Davie C, Robert, Hugh, Ian, Paul
A select group of 5 Ooters boarded the MV Caledonian Isles for the first visit to Arran since June 2019. Ian had travelled through heavy rain to get to Ardrossan but our faith in the weathermen and women and those in between was to be rewarded.
Aboard ship Davie entertained us, and those seated around us, with his collection of memorabilia from the great Aberdeen rectorial contest of 1975 - He had copious cuttings, photos and election posters extolling the merits of "Ben the Chan - 5 foot 2, eyes of blue." Sadly, Gordon Brown was to remain the only student elected to the post of Rector in a Scottish university (whatever happened to him?)
By the time the 324 had dropped us off at Lochranza the sun was out and we enjoyed sunshine and pleasant temperatures for the whole walk. We stopped for a late elevenses at our usual spot by the burn and as usual the midges ensured it was no more than a brief halt. Laggan Cottage was reached by around 1.15. Various calculations were made about the distance and time remaining to catch the 1545 bus at Sannox and we agreed to depart at 1.35 on the dot.
Rarely has an Ooters' trip been planned with such military precision.
The track around the Fallen Rocks has been widened - presumably to provide vehicular access for whatever purpose - and we kept up a fair old pace as we headed for Sannox. We arrived with a good 15 minutes to spare, giving Robert time to chat to a Swedish couple who had been golfing at the course up the road. No diplomatic incidents occurred.
As usual the bus got increasingly busy as we approached Brodick. Multiple mas, pas and weans boarded the bus at Arran Aromatics and the driver just waved everyone aboard, not even bothering to collect fares.
Rather than boarding the ferry immediately, one Ooter felt the need for a fish supper so we left him to queue. Robert was very generous with his chips when he rejoined us aboard ship.
The kitty wasn't touched today. Davie kindly bought us the first round and (I hope I'm right in saying) Hugh the second.
After the last visit Allan reported "There was a debate about how long the walk had been, with estimates ranging from seven and a half to ten miles. Next time we'll take a trundle wheel! (Your scribe's uneducated guess would be eight and a half.)" Well we forgot the trundle wheel and the same debate (aka dispute) arose. Hugh reckoned 10 miles, Ian 8.8 miles, your scribe 8.4 miles and Robert 21,000 steps.
I agree with Allan.
A great day out.
Paul.
Robert's photos:
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