Docked at Brodick

We took the ferry to the Isle of Arran today. The sunny weather had given way to light cloud, which increased as the day wore on.

A 30 minute journey through Prestwick and past the airport, which I always remember from my youth as being the landing place for Atlantic flights, especially when it was foggy, and we arrived at the Caledonian MacBrayne terminal in Ardrossan.

We sat on an upper deck on the ferry sheltered by a lifeboat, surrounded by a myriad of dog owners. Len located the pet area inside which we used on the journey back.

Arriving at Brodick, the bus stances were in exactly the position the website had said they would be. Not being sure of how long it would take to circumvent the whole island, we opted for the southern tour via the String Road. A short stop at Blackwaterfoot, and we were off again. I particularly liked the look of Kildonan, Whiting Bay and Lamlash.

There was still time before the 1640 ferry, so we strolled along to the Little Rock cafe, as the cloud came down and the mist rolled in. The fog horn was needed on the ferry on the way back.

We sat with a couple who had three beautiful black Labrador dogs with glossy coats. They'd all been for a ten mile hike on the north of the island. The dogs sat gazing at their master intently throughout the voyage.

Basil had developed a marked tremor in his rear quarters. The man felt him and said he thought it might be related to his breathing, which is worrying. I decided to take him to a vet on our return.