We were staying at Anchorlee, a B and B enjoyed on our round
coast trip and we felt that we were thought a bit mad for trying to get on
these islands. We knew timing was a big issue as there was only a small window
between tides. Anyway we decided to go and take pictures while neighbouring
Barlocco and Ardwall were still surrounded by water, then go back just an hour
or so before low tide.
We drove the cycleway toward Carrick, the nearest spot to
Ardwall. On a lane hedged with wild garlic we had to turn round as a tree had
come down in the gales and blocked the road. The cyclists we passed had all
carried their bikes over it but we had to take a circuitous route.
It is a gated road a short walk from Carrick and the grass
here is for parking and picnics though it can’t cope with too many cars- there
isn’t the space. This area is in between the 2 islands. The sea was rough and I
had my doubts I must say. Anyway we vowed to come back later. Barlocco looked
very flat, featureless and longer than Ardwall, which has trees, a 100 foot
hill and a history of habitation.
We looked around the Gatehouse of Fleet and the Mill
catching up with some of the cyclists from earlier. One American lady had lost
an ear ring so we told her about the Gem museum at Creetown. We decided to get our
lunch there and go round the museum. I had gone round it briefly before but Bob
hadn’t. I think it’s a feast for the eyes and amazing to think it is a family
collection. The cyclist had her replacement earrings! And we killed a few hours
while waiting for the tide.
Someone had moved the tree and we drove up by Knockbrex
Castle ( self catering accommodation and looks a fantastic place) till we
reached the gated road. The grass is very lumpy for parking a little Corsa but
it was fairly firm. It looked like the tide still had a good way to go out but
we decided to walk to where we’d have to cross to Barlocco. It has been said
that access is possible 3 or 4 hours each tide.
We walked around Knockbrex Bay after taking a path from near
the road gate. It was clear where to walk though not always easy down a shrubby
field. At the bay we had to carefully
pick our way over rocks, soft sand and water gushing out to sea from the land.
Here were navigational columns out in the sea. Back on the grassy bank we
followed round to a derelict stone building. Our B and B lady said it was used
as a dressing area for bathers. A sentry box was a little further along. There
was another grassy bit and then rocks. I went so far but could see that the sea
had quite a way to go before we could safely cross and it was nearly time for
low tide. Bob went to the edge before he was willing to concede defeat. When we
talked about it afterwards we decided that the full moon had affected the tide
maybe in conjunction with the stormy weather.
I watched a hare run from the beach (oddly) up on to the
grass, stopping for a good look at me before it went out of sight. Did they eat
seaweed? We both looked at the other island which was still in a similar sea-locked
state. On the way back to the car we walked above the water in the bay on the
narrow bank and the bridge. Then I found it hard to get down from the rocks. I
have been suffering with a frozen shoulder and as I slipped Bob caught me by my
bad arm. It was agony but shortly afterwards I thought maybe he had done me a
favour for I was walking straighter and the dull ache subsided. Next day it was
better than it had been for ages. Well done Bob!
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