Saturday, 10 May 2025

Arran Day 3 - Holy Island


 Left luggage with Alice and made my way to the Lamlash pier to catch the boat over to the Island. Just 8 of us on the trip and after a short talk we were off on our adventure. The fit ones took the route over the top, but in the heat, the flat shore route was enough at 5.5 miles. Caves, nunnery, lighthouses and ponies, sheep and goats. Found the saint's cave on way back, not very comfortable. Another glorious day and so peaceful with hardly any other visitors. Plenty of skulls but resisted the temptation to bring one home.

Back to Alice for bag and then the bus to my next stop in Whiting Bay. Arrived at Burlington not quite sure what to expect as very varied feedback, but met by chef that Stoke Dave knew. Opening night for new Tapas restaurant so had a pot noodle and snack bars instead   . Enjoyed a couple of G&Ts on beach instead. Table promised for tomorrow.









Arran 2025 Day 2

 I had booked onto the Mogabout tour today so I might get to see some of the places that might be difficult on foot, and it proved the right idea. Met Alex in Broddick and 2 other passengers; I thought it might have been cancelled as it did say minimum of 4, but Alex shrugged it off- been a slow season so far. Spent about 4 hours travelling the south east corner including the waterfalls and Giant's Grave - a set of 3 Clyde cairns. Amazing setting and we had place to ourselves. Alex dropped me off in Lamlash to save me the bus back. 

Treated myself to fish and chips at the Pier Head.





Arran 2025 Day 1

 A very early start. Alarm set for 6am but woke at 5.45. Bag was packed last night so a quick good bye to Debs and off I went. 7.00 bus to Macclesfield, then first train to Piccadilly to stock up on fodder for the journey north. Train fairly empty so managed to stretch out for the trip to Glasgow. Had planned to lunch there, but ticket office suggested getting first train to Troon in case of any delays. At Troon, I decided to do the 30 minute walk rather than wait for shuttle and that gave the opportunity to grab a pint in the Harbour Hotel. On to the ferry and enjoyed the views in brilliant sunshine. I was very lucky with the weather! 20 minutes wait for bus to Lamlash and then onto Alice's Vegan B&B.  Nice room overlooking hills and just a pint at the Pier Head Tavern.