Today we are going on a car trip to the Isle of Arran. We rushed the morning a little as we had a ferry to catch some distance outside of Glasgow at Ardrossen. We left the house and drove west and south toward Paisley and then out into the country, County of Ayrshire. We arrived at the ferry with time to spare so Peter and I walked to ASDA for sweet treats and liquids. Soon it was time to drive on board the ship. We drove in through the bow and would exit from the stern to minimize any driving. This ferry is much smaller than the ones across the English Channel.
From the vehicle deck we headed up to the passenger levels. There weren’t seats for all of us in any one spot so some of us were out on deck, but the wind was pretty strong and cool====but there was NO rain!! The crossing took about thirty minutes. We docked in Brodick.
Once on dry land our plan was to drive north and follow the road around the island. We did not get very far before we came to Brodick Castle and nature walks. We entered but on further examination and considering the costs we elected to pass. We climbed back into the car and took the exit road out of the castle. It took us through the castle lands. We spotted a small herd of Highland coos (cows) and just had to stop and take pictures. The cows were so cute. We reached the exit after a lovely drive through the grounds. The only bad thing was that Pete split his trousers by the back pocket.
Once back on the main road we came to a group of shops that included a sawmill, a pottery shop, a jewelry shop, an outdoor gear shop, a restaurant, and a brewery. The parking lot had potholes large enough that it cause the Hyundai to bottom out twice. We checked out the pottery shop. The young man running it was a graduate of art schools in London and Glasgow. We checked out another boutique where Pete and Jess bought Nancy a birthday present and I got to see the trouser \ pants usage in action. Jess asked the lady of the shop if she had a safety pen because her husband had split his pants. The shop lady was quiet for just a few seconds before Jess realized what she had said and quickly corrected herself. The shop lady said that is okay, I figured you were American. In the UK pants are your underwear. Finally we went to the brewery shop and bought a selection of ales for consumption at a later time. After we had secured our purchases and ourselves in the car we set off for the north.
A sign said the island was great for cycling with not huge hills or steep grades—I beg to differ there are magnificent hills on the northern end of the island. We saw a marathon of some sort. The runners were spaced out over several miles and rather large upgrades. Some of the runners were no longer running but were just barely walking.
We drove south on the western shore until we arrived in Blackwaterfoot where we agreed we needed some lunch. At a wonderful restaurant attached to a “Best Western” motel. We had a great meal while overlooking the Firth of Clyde and the edge of the Irish Sea. We had some Great soups, great steak baguette and more importantly a great sticky toffee pudding with ice cream.
After lunch we walked a short way along the beach, then decided to visit one of Scotland’s stone circles. After some driving and asking of directions we found where to park the car and begin 20 to 30 minute walk to the stones. Checking the ferry time, the wetness of the land although it was not raining today, and the difficulty presented by Joey and our lack of appropriate shoes--we decided to complete our drive without the hike.
The trip along the Southern end of the island was quite different from the north—more farming and more people, but fewer great hills. Since we didn't have time to do the standing stones, we decided to complete the circle driving around the whole island (about 50 miles total driving no faster than 45 miles). A Great view of the islands that were offshore, splendid vistas made the drive quite enjoyable.
Eventually we arrived back at Brodick for the ferry. We were, however, quite early a miscalculation on our part, so we waited. The ferry came and we loaded. The ship was not full, only two rows of cars-but there were a large number of walk on passengers so when we got underway the lounges were pretty crowded. None of us wanted to go out on deck because of the wind and cold.
The ferry ride was a success. The ride back into Glasgow was without incident.
When we arrived home Pete and Jess took care of Joey, and Nancy and I took Chase out for a walk. When that was done we ordered pizza as we were all tired. A great day in Scotland, the weather even cooperated.
11, 460 Neil Steps
Scenes from the Isle of Aaran
A Craig that signifies to the returning Scotsmen that they are almost home.
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