Carradale, Kintyre

[Barbara]

We have just booked a weeks holiday in September in a lodge in the grounds of Torrisdale Castle at Carradale, Kintyre. I have been told they have Golden Eagles and Dolphins can be seen in the bay. Does anyone know what other kind of wildlife we may expect to see there. The castle has 150 acres of grounds and it's own beach across the road.

I have been to Mull and Iona but I was wondering whether a trip to Arran might be worth a visit. We may still visit Mull because we weren't into photograpy when we last visited there.

Many thanks

Barbara

[John D]

Hi Barbara ,What about Islay? Islay is within easy reach of the Mull of Kintyre. Having watched the recent Springwatch, wildlife is in abundance on Islay. The ferry for Islay sails from Tarbert which is around 20 miles north of Carradale.
John D

[Barbara]

Cheers for that John, I said Arran because it seemed the closest island being only half an hour by ferry. I have checked the map and seen that Islay is a two and half hours ferry ride from Kintyre, however, if we don't make it this time, after reading up on Islay, it could well be the place where we plan our next years holiday and spend a week there, thanks for that John I have not had this years holiday yet and now you got me planning next years

[Nicola Main]

What about a visit to the Isle of Gigha? It is isn't that far from Carradale you can get the hourly car ferry from Tayinloan to Ardminish which only takes 20 minutes. They have some of the best sandy beaches on the west coast (perfect for birds like terns and Ringed Plovers). Most facilities are situated in Ardminish and you can rent bikes from the shop. The main attraction on the island is the Achamore Gardens just a mile and a half from Ardminish, it is open daily from 9am til dusk. This would make a great day out and if you want to stay and have a bar meal then the Gigha Hotel (the only one on the island) has tables outside which would be good if the weather was fine. Have a look at the website for more info Gigha

[poschiavanus]

There is plenty of wildlife on Kintyre itself, but it is larger and less well known than Islay, so finding things may be hit or miss. As other posters have suggested Gigha is worth a visit, as is Arran. Islay is only sensible if you stay at least one night.

Eddie Maquire has birded Kintyre for many years, and has written a very nice little booklet "Birds of Kintyre" which includes some information on other wildlife, such as seals. This may still be available locally. He is warden of Machrihanish Bird Observatory. In the past he has run 1 day birding tours, but I don't know if he does this now, as the observatory is open daily through this summer.

Obvious places to watch birds are: Machrihanish & around; the Dohrlinn, a spit which runs from the S side of Campbeltown Bay to Isle Davaar; around The Gap (Mull of Kintyre); Carradale & around; and the Laggan (the area S of the A82 out of Campbeltown). There are numerous other locations along the E. & W. coasts which may be worthwhile. Inland there are a lot of conifer plantations (these days with added windmills) and the open moors can be heavy going underfoot. Boat trips may be available from Campbeltown.

There's quite a lot of history (not natural) as well. Kilmartin Glen near Lochgilphead has a huge variety of human structures ranging in age over about 5000 years. Kintyre itself has lots of archaeology, a few ruined medieval churches with graveslabs and a couple of castles. More info is in a book published by the local Antiquarian Society, again possibly available locally.

Enjoy your holiday.

poschiavanus

[buteboy]

I live on the Isle of Bute. Just next to Arran. Great place to visit. Good walks,wild life and fauna.