Kirkcudbright to Islay

15th to 17th May
Kirkcudbright-Mull of Galloway-Port Ellen-Ardmore Islands
( route http://www.a-trip.com/tracks/view/131418 )
After nearly a week in Kirkcudbright there was the forecast of slightly gentler winds on the way, and some fishing boats left the quay in Kirkcudbright. So we sailed out and enjoyed a heavily reefed and splashy beat west to the Mull of Galloway.

Leaving Kirkcudbright

Off to the Mull of Galloway

Dawn, leaving East Tarbert, Mull of Galloway

There at dusk, we anchored in the lee of the Mull. Then up at dawn for a fantastic sail northwards, with Isle of Man astern, Ireland on the left, Lake District far behind, and Scotland on the right. It was a memorable and beautiful day and we quickly reached the Mull of Kintyre, before heading on to Islay and a comfortable berth in Port Ellen – altogether a happy way to travel 80 miles.

"Athena" nearby while heading north

Port Ellen, Islay

Superyacht "Hampshire" in Port Ellen

There are not many superyachts in these parts but the “Hampshire” was anchored nearby and we chatted to the good-natured captain (they’re captains not skippers on such boats!). “Hampshire” was off to Stornoway (12 crew, up to 16 guests) before London and a party in a few days! She’s to moor alongside HMS Belfast.

Next day we moved briskly up the Islay coast to anchor among the rocks of the Ardmore Islands at Plod Sgeiran, alongside many plump and contented seals.

Ardmore Islands, with seals and peacefulness

Kildalton Cross

A secluded anchorage, Plod Sgeiran

It’s near Kildalton Cross which Lonely Planets tells us is “the only remaining Celtic High Cross in Scotland (8th Century)”. We walked there next day.