The fourth part of our current tour brought us back to one of our favourite places and one of our preferred camp sites, the family run Bridgend Campsite at Shiskine.
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| Views from campsite. |
A lot busier than our previous two visits - as is every where in Scotland at present . No ‘hired Motorhomes’ but a lot more camper vans than Motorhomes. Still the site boasts clean facilities and some fairly good Wi-Fi reception.
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| A wee book signing. |
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| The lovely Blackwaterfoot. |
Before we left home we had arranged to meet the Scottish based writer Miller Caldwell for a book signing of his Arran crime trilogy, all three feature Rory Murdoch and of course Blackwaterfoot where the signing took place. A very nice gentleman who during our conversations it come to light that he lived in Dumfries and was the first Authority Reporter for Dumfries and Galloway, this followed a very interesting life that can be seen from his web site. https://www.millercaldwell.com/
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| Ardrossen to Brodick Ferry. |
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| The smaller Claonaig to Lochranza Ferry. |
From outside the campsite you can catch the 322 bus down the String Road, built in 1817 by Thomas Telford, directly to Arran’s main town, Brodick which is the main port of entry to the island from the mainland ferry port of Ardrossan although we came on the Claonaig Ferry to Lochranza having travelled down the west coast.
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| Brodick. |
The town was, as you imagine quite familiar because of previous visits. Little Rock Cafe for hot chocoholic and scones was again the prelude to shopping in Arran Active the islands specialist outdoor shop were we enjoyed the benefits of lower prices due to a seasonal sale. Before we took the 322 back to Shiskine a quick visit to the Co-Op for some messages.
As i have already said this was our third visit to this particular area of Annan and on the previous two visits we wanted to visit the Kings Cave south of Machrie this time we actually made it.
In 1306, Robert the Bruce, following two major defeats in his attempt to claim the Scottish throne and oust the English from Scotland, was on the run and was said to have sought refuge in a cave. It was there that the legend of the spider was said to have taken place. The influence of the spider led at last to success, as he heavily defeated the English of Edward 11 at Bannockburn in June 1314. According to one tradition, and there are many, the cave was situated in this southwestern corner of the Island.
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| A bonus of some grand views during our walk. |
A short bike ride towards Machrie you're come across a Forestry car park with picnic facilities which forms the start of a three mile circular walk taking in some wonderful views over the surrounding countryside and the coast including Machrie Bay and towards Blackwaterfoot The Doon and Drumadoon Point.
Once through the forest you descend down to a stoney beach. Its here you can explore various natural arches and caves including the gated Kings Cave. This cave may have been used as a chapel in the 5th century and in the 18th century used for meetings of the Kirk Sessions. The religious use of the cave can be conformed by the Christian crosses and other religious carving in the stone walls that still seen with the aid of a touch.
We lost part of the Tuesday and all day Friday because of some very heavy rain. It was whilst we were forced to stay in our Motorhome that a young 22 year old turned up on his bike toeing a wee home made trailer. Josh Garmin was 4000 miles into his target of 5000 miles around the coast of Britain to raise money for Hope for Hasti, funds that will be used to commission research to create a gene therapy for CdLS a rare condition that effects young children. Its a charity that warrants your support of Josh's excellent and brave attempt that would be out of reach of most other people. Lovely to spend time with this exceptional human being. When he left us he was on his way up the west coast to complete his 5000 miles. (www.justgiving.com/coast5000)
Another really enjoyable visit to the wonderful Isle of Arran, with a sun drenched ferry back to Ardrossen, but I’m convinced that God willing we will be back.
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