Argyll Holidays blog

The Inverbeg to Rowardennan swim in Loch Lomond. A bright sunny evening at Loch Lomond made the thought of the across the loch swim all the more inviting. To start with looking across the loch from Inverbeg to Rowardennan the swim looked awesome. It took just 35minutes in the luke warm water, nice and calm and hardly any speed boats about. I was careful to keep a look out for them. That’s me achieved another personal goal. Now I just need to swim the loch length wise!
p.s. my pal monitored me across on Jet Ski and I was given a thrilling ride back across on a water donut

Craig.

Sunday 11 July at 3pm – a date for your diary. This is your chance to take part in a European wide river/loch day. It is expected that with tens of thousands of swimmers will join in by jumping into open water across Europe at the same time and on the same day. Our Lochgoilhead meet will start at the jetty in the village. To my knowledge this is the only one in Scotland so far. The water will be nice and fresh with a taste of salt! For more details give me a call on 07917888620 and check the outdoor swimming society web site for all outdoor swimming. Hoping to meet you on the day. Craig

Come along and join our new jogging group starting on Sunday mornings at 9am. The run will be suitable for all levels of runners. The emphasis is on getting out early, meeting new people and finishing with a coffee and chat at Drimsynie about health, fitness and nutrition. Get up early get it done then enjoy the rest of the day. More info contact Craig at the Drimsynie leisure reception or phone 01301 703344. £3 per session.

The Shepherds Hotel in Cockermouth, located in the Western Lakes Area, has just announced a 3 night weekend offer of £79 per person, bed & breakfast.

The offer is valid for any available weekend with a Friday or Saturday arrival. Telephone booking only on 0845 459 9822. Full payment at time of booking.

Looking for inspiration of what to do and where to go during your stay? Look at their new website on: http://www.shepherdshotel.co.uk/

A date for your diary: Sunday, 4 July Strachur Memorial Hall at 3pm 

Spiers & Boden a.k.a. Saltfishforty’s July Tour plays in Strachur between their concerts in Aberdeen and Glasgow.

Their promotional brochure says they ‘Bringing together two irrepressible traditional music done – one from Scotland and one from England – in a high octane blend of Celtic and English folk music cultures’.

No matter what – it sounds like a good Sunday afternoon out.

Tickets available in advance, or on the day. Phone 01301 703 504

Lochgoilhead triathlon /10k event was a fantastic day with over a 100 participants and a jumping vibrant village supporting everyone on in the glorious sunshine.

The triathlon was won by Stephen Winston in 1hr, 39min, 45sec, second Alan Stirling in 1hr, 42min, 25sec and third to matt Donald in 1hr, 45mins, 47sec. The junior run was won by Reece Wark.

The course was a tough scenic route taking in the best surroundings of Lochgoilhead with the swim across the loch proving very difficult with the currant ,waves and the cold fresh sea water a real challenge. The event was all for charity supporting CHAS, Children’s Hospice Association Scotland with a great sum raised ,still counting! The day was a fun way to introduce those who wish to sample being a triathlete and completing a 10k, A special mention to the woo hoo girls from Cairndow who put in a tremendous effort and the Kaye family from Dumfries who completed the 10k pushing their son Dylon who is severely handicapped all the way to the finish, this is what the day is all about.

The event could not of happened without the support of Argyll Holidays who sponsored whole event, Scout Centre for water safety, Achilles heel, Argyll Bike Hire, local police, Alex from CHAS and a special mention to Laura Hardy and the timing team. The event will be on next year and anyone interested can contact me at Drimsynie Leisure Centre or on 07917888620 Thanks to all who entered for making it a great day

Craig Nobes.

As wild swimming seems to be all the rage around Loch Goil it may be of interest that the annial sponsored Kerrera to Oban swim is scheduled for  Saturday, 17 July.

Meet at the sailing club for 1pm.

Details are available from Julie Didcock or Eilidh Cruickshanks on 01631 566800.

Not wanting to swim, then have a day out to Oban and cheer them on.

A message from the Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park:

I wanted to share with you our plans for a fantastic celebration this year. To mark the 200^th anniversary of the publication of Sir Walter Scott’s poem the Lady of the Lake, Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park has launched ScottsLand, a diverse programme of over 40 cultural and literary events taking place from June to September throughout the Trossachs this summer to celebrate the poem and the impact Scott had on our heritage and landscape.

There are a number of events taking place including a new art and literary trail around Loch Katrine, a Trossachs film festival, guided walks, cruises and even a beer festival! Many of the events have been organised through the ScottsLand Community Grants Programme with communities around the National Park running a host of activities from Rob Roy Walks to art classes, photography exhibitions to storytelling, family fun days and historical presentations.

The programme of events ends in a spectacular sporting event in September. Inspired by the poem, The Chase will re-enact the same route taken by the main character while chasing a stag in the poem and includes a 40-mile race on bike and foot and a more family friendly event of 10 miles. A big party and ceilidh will be held after the event.

A special ScottsLand website (www.scottsland.co.uk) has been created which includes the full programme of events and background information on Scott and his influence around the Trossachs and indeed the world.

The sun is shining over Lochgoilhead – and in two days time the weather forecast is for the sun to still be shining over Lochgoilhead.

Registration for this years fun triathlon is being held at Drimsynie 5pm tp 9pm on Friday.

Advance entries are such that we are going to see the largest entry yet. As the word spreads we are seeing interest from further afield, with some people now travelling to the village especially to take part, or show their support by spectating.

The trek down from the Rest-and-be-Thankful is ideally suited to anyone with two legs who can walk downhill. Yes, it really is that easy. The cycle to Carrick Castle Village and back can be made easier with the efficient use of your bicycle gears. The swim across the loch, well, lets be honest, there ain’t no easy way Climb into your wetsuit and take your time.

Remember, this is also a race – so you can run down from the Rest, pump your way to and from Carrick on your bike and then do the crawl across the loch. There are trophies for the fastest – bit it really is all about just coming out and enjoying what promises to be a geat day.

Still got questions? Contact Craig at Drimsynie in advance or come along on Friday night to Drimsynie between 5pm and 9pm.