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Outing to: Ailsa Craig Saturday 19th July 2025 Last year’s trip was such a success that we are repeating it this year. Outing with limited capacity - now FULLY BOOKED - please contact Anna Whiteley ([email protected]) if you wish to join our reserve list. |
 Ailsa Craig © Ania Owsianka
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PRICE: £40 per person
TIME: 10:00 – 15:00 (approx.) for the boat trip, plus travel to Girvan. Please arrive in Girvan around 09:30 to allow for a prompt departure on the boat.
BOOKINGS CO-ODINATOR: Anna Whiteley
VENUE: Ailsa Craig is a unique island: a 300m-high plug of very hard granite rising up out of the sea about eight miles offshore. It is an important bird sanctuary managed by the RSPB.
We will have exclusive use of the MFV Glorious, skippered by Mark McCrindle https://www.ailsacraig.org.uk/page2.html
Leaving Girvan Harbour at 10am, it will take about an hour to reach Ailsa Craig. The main seabird colony is on the west side, and can only be seen from the sea. We will cruise slowly round the island, close to the cliffs, to get good views, and then go ashore for about an hour. There are various historical ruins to explore, and a steep path to the top for the fit and energetic.
TRAVELLING: Girvan is a 90-minute journey by car or train from Glasgow. The harbour is about 15 minutes’ walk from the station. We encourage car-sharing, so if you are willing to offer a lift, or would like a lift please let Anna Whiteley ([email protected]) know this when you book.
BIRDS WE HOPE TO SEE: The cliffs on the west side of the island are dominated by a huge colony of Gannets. There are also many thousands of nesting Guillemots as well as Razorbills, Kittiwakes, Fulmars, Gulls and Shags. Puffins are slowly returning, thanks to the eradication of rats by Bernie Zonfrillo’s work in 1991. Manx Shearwaters, Storm Petrels and Skuas may be seen offshore.
BOOKING INFO: this outing is Fully Booked. If you'd like put your name on the reserve list please contact Anna Whiteley ([email protected]).
TERRAIN: Rough paths.
OPTICS: Binoculars are essential, but there is no need for a telescope.
FOOTWEAR and CLOTHING: Sturdy boots and warm, waterproof outdoor clothing. It is always colder at sea than on the land. A check of the weather forecast is advisable.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Please bring your own food and drink. There are no facilities on Ailsa Craig. If you are prone to seasickness, consider taking medication to prevent it.
NB: This outing will be postponed if the wind is too strong and the sea too rough. All those who have booked will be notified of any cancellation.
TIME: 10:00 – 15:00 (approx.) for the boat trip, plus travel to Girvan. Please arrive in Girvan around 09:30 to allow for a prompt departure on the boat.
BOOKINGS CO-ODINATOR: Anna Whiteley
VENUE: Ailsa Craig is a unique island: a 300m-high plug of very hard granite rising up out of the sea about eight miles offshore. It is an important bird sanctuary managed by the RSPB.
We will have exclusive use of the MFV Glorious, skippered by Mark McCrindle https://www.ailsacraig.org.uk/page2.html
Leaving Girvan Harbour at 10am, it will take about an hour to reach Ailsa Craig. The main seabird colony is on the west side, and can only be seen from the sea. We will cruise slowly round the island, close to the cliffs, to get good views, and then go ashore for about an hour. There are various historical ruins to explore, and a steep path to the top for the fit and energetic.
TRAVELLING: Girvan is a 90-minute journey by car or train from Glasgow. The harbour is about 15 minutes’ walk from the station. We encourage car-sharing, so if you are willing to offer a lift, or would like a lift please let Anna Whiteley ([email protected]) know this when you book.
BIRDS WE HOPE TO SEE: The cliffs on the west side of the island are dominated by a huge colony of Gannets. There are also many thousands of nesting Guillemots as well as Razorbills, Kittiwakes, Fulmars, Gulls and Shags. Puffins are slowly returning, thanks to the eradication of rats by Bernie Zonfrillo’s work in 1991. Manx Shearwaters, Storm Petrels and Skuas may be seen offshore.
BOOKING INFO: this outing is Fully Booked. If you'd like put your name on the reserve list please contact Anna Whiteley ([email protected]).
TERRAIN: Rough paths.
OPTICS: Binoculars are essential, but there is no need for a telescope.
FOOTWEAR and CLOTHING: Sturdy boots and warm, waterproof outdoor clothing. It is always colder at sea than on the land. A check of the weather forecast is advisable.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Please bring your own food and drink. There are no facilities on Ailsa Craig. If you are prone to seasickness, consider taking medication to prevent it.
NB: This outing will be postponed if the wind is too strong and the sea too rough. All those who have booked will be notified of any cancellation.