Ronachan Point and Carradale Point.

[LANDROVER ROGER]

Is Carradale Point accessible at all,and if so,only at low tide?I heard that this is one of the best places to watch for Basking Sharks in the summer months.
I read in a Kintyre Wild Life leaflet that Ronachan Point is a good place for seal watching.It said that it was near Tarbert and there is a car park nearby,just off the A83.We tried to find it on our way home but to no avail.I may have been driving too quickly and missed it.

[Sheik Yir Erse]

https://ssl.panoramio.com/photo/30259161

This gives you access to some beautiful photos from Seal Point, whilst also showing you exactly where it is on the map.

[LANDROVER ROGER]

Cheers Sheik!

[Bonnie Lass]

Heading south - you drive along the A83 into a wooded area either side of the road (after Clachan) as you come out of this area the sea suddenly appears on your right. As you head down the hill there is a building by a gate with a copper roof (on your right), just after that is the layby (also on your right) - that is Ronachan Point.

Park up, go through the gate and follow the path to the mound where you can observe the seals - the greenery may be a bit overgrown at the moment, instead take the Kintyre Way path to the left (turquoise blue posts) for a short distance, down onto the beach, turn right and make your way back to the mound. There is normally a yacht in the bay just off the point.

[LANDROVER ROGER]

Cheers Bonnie!I feel that I will find it next time.Thank you very much.

[Sheik Yir Erse]

Roger they sometimes use the car-park to store the stone chippings for resurfacing the road (you know, the ones they use to smash windscreens during the summer!)

So it might not even be a car-park at the moment - I'm sure someone else can verify it's current condition.

[LANDROVER ROGER]

That may have been the reason that I missed it.I remember passing Ronachan House.

[Ticketty Boo!]

Carradale point can be accessed along the pathway from the derelict sheep shed on the East side of Carradale Bay. It's a 10-15 minute stroll - with some of it over rocks. The causeway to the point is covered at high tide, but accessable at most times.

Basking sharks generally appear when the sea water temperature hits 14degC. I was out in the boat yesterday off Portpatrick and water temp was only 11.7 degrees, so needs to be a wee bit warmer yet.

Are you in Trumpton Roger? We arrive on Saturday for a fortnight. Look out for a boat with the same name as me?

[LANDROVER ROGER]

Sorry not there at present.Have a good time!

[four eyes]

its still a car park,no chippings. It is far from obvious to the casual passer-by what the parking area is for.Its also easily missed,as you tend to be looking into the distance.I think there may have been a sign there years ago, like decades ago,or did i imagine it?

[jdcarra]

Google map Roger.

The carpark Sheik mentioned is at the bottom of the hill to the right of the two approaching cars.

http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=clachan ... 2,270,,0,0

[LANDROVER ROGER]

Got it now JD.Thank you.Probably missed it as it is on a fast stretch.

[Crowth]

its still a car park,no chippings.

I beg to differ, Four. I passed there at 3pm today and it's full of 'em, although they are being slowly used up. The 'Car Park Closed' signs have blown/fallen over so they are not obvious. I think the chippings in the car park are going through a long depletion and replenishment cycle at the mo.

[EMDEE]

Again great planning from the authorities. Just fill up the car park wi' chippings in the Summer so that the tourists can't park and take in the scenery and see the wildlife. I saw it myself when I was down a few weeks ago and have frequently seen the same at Westport. But then, isn't that what car parks are for? Storing piles o' chippings an' discouraging tourists? An' they can get their windscreen smashed into the bargain!

[Crowth]

My thoughts too, Emdee. The car park at Kildonan on the Carradale road is closed too for 'forestry operations', denying visitors access to a local point of interest, at the time of year when it is most likely to be needed.