The Machrie, Machrahanish and Machrahanish Dunes Early Autumn 2020

[GG26]

Cool n groovy Mike.

Where are you based?

I’m in Leicester.

 

[Badger]

dates looking ok for me, will be arriving via Arran, can't go all the way up there without saying hello to my fellow Shiskine members

 

[IanM]

I'll be asking where else we should be playing / staying between Carlisle and the ferry. Might get on the island a few days early too..... thoughts appreciated.

 

[chellie]

I'll be asking where else we should be playing / staying between Carlisle and the ferry. Might get on the island a few days early too..... thoughts appreciated.

Not played it Ian but have been told Carlisle GC is worth a visit.

 

[richart]

Not played it Ian but have been told Carlisle GC is worth a visit.

Carlisle is a lovely parkland course. Wildlife is amazing, loads of birds of prey and red squirrels. Well worth playing.

 

[bigslice]

I’ve looked at the ferry times, ferry costs and time it will take to get to Kennacraig, so I’ve booked a B&B in Tarbert for Wednesday night, especially with the ‘early ferry’ on Thursday morning and then playing later, makes sense to be fresh to enjoy such a great few days and golf courses.

I’ve looked at the ferry times, ferry costs and time it will take to get to Kennacraig, so I’ve booked a B&B in Tarbert for Wednesday night, especially with the ‘early ferry’ on Thursday morning and then playing later, makes sense to be fresh to enjoy such a great few days and golf courses.[/QU

Tarbert has a wee 9 hole courseand if a nice day cracking views, very friendly members and an honesty box at starters hut.

 

[Fish]

Good to know, doubt I’d get there early enough though if I’m working my way up throughout the day, but if things change I’ll definitely contact them as I’d rather have a little knock nearby to where I’m stopping over than anywhere else.

 

[Ye Olde Boomer]

The names in the thread title look like single malt Scotch whiskeys.

 

[2blue]

The names in the thread title look like single malt Scotch whiskeys.

Yeah.... on Islay alone you could spend a week doing a distillery a day & not visit them all...... some of the finest Whiskies Scotland has on offer.

 

[Paperboy]

The names in the thread title look like single malt Scotch whiskeys.

No 'E' in Scottish Scotch, a reasonable rule of thumb if a 'E' appears in the country of origin it's spelt Whiskey, if no 'E' ie Japan and Scotland it's spelt Whisky.

 

[Blue in Munich]

I'll be asking where else we should be playing / staying between Carlisle and the ferry. Might get on the island a few days early too..... thoughts appreciated.

Might look to get there a day or two before as Glyn seems to have overlooked a distillery tour in the agenda... ? I also can’t say I’m keen on a silly o’clock alarm call on the Thursday morning to make a 7 o’clock ferry. Need to sit down and see exactly how the travel possibilities pan out.

 

[IanM]

I spoke to the hotel this morning, I don't have Glyn's negotiation skills as the room rates for the hotel for a few days prior are £245-305! I think we'll get on the island 3 days prior, might stay there for find something a wee bit cheaper... some of my favourite malts are on the Island, so got to go visit!

How long before this "goes official" Mr Concert Sec?

 

[Deleted member 17920]

Will start getting more ideas on travel plans in the next week or so.

Just trying to book the Le Golf National meet at the minute and that is proving a headache with minibus, tunnel and travel plans!

I also appear to have a job that is quiet busy at the minute

Glad there is some excitement regarding the trip as I was unsure who would be interested when the idea 1st started.

Its one that we wont be going back to in a hurry as its clearly a huge pain trying to get there but what fabulous courses we are going too.

Quite fancy looking at the Arran route as well so will explore that next week but then I also fancy playing every good course in Scotland..............

For those wanting a hotel the night before on Islay please let me know and I will have a chat with The Machrie to see what I can do. Not promising anything but I will try and sort something.

Thanks

 

[IanM]

For those wanting a hotel the night before on Islay please let me know and I will have a chat with The Machrie to see what I can do. Not promising anything but I will try and sort something.Thanks

As I said, I spoke to a lad at the hotel this morning. (didn't catch his name but he was a Scouser!) Really helpful, but not doing any deals on price! You may have more luck!

 

[Fish]

I’m in, I’m driving straight from work in Aylesbury on the Tuesday evening, aiming to get to Stoke area.
Then driving 350 miles to Tarbert where I have booked a twin room (Struans ) Wednesday night
The ferry is at 7 am on Thursday AM, have to be there 1/2 hour before, so leave at 6 am. Ferry is booked

Return ferry is also booked on Friday late afternoon

What ferry time have you booked, I don't know the tee times on Friday yet and with it being a different port to travel back from, although only 30 minutes drive, then allowing 30 minutes minimum check-in time, I'm nervous to book 15.30 in case were teeing off late morning?

 

[Fish]

Just as a heads up in case anyone else drives a van like me, anything under 5m length is still classed and priced as a car, between 5m - 6m is a light goods vehicle but again still a car rate, 6m+ and its full on commercial and a hike in price.

I've just spoke to Calmac operations and they've stated to select car even if its a van when booking if under 6m and then state the name and model of the vehicle.

 

[PhilTheFragger]

What ferry time have you booked, I don't know the tee times on Friday yet and with it being a different port to travel back from, although only 30 minutes drive, then allowing 30 minutes minimum check-in time, I'm nervous to book 15.30 in case were teeing off late morning?

Ive booked the 1800 from Port Askaig to Kennacraig on the Friday.

Thought the earlier one was a bit tight

 

[Deleted member 17920]

Tee times are from 13.00 on the 1st day and from 09.30 on the day we depart.

I think the later ferry will be the best option.

 

[Fish]

Tee times are from 13.00 on the 1st day and from 09.30 on the day we depart.

I think the later ferry will be the best option.

All booked

Means we will be booking in at Machrahanish circa 9pm....

 

[Liverbirdie]

Well it may not be as long as Liverpool-Portsmouth-Tours-Lourdes-Madrid-Bilbao and involve bringing back "Ol' big ears", but me and the missus are considering the following:-

Friday night - drive to Oban,stay in Oban

Saturday - early ferry to Craignure (Mull), go to Iona for the day, stay in Tobermory.

Sunday - stay in Tobermory.

Monday - early ferry back to Oban, go to Glencoe (missed it last time we were in Fort William), drive down to Kennacraig for late afternoon/evening ferry to Islay. Monday night on Islay.

Get a cottage on Islay (stay Monday to Thursday) for 3 nights, go onto Jura for a day also and loads of nice walks with the missus, distillery or 3.

Rest of the trip as the golf

Return home on the Sunday night.

Local knowledge/tips welcome, including days out/walks and restaurants.