My second night in the hostel wasn’t quite as bad, the latest I heard someone come in was about 12AM. After a good night’s rest I was wishing it wasn’t Sunday as the bus didn’t come till 11:38AM to take me back to Imachar. However this did allow for a leisurely breakfast, a stroll to the castle, sheep gazing, and time to finish up a blog.
I enjoyed walking through the old castle, all ruins at this point, and not huge, but still something that you wouldn’t find at home on a hiking adventure.
The bus finally came and I was off. I had the driver drop me in the next town past Imachar since I had almost made it there the day before. This next “town” consisted of one grand home that I think may have been a B&B, and a fishing equipment house of some sort. No bus stop stand. Apparently you must be local to know where the bus stops are located. The first half of the trail that day was all on the road that hugged up next to the sea. I passed many sheep, cows, and of course a golf course and the golf course’ tea house and restaurant. About one mile further I reached the first main sight of the day… Machrie Moore, where the famous Standing stones of Arran stand, used for some sort of ceremony many moons ago.
This was a special place, with beautiful hills and mountains as the back drop. The place also had several burial mounds and other stone circles. I spent longer at this site than I thought I would, there was just something about it.
Eventually I headed back down to the road and the sea, on the way down the wind picked up and the rain started. I quickly put on my rain gear and about 5 minutes after the rain gear went on the rain stopped. Rather warm, but not wanting to change again, I hiked on reaching the road and continued along it until I reached the trail to the King’s cave, the second site I was looking forward to seeing that day. The trail was a 3 mile circular route if you didn’t want to continue on the beach to Blackwaterfoot. At this point I was too hot, so changed out of the rain gear, of course 5 minutes later the winds picked up again and the rain began again! Lucky me. This time I was under the trees and waited it out instead of making another clothing change.
Soon the rain let up and on I trekked. The trail and the view were beautiful. Soon the sun came out making it that much more stunning.
Eventually I reached the Kings caves. The largest of the caves had a metal gate in front of it that is locked during the winter months, but open during the summer months. The size of the main cave was rather impressive and there was old writing and drawings on the wall as well as some new. I didn’t spend too much time in the big cave as the large metal door that could be closed on me freaked me out a bit.
After the caves the final stretch of the day was upon me. Most of the rest of the walk was on the beach heading towards some impressive cliffs
And of course just beyond the cliffs the trail joined a golf course. I felt a bit akward walking through a golf course with all my trekking gear. Luckily I received mostly smiles from the golfers, a few odd looks as well, but better than being chased off the green. 🙂
And the final stretch into Blackwater was on the sandy part of it’s beach. Not too many pure sandy beaches on this Isle… The B&B I stayed at was just up from the beach next to a small loch, called Loch Side B&B. It was a lovely and peaceful place to stay, but about a ten minute walk from the town of Blackwaterfoot. I had dinner at the main hotel in Blackwater, fantastic lasagne, and maybe a glass of wine or two!
Up next Blackwater to Lagg & Kilmory bunkhouse
Until next time,
Keep on trekking!
I finally arrived to Arran Isle after two flights, one 3+ hour lay-over, one 15 minute bus ride, one 30 minute train ride and a 1-hour ferry ride! Tired? Yes! Worth it? Ending my long day with the view above and dolphin sightings, you bet! My route in case you were interested. . . Seattle – Iceland – Glasgow – bus to Paisley Gilmour Street – train to Ardrossan – Ferry to Arran Isle – Brodick.
