Dumfries and Galloway, Solway Firth ?

[Amphitrite]

I am pondering about the possibility of cruising the north Irish Sea - lets say from Whitehaven to Portpatrick, but cannot find much recent information on it and almost no local knowledge. Are there any non-drying harbours that could be visited by a fin keeler? I have visited the Anglesey and the IOM the last years and now look to broaden the horizon.... or is it not worth it?

Does anyone know where to source a copy of the "Solway Sailing Directions"?

Thanks in advance, Holger

 

[Richard10002]

We had a nice few days in Kirkudbright a few years ago. Nic 31, so only 0.9m draught I think. I'm sure we werent too restricted.... definitely worth a look.

Whitehaven is also very nice. excellent lock and very pleasant marina staff.

 

[dimdav]

You should check out the Clyde cruising club directions for the firth of clyde, they include solway, whitehave, IOM and NI

From memory not much in the way of non drying harbours though

 

[Gordonmc]

Kirkcudbright has a pontoon and visitor moorings, but getting in needs an eye on the tides... the Dee estuary dries and the bouyed channel needs some concentration, but that said, its still a working fishing port.
Solway Sailing Directions was available from the South West Scotland Sailing Association, 70 Main Street, Isle of Whithorn, Newton Stewart DG8 8LG.

 

[Aja]

Clyde Cruising Club Sailing Directions available Here

Used in conjunction with the SW Scotland directions should give you an idea where you can and can't go.

Donald

 

[Amphitrite]

Thank you very much so far.... what with Wigtown/Bladnoch, is a visit to the distillery feasible by boat?

 

[FAITIRA]

I was the HM for D&GR Council for 16 years so I know the area well if you would like to PM me. Bill.

 

[theforeman]

i`m sure bladnoch closed down a year or two ago

 

[Amphitrite]

[ QUOTE ]
i`m sure bladnoch closed down a year or two ago

[/ QUOTE ]

Looks open to me: http://www.bladnoch.co.uk/ ...?

 

[EdWingfield]

Consider visiting Kippford. Lovely.

Best if you can take the ground though.

see http://www.thesyc.com/Home.htm

 

[Swanrad2]

Anchor off PeeleIsland for a pint (pick up spare mooring anyway).
Bob over to Port Saint Mary for an, erm, pint?
Pop in to Port Patrick for another pint and a fishy meal.
Limit of my limited knowledge, there is a sailing club at Walney Island who have LOADS of local knowledg, worth a visit one Sunday maybe?

 

[Lakesailor]

Perhaps Claymore can shed light?
Tyce is a member at the Roa Island Yacht Club I believe

 

[tcm]

calling longjohnsadler

there can't be many forumites who have sailed that coast in detail but i think ljs spent months round there.

 

[AngusMcDoon]

Re: calling longjohnsadler

I used to sail from Maryport. Harbours...

Whitehaven - locked marina, restricted access
Workington - all states harbour, not yacht friendly
Maryport - locked marina, restricted access
Silloth - locked harbour, restricted access, no yacht facilities
Kircudbright - pontoons, restricted access, limited depth at LWS
Portpatrick - harbour, restricted access, limited depth at LWS

For non-drying harbours/marinas, that's your lot. There are non-drying anchorages with varying levels of shelter. Post again if you want to know about those.

 

[Amphitrite]

Re: calling longjohnsadler

Thank you all for that great feedback, now I can plan ahead and know where to search...

 

[claymore]

Re: calling longjohnsadler

So did I - its all been said though.
Be sure to take a bottle and get water from the spring in Portpatrick

 

[savageseadog]

Basically it's c**p, I wouldn't waste your time, go over to Ireland or
push on further up to Scotland.

 

[claymore]

Perhaps thats a little unkind - Portpatrick is a lovely wee spot as the image shows

 

[Amphitrite]

Now that looks lovely - how limited are depths?

 

[savageseadog]

Yes, Portpatrick is great, but South of there is a waste of time although the Mull of Galloway allows for some "interesting" and scenic sailing.