Argyll Holidays blog

Not having a car in Lochgoilhead is not a problem if you have a bike, energy and a will to see the beauty of Argyll and Loch Lomond.
Just jump on your bike and cycle up to the top of the Rest and be Thankful, this is the hardest bit but what goes up must come down and at a bit of speed too. head to Arrochar then on to Tarbet where you can join the cycle path down to Balloch right along the banks of Loch Lomond with great views of Ben Lomond(well worth a climb),from there head to Glasgow along the great western road finishing up at Kelvingrove Park, a wee jaunt of 4hours with a 20 min stop for fuel i.e. sandwich, chocolate diet coke.
a well worth cycle to do and distance of about 60 miles.

Craig Nobes – Drimsynie Activity Manager

Note: Craig hasn’t mentioned how you are supposed to get back from Glasgow – perhaps that is for a future blog.

The healthy working lives group from Hairmyers Hospital in South Lanarkshire came up on Saturday for a lead walk and lunch at the Drimsynie House Hotel.

Starting off from the top of the Rest-and-be-Thankful car park some 33 people of all ages and abilities, even a pushchair and snoring baby were lead down the forestry commission path down into the village. With amazing views, bright sunshine and tropical heat it was ideal walking conditions. Even in Argyll we get good weather. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the walk followed by the lovely lunch put on at Drimsynie. This was a first visit to Lochgoilhead for a lot of the group and were overwhelmed by the beauty.

All headed home happy, weary and fitter with a great taste of Scotland in their hearts.

Craig Nobes

Activity Manager at Drimsynie

Monday night at 7pm went for a swim in Loch Lomond, headed up to Ardluie where I meet Thomas “the gladiator” Noblet who is a man after my own heart who challenges himself and does great work for charity. Tom is from the lake district and has a big following down there with frequent appearances on tv and radio.

Tom is a open water swimmer who does not wear a wet suit and will be swimming the channel in September. Currently he is cycling Lands End to John o Groats with his pal who is 74? Impressive.

We had a 30 minute swim in the loch with the freshness of the water making it a thrilling and chilling experience then had a fantastic meal in the Ardluie hotel.

I will be meeting up with Tom later in year for some swimming down at the lakes and for a challenge of some sort.

Remember, if you want in swim in Loch Goil give me a shout

Craig, Activity manager at Drimsynie

On Sunday May 9th a small party from Ardentinny will walk from there to Carrick Castle to officially open the new section of the walk. There will be a reception for them at Carrick itself with refreshments supplied by Carrick Castle Amenities Association. It is hoped that many locals and visitors will meet them on the walk between 11.30 and 12.30 and back to Carrick. A bus may be available to shuttle people to and from Carrick once the walkers are transported to Lochgoilhead for lunch.Leslie Cuthbertson

 The fitter walkers could start from Ardentinny and walk the whole path. Transport could be arranged.

Summer Programme 2010

Summer Field meetings

Thursday 20 May Dawn Chorus Walk: Bishops Glen

Early morning bird song at its best. Meet at Forestry Commission Kilbride Car Park 6am.

Tuesday 8 June Evening Ramble: Ardentinny Beach and Woods

Meet at beach car park at 7.30pm for spring flowers and dusk birds. Midge defences and stout footwear useful.

Tuesday 13 July Seashore Safari: Strone Point

Meet at Strone Point lay-by at 7pm to explore the plants and animals of the rock pools and seashore. Large plastic tubs useful. Low water 8.00pm.

Tuesday 31 August Batwalk: Bishops Glen. 8.30pm Hear their ultrasonic calls using bat detectors.  Meet at Forestry Commission Kilbride Car Park 8.30pm.Midge defences and torches useful.

Sunday 19 September Bird Ringing Demonstration: Loch Eck

Seeing birds really close up.10am at Allt na Blathaich, Loch Eck. Booking essential as numbers will be limited. Contact Nigel Scriven. Details below.

Bird Hide Meetings

Cowal birding hotspot. Parking at Kilmun Church. The hide is the former boathouse on the shore as you walk westwards towards the Cothouse, just at the start of the crash barrier. Can be followed by an hour at the new Broxwood public hide on the south side of the loch at the higher state of the tide.

Sunday 30 May from 10.00 am (LW 0806)

Saturday 13 June from 9.00 am (LW 0702)

Sunday 25 July from 8.30 am (LW 0624)

Saturday 14 August from 11.30 am (LW 0929)

Saturday 5 September from 10.00 am (LW 0807)

Indoor meetings – Starting in the Autumn

These illustrated talks are held monthly from September to April on the second Thursday of the month at 7.15 pm in the Community Education Centre, Edward Street, Dunoon. The programme of talks will be organised over the summer and available in August. The first autumn meeting will be on Thursday 9^th September.

If you would like more information on meetings, membership or transport, please try the website or contact the Chairman, Nigel Scriven, 2 Allt na Blathaich, Loch Eck, Dunoon. PA23 8SG.

Tel 01369 840606. Email: njscriven@googlemail.com

Or the Secretary, Marion Fyfe, 5 Queens Gardens, 11 Marine Parade, Kirn,  Dunoon PA23 8LG Tel 01369 705818

NEW MEMBERS WELCOME – COME ALONG TO MEETINGS

www.spanglefish.com/cowalnaturalhistorysociety