The tourist office and associated paraphernalia regularly describe Arran as ‘Scotland in Miniature’ because of the very varied scenery across the island. And how true that is, as we could see the highest peak, Goatfell at 874m, mirroring its neighbours, way back on the A76 on the mainland as we headed towards Kilmarnock – with nothing else around to match it!
Arriving after the drama of the rescue at sea, it was a short and reassuringly calm drive down the east coast from Brodick to our good friends Paul and Sue, who were very kindly hosting us before we set off for the final drift towards Skye. It’s not just Paul and Sue waiting to greet us of course, but their fabulous dog Clyde who always greets us like long lost friends!
With views of the Holy Isle and The Centre for World Peace, it’s hard not to start unwinding and kicking back. It’s just so tranquil here.
Coupled with Paul and Sue’s amazing hospitality, we found ourselves enjoying a regime of delicious food and drink, with regular exercise as we explored walks and views we had not yet seen, in spite of our many visits to the island!
Concentrating mainly on the Southeast corner of the island we explored ancient burial grounds…
… some of the many glens and fells that are working forests, where we learned that what to the untrained eye might look like a careless mess left behind after logging, is actually a managed habitat that allows native foxgloves to flourish, as well as wild raspberries and blackberries, providing a natural environment for a diverse range of wildlife too… as well as some outdoor bathing for Clyde…
… an incredibly tranquil and beautiful loch (and more bathing for Clyde!)…
… tiny offshore islands, once for sale for the price of a flat in Brighton…
… some magical walks managed by small community interest groups, that also included a ‘library’ where folk are encouraged to leave notes/poems etc…
…some waterfalls…
…and of course some mountains in the background!
After staying with our friends for almost a week, it was time for us to head north, leaving the island by its other ferry from Lochranza to Claonaig; a much smaller boat than we had arrived on and a first for us!
Looking wistfully back at the island as we headed towards the Kintyre peninsula, we were sad to leave our friends and the very relaxing lifestyle we had slipped into, but also excited at the prospect of new adventures and exploring northwards on our journey to Skye – all of it new to us! So thank-you Paul and Sue for such a wonderful time – Gus an ath thuras!
S&J 03.05.24
I don't want to tempt fate, but the weather looks exceedingly good there just now. Long may it continue!
ReplyDeleteAs said - the weather looks far too good to be true ! Skye looks a long way away still !! Xx Sue
ReplyDelete