We trundled back to Brodick in the car, ready to start from where we left off last night. It wasn't quite as beautiful weather as we'd hoped, but a vast improvement on yesterday evening! The road runs along the coast for 7 miles or so, giving us great views across the Firth of Clyde - the light created as the sun reflects on the sea round here is amazing! After those first 7 miles, the road cuts across through the mountains - that wasn't so much fun! It was wet and cold up there, and there was a headwind which was trying to blow us back up the downhill stretches, and prevent us doing the uphill at all. By the time we'd got to the top, I'd decided that we'd miss our intended ferry from Lochranza. Amazingly, I was proved wrong! As we went down the other side, it stopped raining, the sun came back out, and we arrived at the ferry terminal as the ferry was docking!
We crossed over to the Mull of Kintyre, and firstly had to cross from one side to the other - ie up a long way, and then down again the other side. After that it became slightly easier. We had lunch by the harbour in Tarbert, which boasted a bistro so we could get a very welcome cup of tea.
After lunch, the route took us up the side of Loch Fyne and then along the Crinan Canal. Before we could get onto the towpath, we had to wait while the bridge was opened to allow several boats through - one going from the Loch into the canal, others going the other way. The Canal was beautiful - very peaceful, with dark, peaty water giving great reflections, and with a newly surfaced path which made for easy cycling. Afterwards we crossed a nature reserve called Mòine Mhòr, and then came the hard work at the end of the day, as we had lots more climbing to do, once more against a headwind! By this time, the sun was shining though, so we had no more rain or cold to deal with.
We finished eventually with a fast downhill section, with glorious views across Loch Craignish in the afternoon sun (sadly, no time to take photos!)
We then drove the route to Oban, where we're staying tonight, and which we'll have to cycle tomorrow. It's a beautiful route, but looks like hard work on a bike! Pray for a good night's sleep and a more favourable wind in the morning!
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| A view across the bay from Brodick |
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| We just made it back to Lochranza in time for the ferry! |
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| Looking back towards Lochranza from the ferry |
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| Another view of Arran from the ferry |
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| The harbour at Tarbert - our lunchtime view! |
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| Houses reflected in the Crinan Canal |
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| Boats moored on the Canal |
