As it was late when I got the tent up last night I didn’t get much sleep. I only have a short cycle ride first to catch the ferry at Claonaig. It was uncomfortable packing the tent away as the midges were out in force. I was on my way by 8am and set off to reverse the route I’d taken over the pass to Claonaig. It was overcast and dull as I set off but took my time on the ride.

Door on Red House

Skipness Castle

As expected I was at the Claonaig ferry in plenty of time so decided to ride up the coast a few miles to have a look at Skipness Castle. It was a flat and easy ride and I was glad I made the detour. I had the whole of the castle to myself but the ancient chapel nearby was a bit too far to be able to get back for the ferry. I rode back to the ferry and made the crossing back to Lochranza on Arran. I didn’t stop but pressed on along the west coast of the island.

Skipness Castle

Considering the road is fairly close to the shore it is quite undulating. I noticed an interesting looking red sandstone boathouse off to the right. Across the road on the left was the impressive building of Dougarie Lodge. By the boathouse was a circular stone wall and I thought it may me of interest. I wheeled my bike along the stone drive but there was nothing to indicate it was of importance. The boathouse was well maintained but showed no evidence of recent use. As I wheeled my bike back to the road a fat man came walking down the field from above the lodge. A soon as I was in earshot he let loose with a verbal bashing saying I was trespassing. I politely said I thought it was a fine building and continued on my way, leaving the very nasty Scotsman in a rage as he fumed back up the hill. I was hoping to find somewhere to get something to eat, ideally some kind of seafood lunch. The only place I could see on the map with possibilities was Blackwaterfoot.

When I got there I could only find a small shop not selling much of interest. I continued, passing the road junction to ‘The String’ where I’d cycled earlier in the trip. Further along the coast I reached the left branch road called ‘The Ross’. I headed up it with the intention of camping somewhere near the summit. There were no particular problems on the climb but when I came to the property called Glenscorrodale Farm I noticed flags flying. A sign said:
‘International Buddhist Retreat, a place of Inconceivable Happiness.’
There was also a sign saying ‘No Entry Cloistered Retreat In Progress’
So presumably they’re so happy they don’t want to share it.
The rest of the climb was had lots of trees around and there would have been too many flies for a good camp. Just over the summit I found a flat spot by the road and reasonable water nearby. I got the tent up and stayed there for the night.

A place of Inconceivable Happiness.