Arran, part three, the distillery & Cock of Arran.

Today started with a lovely haggis breakfast. That REALLY set us up for the day :-)

However, we almost didn't make it, as we (uncharacteristically) overlay until 8:40! We scrambled about and got downstairs as soon as we could, apologising profusely to Kath (who informed us it was ok, as she never started the cooked breakfast until she could; 'see the whites of your eyes' - a good plan).

After hearing that the distillery was open only Wednesday in the week, we decided to pay a visit. It's the youngest distillery in Scotland, and was only opened in 1995. The whisky is no worse off for this though, as it's one of the smoothest and nicest I've tasted. They are having a big celebration on July 3rd, and we really do wish we could get, but there are two things stopping us, the cafe, and the midges!

See http://www.arranwhisky.com/

This is the visitors centre.

The rocks behind hold a pair of nesting Eagles,

which can often be seen soaring on the thermals.

It's been built very tastefully, and looks like it's been there for ever, not just 15 years.

Inside the visitors centre. Barley grows behind a lovely plate glass mural.

There's a man-made waterfall behind me, which adds the soothing sound of tumbling water.

The stills - these are one-offs, the same as a lot of distilleries.

After this point, no more photos were allowed.

That guy at the spirit safe is the one we met in the pub last night.

The different sized barrels, and me with the end result.

Arran distillery. Awkward to picture at this time of day, with the sun behind it.

Now, it was time for our walk. We drove to Lochranza, with the plan to walk round to the 'Cock of Arran'.

This is Lochranza castle, read all about it here; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lochranza_castle

We parked the car at the roadside (there doesn't seem to be ANY parking charges on Arran - yippee!)

The corner of land you see on the right is where we're headed, then right around it.

On the hillside there was a cottage with this strange 'game' in the yard.

Sue had a go (unsuccessfully), so did I (unsuccessfully).

The guy who owned the place was amazed we knew what it was, until I told him WE had the oldest version in England, at the Old trip to Jerusalem pub - he couldn't believe it!

Here it is - proof - on the 'Ward room' wall in the Trip.

We soon climbed to the crest of the promontory, and set off around the headland.

There is the most charming, secluded and remote cottage nestling in that dip ahead.

This is it - immaculately painted & roofed, we're not sure what it was

- holiday cottage, retreat, what?

All we know is, just looking at it made you sigh and relax -

the sea is only about 20 feet away behind me.

This was the overriding sound today - Oyster Catchers, and of course, Curlew.

The easy grassy path turned quite difficult and rocky for a time,

and we had to be VERY careful. A twisted ankle, or worse, here would be very dicey!

But it was all worth it. The views across to Kintyre, and beyond, were stunning.

Then the 'main event' began, so it was out with the flask, unwrap the Arran cheese,

and just sit back and watch as this beautiful array of light began.

It was quite a cold evening, but we were transfixed to that

bench until the last rays were dying,

then it was lickety-split back to the car ASAP before it got dark on us.

This island still held some wonderful views though as we made our retreat.

We HAD planned to go to a folk night at the Ormidale hotel, but it was cancelled!

So, we went to a bar we were advised not to - Macs bar in Brodick! (To be honest,

it was more by accident than planning).

I must admit, it was a bit 'rough', but we enjoyed it as a bit of a spectacle.

There was a ladies darts match on, which had me holding in a laugh as

the scoring went some thing like this;

3........7......30........22..........5...........80 (loud cheers).........7

Anyway, after about a week, the game ended, and we made our way back to Arran barn.

Tomorrow, we were heading south - to see the incredible stone circles

and standing stones of Machrie Moor.

Next posting........................