Exploring Otter Ferry

Otter Ferry Scenes
[Kyle]First of all, I'd like to thank the Oyster Catcher Pub and Restaurant for providing free moorings and especially their free wifi out to the moorings; a much welcome gift.

The main reason we stopped at Otter Ferry was due to it's proximity to the Crinan Canal (just 4 miles down the loch), the mooring and wifi were huge additional pluses. There is nothing touristy to do around here per-se, but being Scotland, and on the shore of Loch Fyne, it is still beautiful.

We decided to just head out walking and see what we would find. We started off heading North along the shore road, heading towards a cluster of moorings thinking some settlement might be there. The walk was pretty, lined with stone walls and many times tunneled through trees. It turned out the moorings were clustered around a holiday chalet village. Here we went into the office to ask about touristy stuff, but they seemed disappointed that we were not there to enquire about a cottage, but they did tell us the best view could be seen by returning the way we'd come and heading inland instead of North... So we turned around and tried again.

This time heading inland we apparently missed our turn to the great scenic spot. We did find some nice views over rolling heather covered hills, but it was nice to be out for a walk in the flower and peat scented air. The forecast had been for rain showers in the morning, and heavier showers in the afternoon. By mid-afternoon we were still experiencing unexpected blue skies. We walked until we were pretty sure nothing spectacular would be missed by going further and were satisfied that we'd had a respectable amount of exercise, and returned to Otter Ferry.

We had then intended to go into the pub by the dock for an appetizer and a drink, before dinner on the boat, but changed our mind and decided to have a walk along the beach (this time heading South) first. Once we'd made it to the far end of the beach, and we were able to see beyond we discovered a private estate road running along the shore line - we followed that to the next bend, and then another bend, and then another.... walking for at least an hour in that direction. We finally gave up as the trail petered out at the ruins of an old boat house from which we could see all the way down to the entrance of Loch Fyne (Scotland's longest sea loch). There was lots of green and rocks and surf, and wading birds to see along the way. One surprising moment for me was when we walked into a clearing and up the hill saw an enormous mansion (stately home) - the main house of the Ballimore Estate.


Ballimore Estate - Main House
We arrived back at the pub a bit later but feeling like we earned our crisps and beer. Our time in the pub allowed us to dodge a minor shower before rowing back to Footprint for the night.