Scotland - Jura area

Northern Tim · 01 June 2010, 18:24

Hi guys,
I'm thinking of going up to stay on a caravan site next week. I'm wondering what the ribbing is like (typical sea conditions - it's a v.small RIB!) around the Approaches to the Sound of Jura. It's to the east of Jura and Islay, around the Isle of Gigha.

Anyone got any experience of the area?

Thanks, Tim

willk · 01 June 2010, 18:44

The area between Gigha (and North thereof) and the Moanland is fine for a wee rib - lots of landing spots and stuff to see. The usual caveats regarding weather apply. Further afield toward Islay is going to be exposed to the prevailing Westerlies (pleasantly absent this year) and possibly not the place for a small boat unless you're taking it very seriously. Bear in mind that it's a quiet stretch of water. Having said all that, I've cruised from Donegal to Islay and back in the company of a SR4 (with the "porn" seats) so anything is possible

kev · 01 June 2010, 18:50

Hi there, would you be going to point sands? The waters around Gigha ,Jura, Islay can be quite rough at times but if you get a good weather window then its possible with a small rib, Jura has floating pontoons at craighouse. I know a guy from Jura who goes round to Port Askaig in a 3.6 meter mac boat. so size not a problem, Gigha also has some good beaches just watch out for some rocks off the north east side which sometime with a high tide can just be visable.

Northern Tim · 01 June 2010, 19:05

I'd be staying just up the coast from Ardpatrick at Port Ban near Kilberry

IBWET · 01 June 2010, 19:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by Northern Tim

I'd be staying just up the coast from Ardpatrick at Port Ban near Kilberry

Have you picked Port Ban on spec ?......as wild nights you won't be a havin.

If you do go...there is a proper little Mausoleum down on the beach..any chance you would take a note of the names on the head stones..

willk · 01 June 2010, 19:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by IBWET

Have you picked Port Ban on spec ?......as wild nights you won't be a havin.

...and there was me thinkin' that the "cruising" in your details meant long distance rib travel

blueboy758 · 02 June 2010, 12:12

Hey, i'm, there next week diving with two ribs. we have a coottage booked at puffin divers in oban but then we launch from the cuan ferry, excellent area.

jambo · 02 June 2010, 12:40

Hi as you can see I am based in Loch sween just north of Port ban. I agree with everything the others have said re the surrounding area. Depends what you want to do as so much depends on the weather especially where you are on the headland. There are two lochs that you could explore Coalisport to the north and west loch tarbert to the south. You will have to watch that particular coast line as there are few very nasty reefs and rocks. Try and get a chart if you can. If the weather is good you can do all that you want to do, you could even come up L Sween to castle Sween or do the McCormack's. There is plenty to do as always you just need the weather to behave!! I am up next week so you never know we may bump into one another.
Have a good safe time and remember take photos.

J

kev · 02 June 2010, 19:43

Hi there, Port Ban is a good base for exploring I have been going there for years ,only problem is that the beach can be covered with seaweed,if there's been strong westerly winds ,which can make launching a bit of a problem,but with a small boat should be ok,

Northern Tim · 06 June 2010, 11:58

Thanks guys.
I've decided not to go in the end. The forecast doesn't look as great as previous weeks and it would be fairly costly.

I know Port Ban is fairly quiet, but that's the kind of get away I need.
I think you know the kind of cruising I meant!