August 9th & 10th - Sunshine in Scotland (well, for a while)

Up to Sue's folks on the Clyde coast for the weekend; what better than a walk along the coast between Portencross and Hunterston to raise an appetite after the drive. Beautiful sunset which the camera really didn't do justice!

Arran from Portencross

Portencross Castle and the Cumbraes across Fairlie Roads

Portencross Castle is said to be the last mainland resting place of Scottish kings, from the time of Kenneth MacAlpine until Malcolm Canmore; their bodies were brought to be ferried from Portencross for burial on Iona. The castle as seen today was rebuilt in the 14th century, on the rocky promontory overlooking Arran.

Sunset across the Clyde

After spending Saturday doing some Glasgow culture (no, really - the Hunterian Museum and Galleries), shops and restaurants, Sunday was to be a little more challenging... After detours around the bottom of Loch Lomond, we eventually arrived in Arrochar at lunchtime so, reasonably, stopped for lunch at a roadside diner where Sue went for the local delicacy - haggis in a bun. Nice. Perhaps.

The new path up toward Ben Arthur (aka The Cobbler) is steep gravel, zigzagging up through forest - with plenty of raspberries to ease the monotony. Soon enough the path opens onto the hillside and the distinctive rock peaks of The Cobbler come into view. At least they do if the mist and clouds lift, which, thankfully they did.

Out of the woods...

The three peaks of the Cobbler from the Nairnan Boulders

The clouds were sent scurrying by ever-increasing winds and while the views improved the temperature fell and occasional showers whipped through. We weren't going to be spending long on the top!

Bog Asphodel below The Cobbler

Sue, just about keeping her feet and looking across the "Arrochar Alps"