Lochranza to Loch Doon

For me, waking up and not knowing where I am is a sure sign of a good sleep. Today it meant quickly keying up for the 600 foot climb ahead. There was no rain for me until mid afternoon, and the wind had dropped so much that the midge net was used as defence against a swarm of the blighters that were round the bike during packing.

Cycling was especially pleasant in weather conditions so much improved and with views about average. The Brodick to Troon ferry crossing in the new Glen Sannox was remarkably smooth. My seat was at a table designed for wheelchair users, with height adjustable at the touch of a button. Finding the optimum height was a must! Not many seemed to notice that the warning safety message on departure was replayed as we docked (instead of a message telling categories of passengers where they should make for).

My second meal at the Hollybush Inn was totally different from the first and equally admirable. Sunday lunch quite rightly had attracted a good number to enjoy its offerings.

A "find" today was the Londis supermarket next to the Jet filling station on the main road in Dalmellington. This has a good range of products at reasonable prices and opens at 6 am on Mon to Sat and at 8 am on Sundays. For my early starts from Loch Doon in the opposite direction a coffee and shopping stop will be convenient.

A conversation with Sparky about my intention to buy a trailer to carry a bulky four-season sleeping bag to campsites in and close to Dumfries & Galloway prompted him to show me one used by an angler with a caravan on this site. I look forward to discussing its merits when he is around.

Today’s stats were about 43 miles with 2300 feet of ascent and 830 active calories. Tomorrow’s return home should leave me in better shape than did the long Lochranza to Dumfries cycle last time on this route.