Sandpiper in Portavadie - Photo by author
We left Ardrishaig on 28th of September and headed for a little TLC at the very posh marina of Portavadie. So many sailors had spoken of this marina, some spoke with great affection and others with a little distain. I understand these different perspectives as the reason we have chosen this life is to move away from the trappings of modern life and all the pretentiousness that wraps around it. Yet here we are 2 months into our stripped back lifestyle visiting a purpose built modern marina that is set in a man-made lagoon on Loch Fyne, Scotland. Well hey, there is nothing wrong with a bit of yin and yang and I believe we need a bit of both to create balance and wholeness in our lives. For instance, you can't have day without night, you can't have fore without aft, just as, both difficult and easy complement each other. Further more, we stank and fancied a date night where I could once again wear my high heels and a short skirt!
Getting ready for our date night
- Photo by Gary Moxon
The sail to Portavadie was yet again completed under engine as the wind was non existent but the scenery breath taking. Settled in the cockpit admiring the view I decided to share the experience and sent a video to our family as I love sharing the sunshine and views with them. I am not a good videographer but they love glimpses of our lifestyle and forgive my amateur approach to capturing the day. Although I think they think we are on a permanent holiday and believe me, we are not! When we move on from one place to another I send a text to our parents of the planned destination and an approximate estimation of our expected arrival time. I do add a bit on to the time as I don't want them to worry and it is nice to have time to wrap things up before sending the arrival text. Mind you, my mum has us tracked on Marine Traffic and she goes on to satellite view as we arrive, quite amusing really, especially as she questions our approach with statements like;-
Why were you going around in a circle?
What took you so long?
Non of our family are sailors so I also text two very good sailing friends the exact same information of route and ETA, therefore, if we do not show up or should we need any type of assistance these guys would know what to do.
Video on route to Portavadie by author
Portavadie Marina is a gateway to some of the best sailing waters on the west coast of Scotland and on our arrival to the marina itself we were suitably impressed in all it had to offer. A perfect location to indulge in a little bit of luxury and boy this place has that by the bucket load. Three restaurants, boutique, spa, gym, infinity pool and the showers were top notch with heated toilet seats and hair straighteners. Now I know I sound like a real glam girl here rather than a salty sailor but my birthday is in December so I could have an early treat, could I not. The place was very quiet due to the circumstances of 2020 and I think that added to our impression of the place - picturesque, classy and yet not too busy.
Gallery Picture of Spa- Photo courtesy of Portavadie Holiday Resort
The restaurant overlooking the marina was lovely and the food was excellent. The quality of the food in the area is to a very good standard and it was nice to see the chef and owner of the nearby Kames Hotel check out the competition. I noticed he tipped very well and that is a very honorable and respectful thing to do. Very different restaurants but both worth a visit, Kames lobster tagliatelle is to die for and the scallops at the marina restaurant melt in your mouth.
Restaurant Gallery - Photos by author
One of the days in our 3 day stay, we decided to walk the Stillaig path to find the two pebble beaches with a boys brigade sailing school close to the shore. This scenic yet boggy walk certainly became a bit of mud bath but worth it as the views were gorgeous, especially the one looking back towards Portavadie Marina.
View of the marina - Photo by Gary Moxon
We followed the path up a steep bank between birch trees, with steps and old walkways before joining a fainter trail across the open countryside. From the higher ground there was some great views over Port Leathan, Eilean Aoidhe and out towards Tarbert. The route down from the top was once again muddy but the pebble beaches at the bottom was a perfect resting place and a place to clean our boots. Gary built a stone tower and we enjoyed the view over Salann Bay. The walk back was no where near as muddy and we enjoyed the stroll along the farm track and narrow roads. Every now and then we stopped to take in the glorious views and mingle with some very curious ginger cows.
Gallery of Salann Bay- Photos by author
We also spent a day in Tarbert, only a short hop by ferry from Portavadie. Tarbert is an idyllic Scottish village also known as the gateway to the beautiful peninsula of Kintyre. I last visited this harbour when completing my Day Skippers exam, this visit was a lot less stressful than last time as i was approaching by ferry and hand in hand with my husband instead of strangers.
Tarbert - Photo by author
Feeling well rested we left Portavadie for Kames another place of beauty. More on that and beyond next time.
Until then stay safe and stay in touch.
Tan xxx
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