arranwindsurfing@arranwindsurfing.co.uk
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2nd May 2008 Brodick Bay
Places That I've Windsurfed on Arran
Brodick Bay
Two places here
first is the far side, you can park opposite the entrance to the wineport and brewery, in the carpark and its a very short walk to the beach.
second is next to the little coop carpark which is straight out of the car and on to the beach.
Lamlash Bay
As you drop down the hill into Lamlash take the right hand turn that goes along the shore until you go over a small bridge and there is a small pull in on your right. I have been here several times and it is generally good sailing, but take note of where the rock lines are before you start
Machrie Bay
This is a good place it is a bit more open and can be a bit rougher, but I have had generally good sailing here , but again just take note of the rocks. I go just where the road meets the shore road Cleiteadh Buidhe
Torrylinn Beach
This is a lovely beach, I have only been here once and the wind dropped as soon as I got out its the only time I've used a 7.1m sail.
Places that might be good
Blackwaterfoot
Lochranza
Virtually most of the coast
But watch out for rocks
Please be aware that I am a novice and that I am basing these view's on my own experiences. I welcome your views on any sailing places on Arran. Please e-mail or post your views in the guest book.
I also welcome any pictures you might have. please send them by e-mail.
Following report by Ed Dymock
The islands off the west-coast of Scotland are not as impractical to reach as you may first imagine. One of the most easily reached is the Isle of Arran. The most common approach to Arran is via the car ferry from Ardrosan (itself about 40minutes from Glasgow). The ferry only takes about 55minutes and certainly adds to the sense of adventure. The ferry costs approx. £45.00 (at time of writing) for a car and then £7.00 per head return. Contact Caladonian MacBrayne for more information.
The first thing that anyone will tell you about Arran, including the tourist board, is that it is "Scotland in miniature," and they'd be right too. Arran actually straddles a geological boundary of the mountainous north and gentle rolling south and as such forms a bite size Scotland.
The seas around Arran are protected by the mainland to the east (approximately 20 kilometers) and Kintyre to the west (as little as 6km across the Kilbrannan sound). The largest fetch a swell has is from the south, up the Irish sea. (You could say that the hardcore waveheads should keep away but I think that it makes an excellent stop over on route to Machrihanish.) Arran boasts excellent conditions for intermediates and freeriders and stylers. Beginners too will find ideal conditions in the summer (without rescue cover supplied however).
You arrive at Brodick on the east coast, the main ferry terminus. The town itself is not that special by Scottish standards but offers all the basic amenities you will need for an extended stay such as a supermarket, post office, camping shop, and some good accommodation.
Arran really only has two main roads: one that circumnavigates the island, clinging mostly to the coast and a second that cuts across the middle of the island from Brodick in the east to Blackwaterfoot in the south west.
Heading south from Brodick the first windsurf venue I can recommend is on the south coast. (Both Lamlash Bay and Whiting Bay on the west coast are limited: Lamlash by the sheltered winds of Holy Island and Whiting bay by the ribs of rock exposed at low tide.) Torrylin however has fantastic potential. Torrylin is a Hamlet on the south coast just outside Lagg, itself nothing more than a hotel and craft shop. The beach is difficult to reach by some standards, but well worth the effort in the right conditions. The access road, the last 'road' on your left before driving down into Lagg, is nothing more than a track and heads directly toward the beach. Then head either west or east 50 Yards to avoid the main rock outcrop. The beach is generally free from other rocks.
The beach here faces SSW and is sited on a fairly straight piece of coastline and as such is one of the most exposed on the island. Winds from the west and east are cross-shore, although the most sea will come with a southerly or south westerly. A westerly or south-westerly offer the best conditions generally with small waves. It is fairly unusual to find a beach that has this much south in its orientation on this part of the west coast of Scotland (with maybe the exception of the rarely sailed (ever?) Portencross) and as such is a fairly valuable resource. The novelty of windsurfing on a deserted beach with views of Northern Ireland, the Mull of Kintyre and mainland Scotland make the trip to Arran worth it!
Continuing clockwise around the island you come to Blackwaterfoot and Drumadoon Bay. This bay faces slightly more west than Torrylin and prefers wind directions from South through to north-west. The high land to the east rules out those wind directions. It does not feel as exposed as Torrylin: in part due to the obvious proximity of the village. Drumadoon would be suited to beginners in the right conditions (a gentle south-westerly maybe) but more suited to freeriders.
A drive up the west coast of Arran will reveal that almost any part of the coast can be sailed, given the right winds. The road is very close to the water's edge at times. Generally west facing this stretch of water is exposed to some strong currents so check the tides before you sail. I suggest that you simply check it out for yourself. Why not broad reach up the coast on a south westerly and simply be picked up at the other end - if you have an understanding driver! The car need never be out of site from the water.
The final venue is Lochranza located in the north west of the island. I have not sailed Lochranza but reckon that this tidal sea loch, in its picturesque setting, would be ideal for beginners in the summer months. A high tide will be required to make sure you still have a fin at the end of the day! Sub planing winds only though as the steep valley slopes (culminating in Meall Mor at nearly 500m just to the south) are bound to make strong winds a gusty nightmare. Lochranza is certainly worth a visit for it is the home of the only distillery on the island. Lochranza may also be your departure point if taking the scenic route to Kintyre, a short ferry trip across the Kilbrannan Sound.
Thank's to Claire for being patient while I drove down every lane that looked as though it may reach the water's edge!
Links
Boards.co.uk is a good forum for advise and to talk to fellow windsurfers.
Sail repair is a good place to buy equipment from. I have ordered on Thursday lunch and had it delivered to Arran on Friday.
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