Andrew Rigby 5/9/25 Andrew Rigby 5/9/25

Ticked all of the Boxes

Full day kayak tour of Brodick Bay, Corriegills & Corrie

While Brodick Bay is large, it has small, hidden gems such as Strathwhillan Burn, which we explored while waiting for the ferry from Troon to dock.

Next, we passed the unspoilt red sandstone shoreline to Corriegills and stretched our legs on the sandy beach in the bay, admiring the views of Bute and the Cumbrae isles.

Retracing our steps, we admired the majestic views of the castle and Goat Fell and crossed the bay to and the beautifully hand carved sandstone harbour, which was unusually occupied by a bilge keeled yacht.

Now heading further north, we passed Merkland bay and took a further break on a sandy inlet and watched curlews. Birdlife was plentiful the whole trip, with black guillemots, grey herons, oystercatchers and shags. Majestic gannets also dived for food as we had our sandwiches.

The weather being warm and calm, we were able to paddle some distance from shore, with great views of the ridge leading to Cioch na h-Oighe and the hamlet of High Corrie nestling amongst the trees.

Kayaks left safely beached in Corrie’s southern harbour, we walked to the doctor’s bath, carved out of the sandstone in Victorian times, by an early advocate of cold water therapy. Lastly, we admired the fossilised lightening strike, a relic from a storm in Permian times, 270 million years ago.

The tranquility the tree lined Rosa burn, meandering through the golf course was our final venture on our return to Brodick.

Fiona Clarke 4/30/25 Fiona Clarke 4/30/25

seaweed slippy, barnacles Grippy

A Kayak Tour of Brodick Bay

Yesterday's kayak tours around Brodick Bay on the Isle of Arran offered a delightful mix of weather and wisdom.

The morning greeted us with a refreshing breeze as we navigated under mooring lines into a serene natural harbour. Two fishing boats, one built of wood, led us to a charming stone bridge and the cascading waterfalls of Straithwhillan Burn.

As we paddled past the imposing ferry jetty, the landscape transformed. The afternoon brought calm waters and clear skies, guiding us along a coastline adorned with ancient red sandstone cliffs, sculpted by time and tide. Birdsong accompanied us as we explored Corriegills’ secluded cove with its hidden inlets.

A highlight of the day was a simple yet invaluable piece of advice from one of our kayakers: "Seaweed slippery, barnacles grippy." This catchy phrase serves as a perfect reminder to tread carefully when launching or landing—seaweed can be treacherously slick, while barnacle-covered rocks offer more secure footing.

Our journey culminated with breathtaking views of Little Cumbrae and Bute across the Clyde, and the majestic silhouette of Goat Fell rising behind Brodick's historic castle. It was a day of shared experiences, natural beauty, and newfound knowledge.

Keeping clear of the seals hauled out on the rocks as per the newly updated Arran Wildlife Code (https://pdf.arranwildlifecode.com/), we headed to the Preaching Cave. After exploring the historic cave and having a relaxing break for food and drink, we paddled back to Blackwatefoot watching shelduck, gannets and oystercatchers. The beautiful views of Goat Fell and Drumadoon’s Iron age hill fort were spectacular. Finally, we explored the rocky outcrops close to Shiskine Golf Club, the island’s most famous course, returned to the harbour and were re-energised by the delicious pastries of the Blackwater Bakehouse.

Fiona Clarke 4/27/24 Fiona Clarke 4/27/24

Wildlife in warm sunshine

Seals on show in Blackwaterfoot

Seals on show in Blackwaterfoot

Launching at high tide, we explored the beautiful harbour. Following a close look under the stone bridge at the gentle waterfall, we ventured south to Kilpatrick.