Ballycastle to Campbeltown passage plan

[Cheeky Girl]

Hi
Looking to go to Ballycastle soon as my first trip to NI. (We fancy seeing the Giants causeway etc ). I can find plenty of info CCC guides to get me there but not much if any to get me back

I am better to arrive at the MOK 4hrs before HW Dover at the earliest and Stay well off to avoid the race or is there a better option Any help greatly appreciated

 

[TwoFish]

I can't add much beyond what the tidal atlas / Navionics will tell you on how to time the tides. I did find Ballycastle a particularly pleasant place to visit though. We declined the chance to watch tourists being bussed to the Causeway for their selfies and instead enjoyed the town. It has some fine 'old school' Irish pubs and the place was buzzing on Friday night (plenty of music). The main issue was getting ourselves out of the pubs at a reasonable hour so as to be ready for the next morning's departure. The fish and chip shop down by the harbour is an impressive operation too. Ballycastle is a place I hope to return to. Enjoy.

 

[pmagowan]

Be aware there are many tidal races on the north coast, not just the one off the mull of Kintyre. The tide runs fast and stands up at quite unpredictable times between ballycastle and Rathlin Island and also at Torr head and pretty much every headland down to Glenarm. If you get offshore there is not much to think about and the tidal atlas and the pilot books advise re the race off the Mull but it is generally not a problem if going to Campbelltown and you can always take a lovely pause at Sanda island.

 

[Skylark]

Made a similar journey two weeks ago. We met-up with a friend who had recently retired to Northern Island. As tourists, we did Portstuart, Portrush, Giant's Causeway, Rope Bride and Ballycastle. All highly recommended. Be aware that the attractions need to be booked by the interweb. We did a bit of blagging as one of us was an NT member. It's not necessary to use the (expensive) bus to the causeway. It's not far to walk.

For the return to Campbelltown, simply used NP222, Firth of Clyde and Approaches Tidal Stream Atlas.

 

[whaup]

Campbeltown SC rounding the Mull guide suggests:

If returning to Campbeltown, aim to arrive at Mull of Kintyre Light at Low Water Dover/Greenock (approx High Water Oban) at the earliest. If too early, hold close to the shore for a counter eddy.

The advice there for a west-going passage is detailed, suggesting that eastbound is simpler.