The day dawned fair on
Fleet Bay in the Solway Firth and as the line of clouds drew back to the SE we enjoyed some warm October sunshine.
Ian, Mike and I soon had our kayaks packed and at the water's edge. It had been our intention to paddle east to
Sandyhills stopping at
Little Ross Island and
Hestan Island on the way. Unfortunately the
firing range at Dundrennan was in use so we would not be able to pass. So we intended to do a there and back paddle as far as
Kirkcudbright.
It was a most marvellous start with a fresh tailwind and paddling...
...straight into the sun.
The ebb tide was also with us and it seemed like no time at all until...
...we landed on
Ardwall Isle for first luncheon.
We decided to climb to the top by way of the farm track which leads up from the beach. The farmer drives over from the mainland at low tide several times a year to cut the grass and bale it.
As we gained height we enjoyed a great view over the recently cut meadow to
Murray's Isles Ravenshall Point and to
Wigtown on the far side of Wigtown bay.
There were plenty of brambles but almost no sloes.
From the summit we had a clear view back across Fleet Bay to where we had come from, the cluster of caravans under Ben John.
The simple cairn at the summit of Ardwall Isle overlooks the grand...
...house at
Knockbrex with its fields extending down to a little harbour.
Beyond Barlocco reef our way lay away to the SE, beyond distant
Ringdoo Point.
For the full kayak stereovision experience follow
Ian's blog which starts here.
