Planning trip to uk next summer

[Ajsimp]

Hi all,
Was thinking about getting the ferry to somewhere in the uk next summer (from Ireland).
I’m not a massive fan of towing for too long. I have done a ten hour drive towing a 7m rib in Australia years ago and never want to repeat!
Looking for suggestions of good places to stay. Ideally would like to rent a house/ camp and have a good coast to explore?
Thanks

[pumpmanphil]

Windhaven.co.uk

[pumpmanphil]

[pumpmanphil]

http://windhaven.co.uk/

[Ajsimp]

Thanks but that’s 860kms from me, too far to drive for a weeks holiday!

[beerbelly]

anywhere up the west coast but it be like a busmans holliday lol. loads of lovely boating places Oban and further north

[two stroke mick]

Why cross the pond go to the west coast Mayo, Donegal, Kerry/cork

[GuyC]

Ferry to Liverpool and then a week on Anglesey?

[matata]

Angelsey has plenty to do, pubs, slips ,restaurants etc. Then go down the Menai strait to Caernofan. That will keep you busy. Then to Nefyn. Bardsey and Cardigan bay down to Aberdovey or Abersmouth.Whats the fuel storey? Oh near forgot,,,Portmaddog. Something for everyone on the way. Nik

[willk]

Originally Posted by Ajsimp

Was thinking about getting the ferry to somewhere in the uk next summer (from Ireland).
I’m not a massive fan of towing for too long.

Originally Posted by two stroke mick

Why cross the pond go to the west coast Mayo, Donegal, Kerry/cork

I'd guess he's considered those options, or done them before?

Given the OPs aversion to the sh1tty side of wee boating (towing) then if we have to box clever with this question - because he really has us on the ropes. Wales is the OBVIOUS (possibly only) solution. After all, he can ferry it door to door. He'd be in Wales though...

So I have thought carefully about his case and come up with, wait for it....

Rathlin Island!

Arguments in defence of my (apparently) odd suggestion:

• It's in the UK (so he'd get to play with the Queen's Shilling and pose for selfies with red postboxes)
• He can take a ferry to get there.
• It's not in Wales
• It's 158 miles from Dublin over mostly motorways and good roads.
• It's a complete adventure - camp, Air BnB, hostel, rental
• It has an EXCELLENT marina
• He could use his rib to get there - or take the car ferry over.
• He'd not have to pay Stena to go to Wales
• Ballycastle, the mainland end of things is entirely boater friendly, with a civil harbourmaster, good parking and an EXCELLENT marina. Best fish and chips anywhere is in Ballycastle
• The island is a good size - too big to feel cramped on but big enough to need a few days to "do"
• The boating on the NE coast is perfect for a 6m RIB, you can ferry from Rathlin to Ballycastle or use the rib. Nearby day trips are Fair Head and Sanda in Scotland for a picnic (cross channel badge right there), Game of Thrones ports, The Giant's Causeway, Portrush, The bird cliffs of Rathlin itself, Carrickarede Rope Bridge. Bored already? Take the RIB ferry to Islay for the day and try a few malts.
• Did I mention that it's not in Wales?

[Poly]

Willk, irrefutable logic and you forgot to mention that the Guiness will taste a lot better on Rathlin then anywhere on the big island to the East...

[jambo]

Originally Posted by Poly

Willk, irrefutable logic and you forgot to mention that the Guiness will taste a lot better on Rathlin then anywhere on the big island to the East...

What Ailsa Craig.......[emoji56][emoji23]

[Poly]

Originally Posted by jambo

What Ailsa Craig.......[emoji56][emoji23]

:-) did The Gurnard leave a secret gravy stash - now I know why you were exploring so thoroughly!

[willk]

Originally Posted by Poly

Willk, irrefutable logic and you forgot to mention that the Guinness will taste a lot better on Rathlin then anywhere on the big island to the East...

Aye. It's had a few extra seamiles but beer tastes better on an island. Especially if you're getting it at 0300hrs at a ceiligh.

[jambo]

Originally Posted by Poly

:-) did The Gurnard leave a secret gravy stash - now I know why you were exploring so thoroughly!

Caught!![emoji106]🥃

[Ajsimp]

Never thought of going to Rathlin, great suggestion thanks!