Douglas to Kirkcudbright

5th to 8th May
Douglas,IoM,-Whitehaven-Little Ross-Kirkcudbright
(route http://www.a-trip.com/tracks/view/131417 )
Days of contrast: hot sunshine has been replaced with wet and icy blasts fresh from the Atlantic. After a final day on the Isle of Man, walking up Snaefell (not using the electric mountain railway), it was time to move on.

A walk up Snaefell, IoM

Perfect sailing over to Whitehaven

Crossing from the Isle of Man to Whitehaven was perfect, and the day after was the hottest of the year so far. In Whitehaven, it was especially good to meet friends and buy new socks.

Whitehaven is one of the ports used in the Three Peaks event (where sailors-cyclists-runners rush round Snowdon, Scafell and Ben Nevis), but I am here for leisure purposes, so went shopping.
Then locked out for the sail north to Scotland and a restless night anchored off a wee island, Little Ross. The first oystercatchers of the trip were busy nearby.

Locking out of Whitehaven

Sleepless anchorage off Little Ross

     

Next morning was windy and Range Control Vessel came alongside to say firing would start soon, just offshore of my anchorage. I was happy to follow his suggestion that I accompany the fishing boats and head upriver to Kirkcudbright.

Oystercatcher on Little Ross

The fishing fleet, which specialises in scallop fishing, is moored up. Gales are forecast, and it’s wet.

I am not proud to say that until a week ago I didn’t know where Kirkcudbright was, what it did, or even how to pronounce it. Now I can

Upriver to Kirkcudbright, in heavy rain

Unloading the scallops

Windy and fishing boats stay in harbour

say it is on the River Dee. There’s a good scallop and tourist industry, and it’s a very attractive spot with lots of art and gentle walks, and with delightful folk who all seem happy to chat and offer advice. (Sailing advice is to stay here awhile).