Crew Report for Heritage and Wildlife of South Argyll 6-night cruise

Saturday June 4th 2011 from Holy Loch

Saturday: Departing Holy Loch, we cruised to Loch Long then onto Loch Goil to anchor for the night at Carrick Castle in Argyll Forest Park for the first dinner on board .
Sunday: Departing Carrick Castle after breakfast we cruised the Firth of Clyde to the Island of Bute and guests went ashore to visit Rothesay Castle. Later we visited the amazing Mount Stuart Mansion House and Gardens nearby. A short cruise through the beautiful Kyles of Bute took us to idyllic Loch Riddon, where we anchored for dinner and the night. Everyone enjoyed the contrast between the bustling town of Rothesay and the sublime quiet of Loch Riddon.
Monday: After breakfast a short cruise to the pretty town of Tighnabruiach where guests went ashore for a one-way walk to Caladh harbour to be picked up by tender at the end, much to the envy of others on shore! This was followed by a stopover in the fishing village of Tarbert and then on to Loch Gair for the nights anchorage
Tuesday: Today was spend cruising Loch Fyne and back, to take in the charming village of Inveraray and all its interesting attractions, then on to Otter Ferry for the night. Guests were delighted to watch 2 sea eagles soaring over the Loch - there now seems to be a pair nesting in the area of Loch Fyne
Wednesday: we sailed to Arran and anchored off Lochranza for lunch with a shore visit to Lochranza Distillery. On Wednesday afternoon we sailed the East Coast of Arran to Lamlash, anchoring in Lamlash Bay with Holy Island as a backdrop. We were very pleased to spot Dolphins, manx shearwaters and buzzards.
Thursday: guests went ashore to explore Brodick Castle and the various local producers for their holiday gifts. Some guests walk for the four mile walk from Lamlash to Brodick where they were met by the boat. We then headed for Millport on the Island of Cumbrae for the night and the last dinner on board
Friday: A pleasant cruise from the Isle of Bute to Holy Loch and disembarking
Wildlife spotted
Cormorant, Shag, Guilliemot, Black Guilliemot, Razorbill, Gannet, Eider, Oystercatchers, Herring Gulls, Greater and Lesser Black-backed Gulls, Fulmars, Terns and Kittiwakes were seen as well as manx shearwaters, seals and dolphin

Guest Comments from the Visitor Book:
Gwyn and Leslie Petit: This was an unforgettable experience with a marvellous ship and superb crew. Best of all was seeing the white tailed sea eagles!
Sheila Seldon: A very different enjoyable holiday. VERY HELPFUL CREW. GREAT FOOD.
Margot Lockhart: Great holiday despite indifferent weather-nothing dampened our spirits.
Betty McSkimming: Super holiday-I'll be back for more marvellous Majestic hospitality.