By Bob Craig
Being based on the Isle of Great Cumbrae and living in such a place is golden opportunity for any student who seeks a break from the hustle and bustle of the city life. As well as the rewarding work that we HEPs undertake at the centre there is much to be done and seen on time off. The island itself offers so much to anyone willing to explore even in these uncertain times. Spectacular sunsets, sunrises, starry skies, snorkelling, climbing, hiking the glorious mountainscape of Arran and admiring the abundance of wildlife that is to be found on the island. These are just a few examples of how you can spend a weekend, or evening, while on placement at FSC Millport. All activities mentioned in this blog post were done at a social distance, or within our households of six, to be Covid-19 safe.
One weekend, everyone woke up bright and early at 6am for a panoramic view of clear and calm sunrise from the Glaid Stone, at the summit of Cumbrae. As well as an incredible sight to behold, it was also a great bonding experience for the new team of placement students. The weather was particularly great this weekend so a few of us first went for a visit to Lion Rock where we could do some low level bouldering. We were also lucky enough to go kayaking after renting a few in Millport, on the last day before the shop closed for winter too! This was a great opportunity to explore the small islands called the Eileans in Newtown Bay where we got up close with seals and various sea birds.
In the evenings, after work, I often went running around the island, most of the time in the pitch black! While this was certainly a bit spooky for the first couple of times, it soon became very relaxing and I was able to experience Cumbrae in a unique way. Under the light of the full moon the coastal road was well lit meaning for much of the run I did not need my headtorch and allowed my eyes to adjust. I saw stars, heard the crash of unseen waves and a myriad of unsuspecting wildlife, all of which made the effort of the run well worth it and was a great way to end my day.
In late November as restrictions eased our household was able to spend a couple of days on Arran. We see Arran most days, depending on the weather, from Cumbrae, its imposing mountain peaks adding huge depth to the background of our everyday view. Because of this, the excitement for the trip was palpable. Early on one gloomy Saturday we set out with high spirits. Along the journey to Ardrossan (40 minutes by car) the weather cleared and we were greeted by a crisp sunrise. The weather continued to improve as we boarded the ferry and gazed at the peak of Goatfell poking out of the clouds. The wonders did not stop here, the keen eyed among us where able to spot dolphins swimming merrily by the ferry. The first mission after disembarking was Goatfell, after parking near the base we set off to summit the highest point of Arran. The hike was glorious. Our luck with the weather persisted and were given amazing views of the island and could see all the way to Cumbrae and even FSC Millport. We descended down into Glen Rosa as the sun dipped behind the rugged pinnacles and marched the last few kilometres in the dark. After a great and exhausting day, we rested at a hostel and enjoyed some well earned sleep. The next day, after a bit of a lie in, we ventured down to the local beach for a snorkel session. The water was cold but clear and together we explored the rocky shore and other marine ecosystems. For myself this was particularly memorable as I had never done snorkelling before. After getting warm and packing up in the hostel we headed out once again to the town of Brodick for food and then a whistle-stop tour of the King’s Cave before boarding the ferry for home. Whilst the trip was short, it definitely did not disappoint, and we hope to return to explore more.
The experiences mentioned are but a small selection of my favourite weekends and evenings I have had at FSC Millport. This island offers so much to those willing to explore and try new things and I am sure I will have many more amazing experiences during my placement here at FSC Millport.
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