The Gurnard goes to the Craig

[kaman]

Cracking read and very informative Gurnard.
I've been to Ailsa Craig 3 times in my Sib now
I've walked all over it and seen the reminisce of the granite quarrying activities etc but never knew a whole lot about it.
Thanks for the informative write up.
Looking out at it from the mainland it just looks like a big rock.
It truly is a magnificient day out in a small boat tho.

[Paul]

A fascinating place to visit and one I'll hopefully visit one day as I love this old engineering stuff

[The Gurnard]

Hi again Kaman and Paul.. it real is a great island to explore..one of the best in the west

Although I didn’t clamber to the summit of Ailsa Craig on this visit..it is worth including it to cover all aspects of exploring the island. The photos below are from a previous visit.

Behind the one remaining cottage belonging to the RSPB ..is a faint path that leads steeply and diagonally up the hill side. Its not for the faint of heart.. as it can feel quite exposed clambering to the top which is 1100ft above sea level. My brother has dodgy knees so uses two walking poles to assist his ascent.

The path passes the ruins of an ancient castle built in the late 1500’s to protect the island from Spanish Invasion.

Later in the 18th century ..it was used as a prison. You can access it with a short scramble up a crumbling staircase ..but there is not much to see inside.

An even fainter path continues ever upwards .. passed the remains of the old castle well. Although I was hot and found it thirsty work clambering to the top.. I didn’t drink from the well..too many sea birds around to give it a fishy flavour.

There is a lovely view of the lighthouse area from here. Its also worth mentioning that the stone “point” where we landed that day.. is no longer there. Winter storms constantly change the shore shape.

An even steeper clamber brings you too..

... A small hollow with a few pools of water. I read that these pools were around 30 feet deep..and held the water supply for the islanders. The rain..which there is plenty of in Scotland.. fills the pools and seeps down to the well at the castle ..then further down to the light house area.

Then the gradient eases and the difficulty is now trying to avoid falling into the many rabbit holes in this area. I guess the locals of old ..enjoyed rabbits for lunch as well as seagulls and their eggs.

Finally ..at the very top is a summit cairn with lovely sea views of Arran and the mainland ..assuming there is no sea haze.

Of course getting up is easier than coming down. .but that is another story altogether ... to be continued

[Martin]

Every time You do one of these adventures it leaves me wanting to explore. It really does hit home what is out there Donny, and just how little we see whilst in the rat race. I really do hope I have health as wealth as you do, and one day get to follow some of these superbly documented adventures.
Thank you for sharing...
Now where's the next part

[Paul]

Now where's the next part

The Gurnard's silence can ONLY mean one thing ....the weather's good and he's gone exploring
The suspense to continue this journey kills me but on the bright side his absence means there's another story to tell
Happy days

[The Gurnard]

Hi again Guys.. as mentioned ..the silence means I didnt have access to the photos etc for updating the adventures.

It is now the middle of my main boating season..and Im often camping in the wilderness .. so posts will be a bit thin on the ground until I get back to staying at home. As Paul mentioned..its all new stories for the longer winter months.

Im heading off again on Monday..so will try to get this adventure finished before I leave

[kaman]

Still eagerly awaiting the end to this adventure..........
I've been to Ailsa Craig half a dozen times now and know a wee bit about it but I'm sure you can add further to my knowledge of the big rock Gurnard

[The Gurnard]

Oppps..

Thanks for reminding me Kaman..I have no excuses at this time of year..so will finish it off soon as ...

[Martin]

Excellent , thanks ... can't wait

[kaman]

Good stuff Gurnard - looking forward to it