A DAY OUT ON THE LOCH

If you have the time whilst staying at Riverside Cottage a day out on the Loch can become one of those life time memories.

A boat can be hired from the local boat yard along with some fishing tackle if you fancy having a go at catching your supper. Fishing is not necessary for enjoying a day on the water, there is much wildlife to see and historic sites to visit.

My wife Tracy opposite is at the helm whilst I enjoy the relaxation below, I always feel at peace while on the Loch.

If you decide to fish you should try trolling, in this form of fishing you drive the boat slowly around the Loch following the shore and going in and out of the bays. It gives a great chance of seeing sights such as the highland cow opposite and often Deer can be surprised and seen at quite close quarters. Even the small things often unnoticed can be memorable, below are dancing Mayfly on a sunny day with bank side vegetation reflecting on the water

Many birds use the Loch to breed and can be seen quite close up from a boat, we are getting more  Canada geese every year and Black throated divers use the loch regularly.

Last year we had 12 breeding pairs of Osprey and it is unusual to go out on the Loch without seeing them. Indeed when on patrol and talking to people around the Loch I often tell them that Ospreys are more common than Sparrows (Technically true as the loch is not the sparrows natural habitat).

There are 4 ruined Castles on the Loch two of which are only accessible by boat. The Castle above on Innis Chonnel is particularly well preserved and worth investigating, possibly have your picnic lunch on the ramparts. As I sailed through the thin strip of water that separates the Island from the main land a couple of years ago I heard a flute and looked up to the battlements to see a girl in a white toga type dress sat on the ramparts playing a flute. I do not for a moment believe this to be supernatural but possibly a flutist who was experiencing a very special location for her talent.

The ancient Celtic cross opposite and the grave capstones below can be found on Innishail the Island upon which the Dukes of Argyll are buried.

These are trully ancient with depictions of what appears to me to be Norman Knights, broard swords and a pilgrimage.

When visiting these Islands I would ask that you are most careful with litter and if possible help the environment by picking up anything left by other less consciensious visitors.

There are no livestock grazed on the Islands so if you have dogs you can allow them to really enjoy themselves.

If you decide to fish whilst seeing the sights you may get lucky as I did in the picture opposite but all Salmon and Sea Trout must be returned. Trout can be kept and if you have talked very nicely to the Chef at the Ardbrecknish he may cook your catch for your dinner.