Ailsa Craig trip

[Xk59D]

Well it has been a long 7 days since we were out so it would be rude not to go again

Plan was simple to begin with, Lamlash for a nosey and Tarbet for lunch whilst setting off from Largs.

We all left at 11am and headed to Little Cumbrae for a look for the dolphins that was there previous week-none to be seen unfortunately.

Whilst stopped we decided to head for Ailsa Craig instead then Lamlash for lunch due to the excellent weather. We could see the craig from Largs but i kept in mind something my sea going father told me- "if you can't see Ailsa Craig it is raining, if you can see it- it is going to rain soon!"

We eventually arrived and unfortunately there is no way to get ashore other than a single launch ramp-which has huge no unauthorised access signs on it. The only option would be anchor off shore and dinghy it in, unfortunately the only dinghy's we had were all of the 6m plus variety so we couldn't venture ashore

We left to goto Lamlash and we couldn't get ashore there either, wind was making it a little rough for going along the exposed pier so plan B was put into action- Portavadie!

We barely got 5 miles when it was getting really rough but going with it, a quick VHF and regroup due to my back pain and we were off to Tighnabruaich to the new pier they built, we would have lunch there.

Arrived at the new Tighnabruaich pier, went to the Cafe- Closed, went to the restaurant- Fully booked, went to the hotel and we will have a bar meal- Sorry, no food available....oh well, we tried.

Fired up and headed to Rothesay and finally some lunch after many hours of trying.

By time we left was quite dark and was pitch black by time we got back to marina- note to anyone in area, there is a HUGE marker with no light just outside Largs marina and we nearly found it the hard way.

some pics while video uploads........

[Xk59D]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wnu-...ature=youtu.be

[Maximus]

Nice one
Looks like a long night passage too?

[Xk59D]

no, it is only about 10 miles ish, just weather was turning so light went fast.

[jambo]

Originally Posted by Xk59D

Well it has been a long 7 days since we were out so it would be rude not to go again



Plan was simple to begin with, Lamlash for a nosey and Tarbet for lunch whilst setting off from Largs.



We all left at 11am and headed to Little Cumbrae for a look for the dolphins that was there previous week-none to be seen unfortunately.



Whilst stopped we decided to head for Ailsa Craig instead then Lamlash for lunch due to the excellent weather. We could see the craig from Largs but i kept in mind something my sea going father told me- "if you can't see Ailsa Craig it is raining, if you can see it- it is going to rain soon!"



We eventually arrived and unfortunately there is no way to get ashore other than a single launch ramp-which has huge no unauthorised access signs on it. The only option would be anchor off shore and dinghy it in, unfortunately the only dinghy's we had were all of the 6m plus variety so we couldn't venture ashore



We left to goto Lamlash and we couldn't get ashore there either, wind was making it a little rough for going along the exposed pier so plan B was put into action- Portavadie!



We barely got 5 miles when it was getting really rough but going with it, a quick VHF and regroup due to my back pain and we were off to Tighnabruaich to the new pier they built, we would have lunch there.



Arrived at the new Tighnabruaich pier, went to the Cafe- Closed, went to the restaurant- Fully booked, went to the hotel and we will have a bar meal- Sorry, no food available....oh well, we tried.



Fired up and headed to Rothesay and finally some lunch after many hours of trying.



By time we left was quite dark and was pitch black by time we got back to marina- note to anyone in area, there is a HUGE marker with no light just outside Largs marina and we nearly found it the hard way.



some pics while video uploads........

Hi Paul great day unfortunately spoiled a wee bit by your back, the wx and the lack of hospitality. You can land on the Craig everybody just uses the old loading jetty below the cottages. Good old Rossie saw you ok good wise. Hop your back is better.


Sent from my iPhone using RIB Net

[breezeblock]

so are you definitely allowed on ailsa craig

[Xk59D]

officially- this sign says not allowed to use the slipway, you can't see it in piccy but trust me it says authorised only. there is a barrier across it with same signs.

however, that is different from not allowed on it period.

[breezeblock]

i was showing mrs breezeblock the pics and video she is jealous and is wanting her new boat

[The Gurnard]

The signs only appeared after the new environmental trust bought the main part of the island. I suspect it is their way to try to keep folks off the island..which they cant do due to Scotland's Access Laws ..however they can keep you off their pier.



The sign says NLC approved personnel only ..but as the lighthouse is automated and the buildings associated with the lighthouse owned by a third party ..im not sure of the accuracy of the sign. I still see the tour boat from Girvan using it to off load the paying tourists

I land sometimes..but have no issues beach landing my boats. It is a very interesting island with its fog horns.. railway line.. gas works.. granite quarry .. ancient castle ..old workers cottages ..and of course.. thousands of gannets..puffins.. kittiwakes and other types of sea birds. The view from the top is great too.



Three years ago..that natural harbour off the lighthouse beach appeared after some bad winter storms.. but it disappeared again the following winter..and was not there this year either. Shows how the shore line constantly changes though.

[Xk59D]

great info sir and unfortunately our "dinghy's" were a bit big to go ashore

[jeffstevens763@g]

Thanks for sharing great trip cheers

[Last Tango]

Originally Posted by Xk59D

Fired up and headed to Rothesay and finally some lunch after many hours of trying.

...

I think strictly speaking it was about 18:30 when we got to Rothesay so while we were still thinking "lunch" it was "dinner" and the Esplanade Hotel in Rothesay deserves a mention. Food was good. service was excellent, and the price was a nice surprise.

[Xk59D]

yup-worth a mention for sure, also note the food was quick. we must have been 15-20 mins from walking in to eating good grub.

[A1an]

Nice trip dude 👍

When I flew over Ailsa Craig last year I did say to myself il make it there one day.

[beerbelly]

enjoyed the video thanks for sharing

[Paul_S]

Very nice, looks like you guys had a great trip.

[BettySwallocks]

Looks like a cracking day out. There's some lovely views in that video.