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Travel: Press Arran for Adventure

Posted on: Tuesday, 28 June 2005, 06:00 CDT

SPEEDING across the Firth of Clyde inches above the water is, undoubtedly, wet business.

And with four-foot waves slashing around the boat, you may occasionally wonder if you should have opted for a more traditional means of travel.

But let's face it, how often will you get a chance to hop on board a powerboat on your way to Arran?

The 30-minute dash from the Ayrshire coastal town of Largs to Brodick is exhilarating. And although a couple of rogue waves may rock the boat a tad more than feels comfortable, the adrenaline rush from the trip is well worth it.

It's not the warmest journey, even on a sunny day, but Arran Adventure Company kit their customers out with waterproofs and extra clothing if need be.

But while most passengers on board the 12-seater Arran Adventurer truly enjoy the wind and an occasional spray of sea water on their faces, there are some who just can't be catered for.

Luckily for Donal Boyle, a sailing instructor who started the business in 2002, spoilsports are few and far between.

But he does know of an adventure company which received a lawyer's letter prompted by a disgruntled customer.

Apparently, the client got wet during a day out ... not withstanding the travel itinerary for the trip said the group would be 'making their way up a waterfall'. Unfortunately, the document didn't spell out the waterfall was actually, well, watery.

Having lived on Arran since his early teens, Donal knows what the island has to offer. He's used that knowledge to build a network of activities including canyoning, gorge walking, kayaking and mountain- boarding.

After a quick shot on a device like a snowboard with wheels, it becomes obvious mountain-boarding is a sport better left for those with a sense of balance.

For someone who landed in hospital for trying to strap herself to a snowboard, the idea of coming down a mountainside with a wheeled version of the contraption is too much.

A tactful change of subject takes us back to the day's event. It turns out gorge walking has nothing to do with stuffing your face with goodies while out and about.

The activity involves wetsuits (a bit of a squeeze), lifejackets, waterproofs and helmets and a short minibus drive from Brodick to North Sannox.

Calum McNicol, our guide forthe day, explains we will climb up a burn running in a small ravine.

Just minutes later, he tells us to step in the water and proceed carefully. The stones under our feet are slimy and exceptionally slippery.

It isn't hard work - even a child can do it - and it is a great laugh.

At times, it's impossible to stay upright but that's what makes it even more fun.

The natural slides dotting the burn are superb. And the deep rock pools filled with clear water are excellent for a wee dive.

We try to somersault into one - not that easy when you're wearing a lifejacket - before leaving the burn for a moment to reach one of the natural diving boards.

The first jump is only about nine feet high. Nobody's forcing you to step over the edge if you don't want to. But it is worth the experience.

The second jump is a fair bit higher but has a lower level to it too. While the more daring of us can't wait to have a second go from the top, it's a miracle I jump off it at all. To be honest, it is more of an accident than a carefully- executed plan.And the mad flapping I performed in mid-air was probably a bit of a give-away.

All too soon our trek is over and it is time to head back. It's taken just a few hours to bag the whole experience - not bad for a day out.

The Adventure Day activity sessions, scheduled to run every Sunday throughout the year, are open to anyone.

Alternatively the guys at Arran Adventure Company are happy to put together packages to suit families and groups. Just log on to their website, arranadventure.com, for more information.

# Adventure days include a return powerboat trip from the mainland plus a four-hour adventure session. Prices from pounds 60

Source: Daily Record; Glasgow (UK)

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