Crinan canal tow path.
Rain was forecast for the first half of the day and as we took breakfast at 8 it was fulfilling that promise. As there was some slop in the timings for the cycling in relation to the ferries we had decided that we would delay departure to around 10 to minimise our time in the rain. Having togged up in full waterproofs we emerged to light rain that then completely stopped by the time we had extricated ourselves from the very chatty landlady.
Waiting for the ferry to Lochranza.
By the time we reached the Crinnan canal jackets had to be shed but we kept on the overtrousers just in case.
Our route took us along the Crinnan canal tow path right down to Ardrishaig. The good surface and level alignment made for rapid progress. At our coffee stop at Tarbet the
Climbing to 199m on road to Sannox.
waterproofs were thankfully put away. There had been few hills in the day so far but from Kennacraig to Cloanaig the road rises to 127m in a fairly short distance so it tested our legs after the previous two day's efforts. The timings between our two Arran ferries allowed sufficient time for lunch
At the highest point. We thought we could still hear some faint echoes of Ron's mutterings regarding our race against the clock across Arran from LEJOG.
but we pressed on to Brodick before we took it. There is the matter of another stiff climb between Lochranza and Sannox that goes up to 199m so eating in Lochranza then climbing the hill did not appeal. Bottom gear was employed for some of the steeper sections as the power in the legs seems to be
The Arran coast north of Brodick.
getting less day by day.
The descent down to Sannox was great with a maximum speed of just over 70km/hr on an empty road where there was forward visibility all the way. We then wound our way along the coast arriving in Brodick with plenty of time for our late lunch. Off the ferry we
Ardrossan promenade.
followed the NCN route south into Irvine where we arrived almost bang on predicted time (due mainly to the short distance from Ardrossan and the punctual arrival of the ferry. We will pass back along this way in a few days time on our return leg although we will not be stopping in Irvine. A very nice B&B where the proprietor did a load of washing for us that should keep us fit for company for a while longer. It was all neatly folded and socks paired when we went for breakfast.
