Ever get bored of the same old routine? Stuck in a rut with your free time activities? Want to try something new this summer? Then in and around Campbeltown is the place to be! Here are five classes or taster sessions that let you try a new skill without having to join a club or buy any equipment;
We are very fortunate here to be surrounded by water, from the calm and protected Campbeltown Loch with its yachts, fishing fleet, swooping gannets and occasional seal to the wild Atlantic coast with its crashing surf, sand dunes and fantastic views. Little wonder then that Seaports are a popular pastime.
1. Canoeing
This Saturday (2nd June) as part of National Go Canoeing Week, Kintyre Canoe Club are offering a free ‘Come and Try it Session’ on Campbeltown Loch. Head along to the Campbeltown Sailing Club from 2 – 5pm to try it out for yourself. No experience necessary (apart from the ability to swim 25 meters unaided) and all equipment is provided. It’s open to everyone over 10 years old (under 16s must be accompanied by an adult) so would be a great day out for families with older kids.
2. Surfing
If that sounds a bit too much like plain sailing, why not try your hand (or feet) at surfing? On the other side of the peninsula, Westport Beach is home to Pete’s Surf School where you can book a 2 hour lesson (as part of a group) for £35 per person, or £30 for kids. Wetsuit and board hire is included so you don’t need any kit of your own.
3. Golf
If Seasports aren’t your thing, then how about golf? Machrihanish Golf Club Professional Jennie Dunn is offering free taster sessions to anyone interested in taking up the sport on the last Sunday of the month throughout the summer (until September). This is a fantastic opportunity to try golf without worrying about holding up the regular players on the way round!
4. Arts and Crafts
For the arty, creative types among you, Glenbarr Stores are running a range of craft workshops throughout the summer, all with expert tuition on hand. There are basket weaving, felting and glass engraving workshops as well as mid-week Art Classes all catering to a range of abilities. Prices range from £15 for the art classes to £120 for the basket weaving workshops. All materials are provided.
5. Photography
Finally, for the budding photographer, Sarah McDonald Photographer leads photography days (or half days) out. Kintyre is a fabulous location for photography as, in Sarah’s own words, “From the relative calm of Kilbrannan Sound between Kintyre and Arran, to the wild Atlantic Ocean on the west, we who inhabit this mainland island are spoilt for choice with our forests, straths, lochs and burns. The remnants of history are everywhere from standing stones to footprints in the rock, from caves to castles.”
This is just a small selection of the events and activities taking place over the next few months so remember to check our events page for more inspiration!
