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Outing to:
Ardmore Point and raptors of Garelochhead Training Area Sunday 20th August 2023 |
 Male Hen Harrier © David Palmar
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PRICE: Free
TIME: 11:00- 16:00 but you are free to leave earlier! High tide is approximately 1530.
VENUE: Meet at the Ardmore Car Park. From there we will walk round the coastal trail overlooking the South Bay, the Point and North Bay.
On completion of the Ardmore walk, as an optional extension to the day, we will take the twenty minute drive to the Garelochhead Army Training area for a short one mile walk. There is car parking and all walking is on a tarmac surface. A lift can be supplied if required.
TRAVELLING:
By car:
The 1B bus Dumbarton to Helensburgh passes the point; please alight at the Cemetery Bus Stop and walk down to the point.
Check bus times before travelling.
By car: Free parking in the Ardmore car park which is just off the A814 between Cardross and Helensburgh.
By Train: Get off at Cardross; it takes approximately 30 minutes to walk to Ardmore.
BIRDS WE HOPE TO SEE: Amongst the usual Ardmore waders, wildfowl and gulls, there’s always the possibility of rarities at this time of year. With passerine passage underway, a scour of the bushes should reveal a range of species too. As we progress we will discuss the other notable birding sites visible from Ardmore.
At Garelochhead we will introduce participants to an area that supports Hen Harrier, hunting White-tailed and Golden Eagle, Black Grouse, Barn Owl and a range of red listed species of conservation concern.
OPTICS: Binoculars essential and telescope are advised but don’t worry if you don’t have one; there’ll be a few to share.
BOOKING INFO: We are not asking people to book, but it might be helpful for David Palmar to have an indication of numbers a day or two in advance. If those attending could let David Palmar know if they are willing to offer a lift, or would like a lift, and are willing to share their contact details with people who offer or want a lift, it may be possible to arrange car sharing. Contact email on Outings page.
TERRAIN:
The Ardmore footpath is flat and a combination of a type 1 (gravel) path and a well trodden trail.
Garelochhead is on a tarmac surface and is easy walking.
FOOTWEAR and CLOTHING: Walking boots and suitable outdoor clothing for the time of year and location.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:A check of the weather forecast beforehand is advisable.
NB: May be postponed due to poor weather. Check this page, SOC website and Clyde Birding on Twitter in advance.
Café and toilets available at Ardardan Garden Centre.
Leader: John Simpson lives in Cardross, has local knowledge and experience, and this is his local patch.
TIME: 11:00- 16:00 but you are free to leave earlier! High tide is approximately 1530.
VENUE: Meet at the Ardmore Car Park. From there we will walk round the coastal trail overlooking the South Bay, the Point and North Bay.
On completion of the Ardmore walk, as an optional extension to the day, we will take the twenty minute drive to the Garelochhead Army Training area for a short one mile walk. There is car parking and all walking is on a tarmac surface. A lift can be supplied if required.
TRAVELLING:
By car:
The 1B bus Dumbarton to Helensburgh passes the point; please alight at the Cemetery Bus Stop and walk down to the point.
Check bus times before travelling.
By car: Free parking in the Ardmore car park which is just off the A814 between Cardross and Helensburgh.
By Train: Get off at Cardross; it takes approximately 30 minutes to walk to Ardmore.
BIRDS WE HOPE TO SEE: Amongst the usual Ardmore waders, wildfowl and gulls, there’s always the possibility of rarities at this time of year. With passerine passage underway, a scour of the bushes should reveal a range of species too. As we progress we will discuss the other notable birding sites visible from Ardmore.
At Garelochhead we will introduce participants to an area that supports Hen Harrier, hunting White-tailed and Golden Eagle, Black Grouse, Barn Owl and a range of red listed species of conservation concern.
OPTICS: Binoculars essential and telescope are advised but don’t worry if you don’t have one; there’ll be a few to share.
BOOKING INFO: We are not asking people to book, but it might be helpful for David Palmar to have an indication of numbers a day or two in advance. If those attending could let David Palmar know if they are willing to offer a lift, or would like a lift, and are willing to share their contact details with people who offer or want a lift, it may be possible to arrange car sharing. Contact email on Outings page.
TERRAIN:
The Ardmore footpath is flat and a combination of a type 1 (gravel) path and a well trodden trail.
Garelochhead is on a tarmac surface and is easy walking.
FOOTWEAR and CLOTHING: Walking boots and suitable outdoor clothing for the time of year and location.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:A check of the weather forecast beforehand is advisable.
NB: May be postponed due to poor weather. Check this page, SOC website and Clyde Birding on Twitter in advance.
Café and toilets available at Ardardan Garden Centre.
Leader: John Simpson lives in Cardross, has local knowledge and experience, and this is his local patch.