The Kintyre Forum

One of the best vantage points that I can think of in Kintyre is the top of Island Davaar. The diversity of view takes some beating. From up there you can watch boats and ships coming and going, or just passing by out to sea. You can look up the east Kintyre coast and across to Arran and Pladda then down to Ailsa Craig and the Ayrshire coast beyond, given the right weather of course. Turning the other way, the town looks quite picture postcardy spread around the head of the loch and the Doirlinn at your feet.

Another contributing factor to making Davaar a great place to visit is the adventure getting there. I went over on Saturday afternoon just after high tide to remind myself of what I’d been missing.


The first thing to see was a couple of Minesweepers moored at the NATO pier. The one to the right is HMS Penzance, I couldn’t identify the other one from my pictures.


Halfway across


On the island and about to start the climb to the top


Almost at the top


Looking back to the town from the top


Arran seen from the top


Ailsa Craig


Trench point and the Old Quay


Davaar House from above


Heading back down and looking over the Doirlinn


Navigation Aid , Kildalloig Bay


The Doirlinn beacon


Looking back to Davaar


Strange things are washed up on the Doirlinn

Stunning... what a great job you did! been up there a few times eons ago, great view, cant do it anymore though.
Please, please, tell me what type of camera you are using. Need to replace my A2.
Thanks

Crackin pis. Thanks for sharing.

Great stuff Crowth.
In all my years here I have only ever set foot on the island twice

Have never climbed it

Have never seen the Cave Painting except in photographs

I will now go and cover my head in shame and not be seen again this year.

Super photos Crowth. Thanks for sharing these.

Wonderful photos Crowth. I`m ashamed to say that I`ve never been over to Davaar, but if I did I wouldn`t be able to climb up there.

As I have said before.One of the best holidays I had was on the island.Interesting drive across twice a day!Thank you for the photos.I had better book a holiday!

I have been on the island many times. We used to go over when the tide was coming in and you had the place to yourself for hours until the tide went out. That's not an option anymore since the introduction of holiday homes. I preferred to see Billy Goat and his harem passing on their way down to the shore than tourists. You can see the well trodden path the goats take when coming down from the top on the right as you look at the island from the town.

I am sure that it must cost quite a bit to maintain Kildalloig estate and times move on in any business but if I owned the island I wouldn't let anybody on unless they were leaving the same day they came over

I have been at the top only once and as Crowth's photo's show, the view is fabulous. Enjoyed looking at them.

The one of Davaar House is more like a shot from Loganair drifting in. I hope the Elliss's look at the Kintyre site photo's

Seems a bit uncharitable towards tourists who spend money in the local economy. After all, Davaar Island is hardly Blackpool.

[quote="EMDEE"]Seems a bit uncharitable towards tourists who spend money in the local economy. After all, Davaar Island is hardly Blackpool. [/quoteI}
I was having the very same thought.We went there for the peace and tranquility.Not to trample all over the place.

EMDEE wrote:Seems a bit uncharitable towards tourists who spend money in the local economy. After all, Davaar Island is hardly Blackpool.

Emdee, Surely you wouldn't grudge me a hankering about how things used to be? We are all guilty of that I'm sure.

Times move on and things change. My reminiscing doesn't mean I have uncharitable thoughts toward anyone.

By the way I was in Blackpool once, for a day. Thanks but no thanks.

Aye, nostalgia's not what it used to be.

One thing I would say, however, and I think you will understand this, is that there is one poster on here who has been on holiday at the cottages on Davaar Island, and the comments that you make could easily be misconstrued to give the impression that there is hostility towards tourists.

Walking on eggshells is not my strong point Emdee but I do try honest

I'm not too concerned about offending casual visitors but this post was not intended to offend and if it's seen that way they should read it again.

I have many happy memories of the Island as I am sure many on here have, even before the new generation of Turners took over the reins.

We are way off topic here by the way. Crowths pictures are very nice and should be enjoyed by the members.

Thanks for the kind comments everyone. I really do enjoy taking these pictures and the pleasure is enhanced knowing that others enjoy what I do too. It's also nice to know that my pics can evoke happy memories for people, thanks for sharing History

It would be nice to see photographs of the island and the Doirlinn that have been taken by others posted here. Maybe it will prompt people to go to Davaar and see it for themselves and even improve upon my shots Pete Reek: Don't be too hard on yourself, this could be your chance to crawl from your shame hole and redeem yourself


Westport321

Thanks for your comments.

I use a Canon 40D, which is an SLR and I don't think they make them anymore being replaced I think with the 50D. Also, I have a small selection of lenses which are used for a variety of types of shot (wide, zoom, macro etc.....), and I also use a few filters.

thanks for the reply Crowth, looked at the digital SLRs but dont really want to carry all that stuff with me. ( when I travel I try to pack everything into a carryon bag) and then it would be the lenses I would be buying etc etc etc. Had all that with my old 35mm film camera and damn near need a suitcase to haul it all around.
Loved my minolta A2 but the viewfinder has gone and that idiotic LCD screen fouls up more shots. I wil keep looking.
Love your pics BTW keep on shooting!