Scottish side Solway Coast

[DavidGrieves]

Anybody got any info on cruising the Scottish side of the Solway coast such as Isle of Whithorn, Garlieston, Luce bay etc.

 

[dah]

I am based at Ravenglass , Cumbria with the Solway/Irish Sea as main cruising area. The South West Scotland Sailing association produce a good, comprehensive guide to the Solway, Costs About £5. The contact address is
Mr W Matheson, Hon Secretary
Kidsdale, Whithorn
Newton Stewart
Wigtownshire DG8 8HZ
Tel 01988 500375
Any problems or request for further info e-mail me at dave@hanna37.freeserve.co.uk or tel 01229 718437. Incedentally I am also Sec of the Ravenglass Boating Association, please feel free to contact if you intend coming this way.

 

[Miker]

Dave

Does the South West Scotland Sailing Association also supply info about the southern side and is it more detailed than Reeds?

Mike

 

[Solwaycruiser]

David, I sail from kirkcudbright which is well worth a visit and also kippford which must be the most picturesque place either side of the solway but you really need to be able to dry out at kippford.For the isle of whithorn you dry out inside the harbour against a limited wall area or anchor in the roads which is normally very uncomfortable. Garlieston may be ok if you can dry out but you must be sure of the bottom below you first before hand as it isn't all flat against the wall. If you would like to know more give me an e-mail.

 

[dah]

Miker, The SWSSA guide is a locally produced guide, by local sailors with a fund of local knowledge. There are drawings/sketches of all the harbours from Portpatrick to Ravenglass on the Cumbrian coast. These include Isle of Whithorn, Isles of Fleet, Kircudbright, Kippford, Garlieston, all anchorages in Luce Bay etc. Workington, Whitehaven, Harrington and Ravenglass are also included. I consider it a good comprehensive guide to the area and have been using it for several years. Hope this Helps. If you need any more e-mail me at dave@hanna37.freeserve.co.uk. Also the RAvenglass Boating association always extends a warm welome to visiting sailors but you do need to be twin/lifting keel.
Dave Hanna

 

[david_e]

Midgies

We are considering Scotland, simple question, are the midgies bad around the Clyde area, and when? SWMBO needs to know - something to do with sunbathing and bites in sensitive areas!

 

[ParaHandy]

Re: Midgies

a) there's nothing worse than a Scottish midge - particularly partial to southerners
b) avoid the reconnaissance midge - flown by kami-kazi midge with von Richtofen flying skill - by suitable camouflage/deception
c) smoke a pipe (highly recommended)
d) stand in v. windy spot - they can't go to windward
e) female (human) has hormone which midge needs - tough luck

 

[Bergman]

Re: Midgies

I spent a couple of years around the Solway and never had any problem.

I do smoke a pipe which may help, perhaps you should try eau de StBruno as a gift.

It could also be that even midges have to draw the line somewhere.

PS

Agree with Solway Cruiser, Kirkudbright is a great spot for me its the best on that bit of coast.

 

[claymore]

Re: Midgies

They can be bad from May onwards in the Clyde, warm windless evenings with plenty of humidity seem to be favourite. The Kintyre Peninsula and Arran always seem worse than the Eastern shores. Buy yourself some Mosiguard from Boots or Eureka from any chandler in the Clyde area

 

[tcm]

Re: Midgies and garlic

has anyone tried eating loads of garlic capsules to deter midgies? Do they work? I was considering scoffing a load of these for a few days before venturing to midgy places, obviously using wife as control....