Open

Woke (after a very long good sleep!) to rain, but by breakfast it had cleared up and we enjoyed sitting a few feet from the bird table that was mobbed the whole time by chaffinches, coal tits, sparrows, goldfinches, greenfinches and 2 red squirrels. We were browsing the bird books as we munched.....although not easy to identify between similar but subtly different species!
Decided to explore the southern end of the island today and headed off down to Lamlash for a coffee sitting in blazing sunshine and then a walk and beachcomb along a fairly long mainly sandy beach. Although Arran is very beautiful, especially the contrasts between the mountainous north and the rolling lush south, I’m disappointed by the lack of Hebridean style beaches....
Moved on south around the coast with some spectacular views across the sparkling sea and went for a lovely walk through forest down to the King’s Cave (as in Robert the Bruce and his spider - extra). We should have seen some standing stones too but no sign of them! Lots of bright fresh green growth on the trees as we went through the forest then amazing views to cliffs (extra) before exploring the huge caves a bit (too dark to go far in!) and back up round the other outside edge of the forest with gorgeous open views to the north.
Back to Brodick via a visit to a wedding venue that A&N had wanted to see in April when the ferry was cancelled. In many ways it was just what they wanted but I’m not sure it would be worth the trek up here and over on a ferry for everyone.
Stopped in Brodick for a drink on the terrace in the warm late afternoon sun before home for Cullen skink and cottage pie. Both more delicious than we expected. Watched the bird table again and browsed the book festival programme, then an evening reading our books before bed. Lovely to have had all the fresh air and sunshine today.