Carradale Harbour

[Aja]

We are thinking of circumnavigating Arran this weekend and as we havn't been to Carradale since bieng almost forcibly ejected by the local fishermen about 15 years ago - anyone know if things have improved towards us yachties?

Donald

 

[rhumlady]

Seem to remember something recently saying that things had changed down that way and they were looking to welcome yachties. It may have been in a recent copy of Yachting Life.

 

[MacW]

Would welcome a report on Carradale once your back. I was ejected by paranoic fishermen some years ago. Despite press reports and the local traders and hoteliers wanting the business, I fear the fishermen look upon it as their harbour, particularly at weekends. I`m based on the `outside` now but may come back into the Clyde soon, Lochranza and Carradale were always favourites.
Cheers,Pete.

 

[longjohnsadler]

Last year left Teelin in Donegal and inadvertently crossed a salmon drift net on buoys in heavy swell (virtually unmarked - virtually no damage). Got chased by local fishermen.
Don't think things change..

 

[starboard]

Anchor off the entrance if you wish, but better still anchor round in Carradale Bay or even better Torrisdale bay both on the south side of the peninsular. Torrisdale is one of my favourite anchorages.

Paul.

 

[Sgeir]

Maybe it wuz folk that know you. We've been in Port Crannaich a couple of times without any problem. At least not from the fishing boats. Once made the mistake of trying to go in during the night with the wind in the north. Big mistake. Just managed to turn about and get out again sharpish. Anchored up in South Carradale Bay instead.

I actually quite like the harbour;

 

[Aja]

As do I, but the old photos I have of being in Carradale 15 - 20 years ago show that there are about three times the fishing boats tied up.

As it was we didn't get there. Wind for Lamlash was 18knots on the nose on Saturday and being too much of a gentleman meant that we cracked off at Ardlamont and skooshed round to Tarbert.

Woke up on Sunday morning to constant heavy west coast rain. A day for reading the papers.

Today we had a cracking sail back from tarbert to Kames - still a bit overcast, but much warmer.

Still intend to get to Carradale, and Lamlash, at sometime during this season.

Donald

 

[ambriel]

Please do come and visit us sometime. We do get yachts mooring in the harbour but it isn't very big and I guess some of the fishermen might be a bit possessive about it.

Most visiting boats tend, as has already been mentioned by others, to anchor in the Bay which is only a short walk to the village where you'll find hotels, restaurants shops and pubs.

If you're in a shallow draught boat you can also follow the river up to Waterfoot but be wary of the tides if you don't want to be stranded there.

A huge amount of money was spent last winter making repairs to the harbour and pier which was in danger of becoming unsafe. It should now be good for at least another twenty or thirty years.

Sgeir: Nice photos in your bucket.

 

[yotter]

Hi,
I was in Carradale 2 years ago and also last week. The harbour is small but well sheltered. There are many fishing boats, and the fishermen seem quite friendly. Best option is to tie up to a trot, I went for the inner trot since this provided more shelter. It is definately a working fishing port, and would unsuitable for more thn a few yachts at once. Most boats do not work weekends, so thats good for a sleep in! No resident harbour master, but recommend chatting to a fisherman about mooring. This picture was taken about a week ago. Handy stop after rounding the Mull and looking for shelter and do not fancy Campbeltown.