Lochranza to Kilmelford

I learned much from Dirk and Linda over an enjoyable couple of hours. After chatting on the ferry to Claonaig we cycled together to the scenic port Tarbert and looked out over the bay whilst refuelling. You can learn much from the their hugely impressive website DiLiStuff.Com, which describes their extended tours by bike and their kit. They carry a coffee grinder! You can see it with a search for “cof” on their most useful Gear page.

After the path by the Crinan Canal from Ardrishaig the right turn towards Kilmartin passes through an area famous for evidence of ancient settlements such as stone circles and burial mounds.

Kilmartin is an interesting place with public toilets, viewpoints and a museum next to the park, making it an obvious place to stop. Here one can enjoy a snack, coffee and perhaps a chat to fellow travellers. This time Cool? and Balvinder spoke about how they were able to support their sons and grandchildren and timed trips to coincide with when the families were away on holiday. He had worked on huge power stations.

Kilmelford is not only well-situated, providing a break between the tough climbs from Kilmartin to Oban, but has good toilet and shower facilities (including a shower that reliably keeps the hot water temperature within a narrow range and with more than enough places to put clean and dirty kit). David and family have been helpful and welcoming at all times and banter among the yachties can be amusing. These photos were taken from Kilmelford Yacht Haven (KYH) on my return. Work had already started on the nearest yacht and Anne and Ian were enjoying an early-morning paddle.