Wed 29th April
Starting off in Campbeltown this morning I wanted to get off reasonably early as I was due to get the ferry to Isle of Arran. I didn’t have a set time ticket but wanted to make sure I was there at a reasonable hour, so I wasn’t rushing to find a park up and have dinner. I was going to aim for the 3.05pm ferry and I was going to drive up the east coast road and aim for just past the ferry port in Claonaig and visit Skipness. The lady who I had spoken to on the bus to Glasgow, who made sculptures, was from Skipness and she said to pop along to say hi and see her sculptures in her garden.
The drive was again lovely, this time driving more directly through the villages, as it was a minor road. There were a few holiday parks, but nothing too obtuse. There were some more great views across to Arran, so I stopped to take some pics and got some good shots with Misty in the foreground. Today is Nan’s birthday and I asked mum if I was able to ring while she was visiting her. I wanted to get a nice spot where they could see some good scenery, so I decided to divert off to a little village called Carradale. There was a little harbour there, and even better, toilets!! I called mum and had a brief chat. Nan has dementia and doesn’t really talk now. Mum had woken her from her doze for the call, and I wished her a happy birthday. I don’t think she understands phones and didn’t really react to me being on the video call, or it may have been with my lack of hair she didn’t recognise me. My uncle turned up at the care home to see her not long after, and she showed recognition to him straight away, which was great. I said my goodbyes and continued on to Skipness.
Jess, the sculptor, had told me that it would be obvious which house was hers, as the garden was full of her sculptures. I entered the village and crawled along the road staring into each garden, but I couldn’t see any obvious sculptures. I continued to the end of the village where Skipness Castle was located. I had planned to have a quick look around the castle before visiting Jess, and this seemed like a good plan now I wasn’t sure which was her house. I told myself I’d have another look on the way out the village, and if it was obvious I could make the trip to see her on the way back from Arran.
Skipness Castle is a lovely little castle, and totally free to visit. Considering it was free it still had great accessibility; platforms had been made in the tower keep accessing each floor, a rooftop walkway had been created, and there were even information boards, not what you’d expect from a free entry site. The castle looks across the Firth of Clyde to Arran, and the views are spectacular. With a sunny day like today the light glitters on the water like sequins. I sat on the grass outside the castle looking out to Arran and decided to do a sketch after eating my lunch. There was also a chapel a short walk from the castle, which was created for local villagers after the castle’s own chapel in the grounds was repurposed. The chapel is separated from the beach by a wall. I could see a way to get over the wall, whether it was permitted or not I’m not quite sure, but I took it and decided to make my way back to the car park via this route. It eventually opened up to the road, and I was able to come off the beach to make my way back to the start. I passed a little village shop and popped my head in. It was a classic village shop, makeshift shelves, very small, but a comprehensive array of goods, some almost artisan. I bought an ice cream as it was so hot outside and thought I’d ask the shop keeper if she knew Jess. Such a small village I stood a good chance, and she did know her. She pointed out her house, which was great, but it was definitely too late in the day to visit now, as the ferry was due soon. I made note and promised I’d come back in a couple of days.
The ferry was a half an hour journey across to Arran and could hold about 8 cars. I spent the ride on the viewing platform as it was such a nice day, and I wanted to see Arran as we approached. Looking out the front of the ferry I spotted a couple of dolphins arching through the water. ‘Look dolphins’ I told a biker near to me; I just wanted to tell someone. Once I arrived on Arran I planned to drive north and round to the east coast to Brodick. Mick from the boat had mentioned it, along with Goatfell being the highest mountain on the island, which was located there, so I planned to stop in Brodick. I had also seen that there was a National Trust site there, Brodick Castle, and as I approached Brodick, I saw the signs for it. It was 4pm, so I thought I’d see if I could kill an hour at the castle, a nice intro to the island. I was too late for entry to the actual castle, but on such a warm day a walk round the grounds was fine. I set off in one direction through the gardens and immediately was hit by the perfumed smell. I couldn’t believe how strong it was, such a treat. You often see lots of floral displays in gardens and don’t notice a scent, but this was lovely. I looked it up online and Brodick was renowned for its collection of Rhododendrons. I’m not normally a huge rhododendron fan, but this may change my mind. The grounds were great to explore, for the brief time I was there. There were paths in every direction and something of interest round every corner. It also had quite a natural feel to it, it didn’t feel too contrived.
After closing time, 5pm, I continued onto the town. I was hoping for more free parking spots, and as I entered the main seafront area of the town I could see lots of spaces. I was surprised there weren’t more campers here, but then maybe it’s not the season just yet. I parked up with a perfect view of Goatfell and an outlook to the sea.