Guess where I am.

[Robmac]

What Ticks? I don't have Tourettes!

I Fekkin don't either Barry you b*****d!

 

[Fisherman]

Its a good spot the one on the end at Lamlash Bill but its one of my least favourite now. I think you will know why. We were only going to stop two nights but ended up stopping three. First two were fine. When we arrived we had it to ourselves and tucked in the best spot in the corner as near as the fence as possible. There were five or six vans in the end though and for me it gets too crowded. Next night I think there were three or four but last night was the worst. Two tiny car size vans parked right next to us with a three or four year old literally a doors width from us, both of them with "Woosh bang" Doors. Kid never shut up and this morning from sparrow fart it was even worse. They were nice enough and I chatted to them this morning but I just can't cope with noise and lots of people around me these days. Ill need to pick my Aires and wild spots carefully in France this year.

We are up at one of my favourite spots at Catacol now about a mile or so from Lochranza. So far only us. Its stunning and so quiet. The far north of the Island seems much quieter than normal and I think I know why. The Toilets at Lochranza with the tap on the side are closed down, the tap removed and all roped off. That means there is no water to be had or toilet emptying (not that I liked emptying there) anywhere in the north end of the island. The toilet run is going to be fun on the bike. A 32 mile round trip either to Brodick or Blackwaterfoot!

Great ride this afternoon down to Brodick for a very late lunch then a stop off at Corrie at our favourite spot on the way back.

Yes its problem is whilst it’s possibly one of the best locations on the island it’s small. Four vans and it’s pretty well full, and at this time of year it’s probably going to be full all the time. We now avoid Marganaheglish in summer only venturing there in October, and we have been fortunate enough to enjoy it alone a few times. On a previous visit someone turned up with a caravan. He also put out a large awning and parked his car on the other side taking up half the car park. We always invite locals who turn up to park behind us if it’s full.

There’s a carpark in Lamlash where we have spent the night first left past the Coop. It’s not far from the campsite which can be accessed from the car park. There are no overnight parking signs there, but if you only stay one or two nights no one bothers you. Also just before you get to the Coop on the grass on the other side there’s a freshwater tap we have used a few times. I much prefer using the several taps around the island rather than the ones next to the elsan points in Blackwaterfoot and Whiting Bay for obvious reasons.

The forestry carpark in north Sannox although frequented by the local gypsies is well worth a visit with great views over to Bute, this is where the Orcas were spotted three years ago. But the west of Arran is stunning particularly during weather like this with great sunsets over the Kilbrannan Sound looking over the Mull of Kintyre. And there are literally dozens of spots to park up.

But here are some more photos of Coirein Lochain (Coire Fhionn Lochan) including one taken looking down from the surrounding hills. It’s a special place for me, many moons ago I would head up there with my tent and spend the night in this magical place.

 

[barryd]

Yes its problem is whilst it’s possibly one of the best locations on the island it’s small. Four vans and it’s pretty well full, and at this time of year it’s probably going to be full all the time. We now avoid Marganaheglish in summer only venturing there in October, and we have been fortunate enough to enjoy it alone a few times. On a previous visit someone turned up with a caravan. He also put out a large awning and parked his car on the other side taking up half the car park. We always invite locals who turn up to park behind us if it’s full.

There’s a carpark in Lamlash where we have spent the night first left past the Coop. It’s not far from the campsite which can be accessed from the car park. There are no overnight parking signs there, but if you only stay one or two nights no one bothers you. Also just before you get to the Coop on the grass on the other side there’s a freshwater tap we have used a few times. I much prefer using the several taps around the island rather than the ones next to the elsan points in Blackwaterfoot and Whiting Bay for obvious reasons.

The forestry carpark in north Sannox although frequented by the local gypsies is well worth a visit with great views over to Bute, this is where the Orcas were spotted three years ago. But the west of Arran is stunning particularly during weather like this with great sunsets over the Kilbrannan Sound looking over the Mull of Kintyre. And there are literally dozens of spots to park up.

But here are some more photos of Coirein Lochain (Coire Fhionn Lochan) including one taken looking down from the surrounding hills. It’s a special place for me, many moons ago I would head up there with my tent and spend the night in this magical place. View attachment 142572View attachment 142573View attachment 142574View attachment 142576

Michelle loves that walk up to the Loch Bill but its a long time since I did it and sadly I wont be now.

I can't think where you mean in Lamlash regarding that tap but will look out for it next time we are there.

Not keen on the North Sannox park up. Its an unofficial campsite now. Too busy.

That said a few years back we returned to this fabulous spot we are on now after a day out on the bike to discover the Travelers had taken it over. Once they started building a bloody great fire chucking all sorts of greenery etc on it we were off! We parked up about a mile up the road and it looked like they had set half the island on fire. Luck of the draw wilding I guess. One day its paradise but you never know what might happen the next.

 

[Fisherman]

Michelle loves that walk up to the Loch Bill but its a long time since I did it and sadly I wont be now.

I can't think where you mean in Lamlash regarding that tap but will look out for it next time we are there.

Not keen on the North Sannox park up. Its an unofficial campsite now. Too busy.

That said a few years back we returned to this fabulous spot we are on now after a day out on the bike to discover the Travelers had taken it over. Once they started building a bloody great fire chucking all sorts of greenery etc on it we were off! We parked up about a mile up the road and it looked like they had set half the island on fire. Luck of the draw wilding I guess. One day its paradise but you never know what might happen the next.

Pull in approx 100 yards before you get to the coop heading for Whiting Bay on the left hand lane next to the grass. It’s approx 10-15 ft in from the pavement on the grass on a wooden post with the tap in situ.
Give it a good run before using it, as it’s rarely used.

The local gypsies keep themselves to themselves, they have been on the island for generations. They make a living from selling shellfish which they collect everyday. They do use a geny, but they always turn it off around 10ish. Never had a problem with them. But we were there once and another lot of gypsies from the mainland turned up, they were a disgrace, taking over the place and they put ramps over the shallow trench to the grassy area to get there caravans over. But that was only once. Normally there are three or four vans overnight with space for plenty more. Also there’s a fabulous beach if you walk through the Forrest for about a mile in Sannox Bay. We have done the coastal walk from there all the way to Lochranza and back passing the infamous Laggan cottage, which is now empty and left open for use as a bothy.

I think I know where you ended up that night, a mile down the road towards Lochranza there’s a nice level carpark at the bottom of the hill next to a fast moving burn. We used to park there and follow the burn into the surrounding hills.

 

[alcam]

Hmm. You might have to give me the hard sell and convince me on Irish Cheese Marie. They do have some award winning cheeses here but Im not keen on any of them.

Yes there are some nice cheeses but nothing , as I remember, outstanding.
Surprised you are dismissing Irish cheeses Barry there are some superb ones .
Obviously there are even better Scottish ones

 

[barryd]

Pull in approx 100 yards before you get to the coop heading for Whiting Bay on the left hand lane next to the grass. It’s approx 10-15 ft in from the pavement on the grass on a wooden post with the tap in situ.
Give it a good run before using it, as it’s rarely used.

The local gypsies keep themselves to themselves, they have been on the island for generations. They make a living from selling shellfish which they collect everyday. They do use a geny, but they always turn it off around 10ish. Never had a problem with them. But we were there once and another lot of gypsies from the mainland turned up, they were a disgrace, taking over the place and they put ramps over the shallow trench to the grassy area to get there caravans over. But that was only once. Normally there are three or four vans overnight with space for plenty more. Also there’s a fabulous beach if you walk through the Forrest for about a mile in Sannox Bay. We have done the coastal walk from there all the way to Lochranza and back passing the infamous Laggan cottage, which is now empty and left open for use as a bothy.

I think I know where you ended up that night, a mile down the road towards Lochranza there’s a nice level carpark at the bottom of the hill next to a fast moving burn. We used to park there and follow the burn into the surrounding hills.

We used to stay at Sannox just along from what was the Inglene hotel, (now the Sannox Bay hotel but closed). There was a cracking spot there on the grass with a picnic table hidden from the road. We once shared it with a caravan with a dad and two teenage girls who were gypsies for nearly a week I think. I think they call them Tinkers here. They were collecting cockles or whatever shellfish they collect. They were ok and we got on alright with them. The gypsies often took over that spot though so I do wonder if thats why it got closed.

 

[barryd]

Another day in paradise. We have a neighbour who pulled in this morning. Not had chance to talk to them yet. Gave the kayak another airing just now. Found a massive jelly fish but I fear it has ceased to be. Gave it a prod but it didnt do anything. Flipping heck though, they aint half heavy and solid.

I managed to bust my only coat I had with me the other day so hopefully the replacement will arrive at a local post office today along with some other gadgets. Maybe some cycling later. There suddenly seems to be an influx of cyclists and a fair few motorbikes all of a sudden. Still pretty quiet up here though. So far.

No Dolphins as yet which are the big attraction for me but I gather they are here. This is the spot where the massive Basking shark scared the crap out of me three years ago out on the Kayak. Too early for them though I think.

Few more pics from just now.

 

[Pudsey Bear]

A good walk further south today

 

[barryd]

A good walk further south today

View attachment 142654

Marseille Kev? Never been, always drove round it.

 

[Pudsey Bear]

It's a hell of a city, we had lunch there and a good drive round, hardly any parking for a van, so I pulled up and put the hazards on and the badge in the windscreen.