If at first you don't succeed...

On the 8th December 2013, yes I'm catching up with past walks, Chris & I drove North, one comfort break, with some refreshments and then onwards into Scotland and onto Ardrossen. First in the queue for the ferry,we had refreshments and then sat in the car as the ferry came into harbour.

I tried out the "Lapse It" app on my iPhone,as the vehicles left for their journey on the mainland.

End result is quite pleasing; thanks for the heads-up Ben!
It was then our turn to drive onto the ferry and cross to Brodick.

Chris didn't venture on deck, unusual for her, but it was wet, windy and a little rough.
Once settled into our Hotel it was time for a swim, sauna and then a cracking meal in the Brambles Restaurant.

The next morning it was back to Brambles for Breakfast before we set out on a walk from Brodick to Lamlash.

After the wind and rain yesterday we were pleased to see sunshine on the mountains. The walk itself should have been shorter but ended up 9.3524 miles long.
The route is available at http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=6155007

So why so long?
Well everything was fine until we reached the forest. Gorse in flower, catkins preparing for spring...

Sun on the mountain side...

Yes we did see the laminated sign on the post at the entrance but didn't read it as carefully as we should have done.
To cut a long story short, we had to turn back because of Logging activity and the closed area blocked our route.

Having retraced our steps we turned away from the stream (burn? Scots Gaelic has the word bùrn, which means "fresh water") and headed back to the coast.
The idea? to walk the coastal path to Lamlash.
On the way to the coast the sun compensated for the disappointment of our blocked route and the scenery, stunning as always.

we passed Highland Cattle...

Admired Goat Fell

Then across the Golf Course with Brodick Castle visible in the distance...

The walk along the beach and Prom provided stunning views, in particular those of Shags fishing and/or drying their feathers.

Oyster Catchers

...and Herrons...

It had to arrive! The climb from the Prom along the A841 before following the coastal path. A number of stops were needed, by me rather than Chris, but with views like this, who wouldn't want to stop every now and then?

 Now this was what we were both looking forward to see...

One it meant we were over the ridge, and two it's Holy Island, bringing back fond memories of our last visit. A few styles...

 ...and a stroll down beside another Burn...

 ...and we were down in Lamlash although this statue got us wondering.

More Oyster catchers, Herons, Curlews and other coastal birds and we arrived at our destination. In time to grab a pint (or 2) of Red Squirrel, 

...before catching the bus back to Brodick.
By then it was starting to get dark.

All in all, a wonderful day on Arran and yes the weather was spot on for December.