Loch Doon to Lochranza

The night was wet, with a loud sound of the rain hitting the tent at times. There was a dry interval around 6 am, useful for dismantling the tent and packing, and then long spells of rain for the cycle to Troon made it a chore. Visibility of views was poor, so the main road option from Ayr to Prestwick was tried for a change. The satisfactory amount of traffic made this OK except for the degraded nature of the surface at the left edge of the road in several stretches. Arrival at the terminal was in time to book on the 9:15 ferry.

In Brodick, Wooleys the bakers was good for a picnic breakfast and Arran Active was the place to buy some additional bad-weather gear and to pick their brains on suitable kit for camping in winter.

Cycling from Brodick to the campsite here in Lochranza was hindered by a strengthening wind. During the long tough hill, the use of the smaller chainring for the first time was really appreciated as it kept the leg speed from falling drastically. For the long descent the new, thicker brake pads meant that less lever movement was required to engage them, inspiring confidence.

A fellow camper, here from the Netherlands with his folding bike and folding trailer, is here for the 30th anniversary of the whisky festival, which starts on Saturday. He can choose to ride or, without booking, take all his stuff on a bus or train.