The great thing about this tour is that it is joining up the dots of so many of the places I have visited in the past. The last time I was on Arran was back in 1976 on a first year Uni Geology field trip. It doesn't seemed to have changed much. Big skies, open landscapes and rich in flora and fauna.
We had a great breakfast at the Glenartney guest house ( highly recommended) with award winning black pudding.
http://www.glenartney-arran.co.uk/
Our first 14 miles took us round the North East corner of the island with the biggest climb of the day up Glenartney. With a very strong westerly wind and driving rain it was a tricky climb and even harder descent.
We only just made the 10.45 Lochranza to Claonaig ferry. A large caravan and proud and large owner seemed to occupy most of the ferry.
We disembarked at 11.15 and still had the prospect of 96 miles left to do. Coffee was at Tarbert, a busy touristy and fishing village on the shores of Loch Fyne.
From then on it was head down for 54 miles to Oban- a delightful ride along the shores of Loch Fyne, Loch Craignish and Melfort with some tough connecting climbs. Traffic was light and the road surfaces generally good (unlike yesterday).
Phil was ensconced in the Oban Whisky and Fine wines shop on his second tasting session when I arrived and Chris was being educated in the joys of Whisky. They both decided to accompany me in yet another tasting. By the time we had got up from their comfy chairs by a real fire we were in desperate need of food. A chippy delivered the goods.
https://www.facebook.com/obanwhisky
The last 38 miles was hard work but I was given an uplift when Phil texted to say that he had secured 3 rooms at the Ballachulish Hotel at reasonable rates. This meant that we could save 5 miles each way up to Glen Coe Youth Hostel where we had originally booked. The last 10 miles past quickly and Phil greeted me in reception with the news that dinner was ordered and on its way.
http://www.ballachulish-hotel.co.uk/
We had a great breakfast at the Glenartney guest house ( highly recommended) with award winning black pudding.
http://www.glenartney-arran.co.uk/
Our first 14 miles took us round the North East corner of the island with the biggest climb of the day up Glenartney. With a very strong westerly wind and driving rain it was a tricky climb and even harder descent.
We only just made the 10.45 Lochranza to Claonaig ferry. A large caravan and proud and large owner seemed to occupy most of the ferry.
We disembarked at 11.15 and still had the prospect of 96 miles left to do. Coffee was at Tarbert, a busy touristy and fishing village on the shores of Loch Fyne.
From then on it was head down for 54 miles to Oban- a delightful ride along the shores of Loch Fyne, Loch Craignish and Melfort with some tough connecting climbs. Traffic was light and the road surfaces generally good (unlike yesterday).
Phil was ensconced in the Oban Whisky and Fine wines shop on his second tasting session when I arrived and Chris was being educated in the joys of Whisky. They both decided to accompany me in yet another tasting. By the time we had got up from their comfy chairs by a real fire we were in desperate need of food. A chippy delivered the goods.
https://www.facebook.com/obanwhisky
The last 38 miles was hard work but I was given an uplift when Phil texted to say that he had secured 3 rooms at the Ballachulish Hotel at reasonable rates. This meant that we could save 5 miles each way up to Glen Coe Youth Hostel where we had originally booked. The last 10 miles past quickly and Phil greeted me in reception with the news that dinner was ordered and on its way.
http://www.ballachulish-hotel.co.uk/
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