Archive for February, 2007
Isle of Arran
At the last minute, I decided to make a quick getaway. A Scottish Island in February – I packed for cold, wet weather!
I booked into the Auchrannie, a lovely hotel and spa on the Isle of Arran. Renowned for it’s food (both the hotel and the island) I thought a hotel with a pool and gym to work off some calories would probably be a good idea! Plus I needed some comfort for the soul! This is a treat, you know!
Crossing on the ferry from Ardrossan was fabulous. Warm cup of tea in hand, I watched the Ayrshire coast drift into the distance then strolled around to watch Arran approaching. The sun came out half way across and the reflections bounced off the waves bringing a huge smile to my face. Just beautiful. Brodick approached to the strains of Con Te Partiro. I love the way my iPod can provide the perfect soundtrack no matter the beauty. A few passing words with other passengers made for a lovely trip. All the cobwebs blown away. The perfect way to set me up for this relaxing, reflective break in Arran.
Arriving into the hotel, I noticed the weather forecast for the next two days was…SUNNY! I thank the universe for sending me good weather! So lucky!
Explored around Lamlash and Brodick that afternoon (spending too much money in Arran Aromatics and the Arran Cheese Shop!), then had a nap, went to the gym, then to dinner.
Dinner was delicious! A roasted vegetable and smoked cheese strudel, followed by monfish with chorizo and saffron dressing. An Arran cheeseboard finished it off beautifully. (Loved the Arran cheese with Mustard through it and the Arran Mist cheese – highly recommended!)
I enjoyed the evening so much. I was obviously eating alone and am very comfortable with this as long as I have a good book. I picked up a vibe from the young couple a few tables away that they couldn’t understand how someone could eat on their own. I felt brilliant at this. It’s always much more fun sharing a meal with a good bunch of people, but I am not remotely phased by eating on my own. Imagine I couldn’t do this – think of the things I’d never do…from a short break in Arran at the drop of a hat, to travelling the world!
The next day dawned bright and sunny. I had a lovely breakfast and then set off exploring. Arran Brewery was the first stop where I whiled away 30 minutes talking about Arran, the brewing industry and the pub trade with one of the owners. Tasted Arran Blonde (their best seller) and the new Arran Milestone (both so nice I bought 3 bottles of each!) Next stop Brodick Castle, which was closed, but had a wander round the well-kept grounds with views to Goat Fell and Brodick.
Up the coast to Corrie, famous for seal-watching. Driving along the road with one eye on the road and the other on the sea, I suddenly spotted a seal shape!! How exciting! Quickly parked the car and jumped out, camera at the ready, only to realise that it was a stone seal some joker had stuck on top of a rock. Bet it’s someone who lives overlooking the sea and wants to amuse themselves counting tourists who fall for it and snap the stone seal. One more to him, then!
From Corrie, the road cuts cross country, through the Northern hills towards Lochranza. I stopped in at the distillery and had a lovely chat with the bloke in the shop. Tried some of the Arran malt. I don’t really like whisky, but this was lovely. Whisky that doesn’t burn my throat! Whisky that leaves a warm glowing feeling at the back of my throat and spreads it’s glow down my neck. This is great hot toddy stuff! You guessed it. I bought a bottle!
Having tasted two different beers and one whisky dram before lunch, I was acutely aware there was no more alcohol going down the hatch (don’t worry mum, the samples were tiny and I didn’t finish the whisky)! Thank heavens for my hearty breakfast at the Auchrannie!
On to Lochranza Castle where a short cut across the grass led to some very soggy trainers, feet, socks and jeans! I was in it up to my ankles and peeing myself laughing. That’ll teach me to sample whisky and beer before lunch and think I can take short cuts! 
From Lochranza round the north western coast for some stunning scenery…
Made some new friends…
And continued down until Kinloch Hotel at Blackwaterfoot for lunch. From there, back to the King’s Cave car park for the walk round to the caves. Legend has it that the King’s Cave is where Robert the Bruce lay in hiding, and where he watched the spider try again and again to weave it’s web. Apparently this inspired him to rise up for a 7th time against the English. Probably not the actual cave, but hey, nice story!
Some stunning scenery around the cave in the late afternoon…
Honestly! This really is Arran in February!!!
Sitting outside the King’s cave watching the sun go down was just lovely. I sat there feeling chilled and totally in the moment for about half an hour. Really had to wrench myself away with the prospect of walking back to my car in the dark! Then proceeded to wander down the coast. I saw a signpost pointing back to the car park and followed it. Or so I thought…
Ended up strolling the full length of Drumadoon and coming out at the Shiskine golf course – about 3 miles from my car! Bu88er! A couple of ladies had been out walking on the golf course with a little girl and offered me a lift back to my car. They were so lovely, and the little girl chatted to me all the way back. This has been my experience all the way through here – the locals are just lovely. Must be the low stress of island living! I want some of that!
No need for the gym tonight after my forced march along the coast for 4 miles! After a bath and a nap, another lovely meal (scallops followed by venison), glass of wine and cheeseboard was inevitable.
Next morning, checked out after another great breakfast and headed south. Art galleries, organic food and vegetables nursery, fine food shops, all lovely, but nothing to match the view when rounding the point to Kildonan…
Pladda (with the lighthouse) and Ailsa Craig rose up in the distance and took my breath away!
Even better close up…with me trying to beat the timer…
And yes, for the second time, this really IS Arran in February!!!! I had to keep reminding myself!
Whiled away the afternoon on Kildonan beach, in the Kildonan Hotel and then up to the Drift Inn at Lamlash before catching the ferry home.
A wonderful break. So chilled. Just loved it. So beautiful. The perfect getaway – with the perfect weather!! 