Scottish Advice

[bestman]

We will be visiting friends in Aviemore at the end of August and I was thinking of trailering the RIB up (4.8m Ribcraft).

Looking for some advice on family day trips.

Was thinking maybe a day on Loch Ness, something around Fort William, and maybe something else (East cost?)

I’ve got a couple of young kids, so beaches always popular, excellent pubs/eateries also appreciate by mum.

[Poly]

Aviemore isn’t particularly convenient for any good launching. Dragging the kids for an hour or more each way every day isn’t a great way to spend the holiday. Loch Ness is OK, but there is only really one launch point (on S Shore) - you might be able to interest kids with Nessie Hunting, but if they aren’t into “views” might get a bit bored? (All kids are different, but the loch isn’t actually that big). There are no any really good beaches on the loch, and the water is so deep it is cold even in August. Pubs accessible from the water are limited.

The Dornoch Firth has potential for Dolphins etc. But is a bit more driving.

Fort William probably makes sense (assuming there is a useful slip). That lets you get into Loch Leven, Lismore etc, potentially all the way to Oban/Kererra - or further depending on the age of the kids / weather. Depending how long you would usually take the kids we will be able to suggest food options and possibly a beach.

The East Coast itself is pretty exposed so unless you have great conditions or a specific plan (eg fishing) it may not be an idea trip for kids. Spartacus may have local knowledge.

[spartacus]

Just as well you're not going to Aviemore the same weekend as Thunder in the Glens (Aug 24-26) when 4,000 hairy Harley Davidson bikers descend on the town for their annual bike fest of biking, drinking and music. Your Ribcraft on the main drag will go down well!

I don't have much knowledge of Aviemore, it's about as land locked as you can get. Inverness is just 30 miles up the A9. It's worth seeing just for the locks at the entrance to the Caledonian Canal. You have access to the Beauly Firth, or head west into the Moray Firth. You might even see dolphins and porpoises.

Nairn has a nice harbour. That's 16 miles east of Inverness on the A96. It has sandy beaches.

My wild card is to head to Ullapool. If you've trailered to Inverness, then Ullapool is just 55 miles north-west. You'll be heading to a veritable boating and fishing oasis with Brigadoon scenery at the entrance to Loch Broom and the Minch.

You can launch at local slip. It's narrow. Local yacht club have dinghies there, but you can park trailer at Tesco car park which is 5-10 minutes walk. Plenty restaurants and pubs. Think there's a honesty box to use.

There's also a slip at Ardmair north of Ullapool.

Anyway have a great trip, and pack kit for all seasons!

[bestman]

Cheers Guys,

Having trailered from Hampshire we are happy to push on a bit further.

Sounds like West Coast in the way forward.

I'm thinking of going up a couple of days early and having a couple of days somewhere without commuting back and forth.

Any ideas on somewhere I could leave the boat in the water for a couple of nights?

ATB

Nick

[Jeff]

West Coast [emoji106][emoji106][emoji106]

[bestman]

Any, suitable for RIBs, guides to the West Coast?

[Brian]

Not specific to ribs............
but Martin Lawrences "Yachtmans Pilot to xxxxxxxxxx" series are a very good start.
You are in ribsters heaven in the isles.

[Pikey Dave]

Originally Posted by bestman

Cheers Guys,

Having trailered from Hampshire we are happy to push on a bit further.

Sounds like West Coast in the way forward.

I'm thinking of going up a couple of days early and having a couple of days somewhere without commuting back and forth.

Any ideas on somewhere I could leave the boat in the water for a couple of nights?

ATB

Nick

Puffin divers at Oban have moorings but you'd need to borrow/blag a tender. There's a new pontoon opened in Oban, but I've not used it so can't comment. There's Dunstaffnage marina, Croabh Haven, loads to go at, stick a pin in.

[Poly]

Ullapool is a good shout if you can bear another couple of hours in the car each way. And if you are unlikely to be back up from Hampshire in the near future could be a shame to miss.

The yachtsmans pilots Brian mentions are good, as is the CCC cruising directions. You may get by though with this http://www.scottishanchorages.co.uk

[jwalker]

It depends on what you are looking for in terms of your boating. Loch Ness is not particularly exciting because it's mostly steep sided with little in the way of beaches. Fort William isn't particularly boat friendly but there is a slip at the boat club. I'm with Pikey, Oban would be a good bet, it's not my favourite town but the new pontoons are good and there's plenty of boating interest in the area, north and south and challenging or easy. You've got town facilities too. You're only allowed 3 consecutive nights on the pontoons because they are considered transit berths. There is a harbour master who's pleasant and will keep you right.

Have a good trip and let us know how you get on.

[Poly]

Or I might have been thinkging of this one: http://www.welcome-anchorages.co.uk

[jwalker]

The Welcome Anchorage brochure is available at loads of marinas so you'll likely pick one up easily. Take care with the info in it though, some is outdated and superceded. There's a voucher in it for a 5℅ discount for the Scottish canals.

[jambo]

Originally Posted by jwalker

The Welcome Anchorage brochure is available at loads of marinas so you'll likely pick one up easily. Take care with the info in it though, some is outdated and superceded. There's a voucher in it for a 5℅ discount for the Scottish canals.

You can also download it.

[bestman]

Thanks again gents, need to do some research now.

[willk]

Hot water left over from boiling neeps can be held and used to wash plates.

[jwalker]

Originally Posted by willk

Hot water left over from boiling neeps can be held and used to wash plates.

You should pour some of it off and add gravy granules then have it with the neeps, tatties and sausages... mmm...

[willk]

Originally Posted by jwalker

You should pour some of it off and add gravy granules then have it with the neeps, tatties and sausages... mmm...

C'mere, sorry lads - I read the thread title and had my say - missed the main thrust of the debate. Few Electric Lemonades onboard

[jwalker]

I just thought you'd finally lost the plot so humoured you but I didn't like to say.

[Backwoodsman]

Community Slipwayat North Keswick just over the bridge north of Inverness. Pay at the honesty box.

Lots of dolphins to be seen in the Channory narrows and out along the coast towards Cromarty or Nairn.

Visitors Berths at Avoch, Cromarty , Nairn, and probably at Inverness marina.

You could easily access Caledonian Canal and Loch Ness from here and even traverse the Canal to the west coast.

Fantastic beaches east of Nairn. Good beach and community cafe at Rosemarkie bay if you can get ashore safely.

Maybe not quite as dramatic as the west coast but still lots of options.

[midlife]

Leave the rib at home..