Back to Arran for another leg of the coastal way. I was getting the earlier 8.20 ferry to give me extra time on the island. However, on arrival at Brodick this ferry is met by only one bus, which goes across the island to Blackwaterfoot. So my decision was made for me to walk north heading for Imacher or even Pirnmill to meet the bus to the ferry. Rant time. Why on a tourist island can they not run a circular bus hourly, there surely must be demand and it would ease traffic on these narrow island roads.
Blackwaterfoot |
The crossing was late in sailing which meant there would not be time to get to the Co-op in Brodick for supplies. Another Calmac black pudding & fried egg roll to start the day, it’s a hard life. A very smooth crossing so out on deck with the binoculars. Spotted porpoises, gannets, guillemot, razorbill and shearwater. Plus the non nature bit, a submarine on the surface just off the south west coast of Arran.
Got onto the only bus with 6 others and it deposited me in Blackwaterfoot for 10.10. A very pretty small village with a hotel, not many of them on Arran.
First beach section |
Boulder field & basalt crags |
Kings Cave |
Machrie & Beinn Bharrain |
Burial chamber |
Machrie golf course |
The weather is glorious and I am glad I am walking north, the light is so much better and the views of the mountains along with the seascape, wonderful. The heat is well up and the sun lotion is applied, wish I had worn shorts. Plenty of cyclists doing the round island trip today along with many picnickers parked alongside the sea wherever they can.
Walk ends around left hand side of the mountains |
Across the bridge at Dougarie lodge, an impressive home and still follow the coastal road. Annoyingly I have got pain and the start of a blister, odd as these shoes and socks have never blistered before, I can only put it down to the tarmac walking. Even more annoyingly I have left my plasters and cream in my fishing bag. A change into lighter socks helps a bit but too far gone. I reckon on 4 miles still to go, decision time, sit and wait on the bus, not due for 90 minutes or so or walk on. I don’t even pass any sheep to get some coat to use as medicinal padding which I have read about but not tried.
Peacock & pal |
Leave road on right here |
Pirnmill |
Great coastline, superb views but a long tarmac walk.
Distance 13.96 miles (22.47km). Time 4.34. Ascent 1173 feet (347m).
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