 July 2023, 09:37

Whilst a midge net is a bit of a handicap if you are trying to eat breakfast, in all other respects, it's a winner. I wear one over a baseball cap and it works a treat. I can deal with the little blighters eating my hands.

One tip is that if you are in a tent and you need a wee in the middle of the night, either make sure you are the first to go outside and / or hold your breath. They are attracted by CO2 and the first person wakes them up but tends to return relatively unscathed. The second person however is a different kettle of fish.

fastasfox · 23 July 2023, 09:41

Quote:

Originally Posted by GuyC

Whilst a midge net is a bit of a handicap if you are trying to eat breakfast, in all other respects, it's a winner. I wear one over a baseball cap and it works a treat. I can deal with the little blighters eating my hands.

One tip is that if you are in a tent and you need a wee in the middle of the night, either make sure you are the first to go outside and / or hold your breath. They are attracted by CO2 and the first person wakes them up but tends to return relatively unscathed. The second person however is a different kettle of fish.

I met a Scottish bloke a couple of weeks back that gave me some sound advice for dealing with the midges...step 1 drink a bottle of scotch (if that doesn't work) step 2 drink another bottle lol

Wardy1982 · 23 July 2023, 10:10

Quote:

Originally Posted by fastasfox

I met a Scottish bloke a couple of weeks back that gave me some sound advice for dealing with the midges...step 1 drink a bottle of scotch (if that doesn't work) step 2 drink another bottle lol

I'm going to need a new liver after this trip....

fastasfox · 23 July 2023, 10:12

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wardy1982

I'm going to need a new liver after this trip....

It is a shame that the midges spoil things...I would love to take the trip myself.

Wardy1982 · 23 July 2023, 17:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by fastasfox

It is a shame that the midges spoil things...I would love to take the trip myself.

Maybe if we go in force we will manage the midge attack better... Will just need to purchase more single malt to pass around

Be pretty awesome if we could organise a venture out with those willing to be eaten alive.