Another Wee Trip to Arran

After my last trip to Arran last month it was obvious I hadn't scratched the surface.

So another visit was planned and this time the car was coming on the ferry to give more flexibility.

Once again blessed with some fine sunshine and difficult to believe we are only weeks away from Christmas.

Even with the car, and getting to different locations, this island will need at least one other visit to explore a bit more and capture more images of the scenery and landscape.

Spring beckons and plans are afoot already, so watch this space.

'Caledonian Isles' Arriving at Ardrossan

 'Caledonian Isles' Arriving at Ardrossan

Windfarm Over Ardrossan

Aboard the Ferry

Aboard the Ferry

 Looking Like Summer

Arran Hills

 Machrie Standing Stones

Machrie Standing Stones

Machrie

 Machrie

Aboard the Ferry

Aboard the Ferry

Aboard the Ferry

Aboard the Ferry

Car Deck

Blackwaterfoot

Mountains of Arran

Mountains of Arran


Our Ferry Arrives at Brodick


Snack Time


Aboard the Ferry


Aboard the Ferry


Night Descends Quickly


Homeward Bound

More images are available at - www.dougie-coull-photography.co.uk - better resolution and options to licence.

Day Trip to the Isle of Arran

An impulse thought yesterday afternoon - rather than go to the Trossachs tomorrow - why not the Isle of Arran in the Firth of Clyde?

A phone call to my friend Thomas who travels this route regularly and the plan was complete.

I met Thomas at the ferry terminal in Ardrossan and we boarded the 09:45 ferry.

My first trip on the 'Caledonian Isles' so that was a bonus.

We had nice weather with sun to set us off, but it did deteriorate to cloud later before a last burst of sun as we headed home.

We used the bus service on the island and the drivers were very helpful and friendly. Next time I go over I'll take the car though, as needed more flexibility to stop where and when I wanted to get photographs.

A most enjoyable day and planning my next trip over already.

 Ardrossan Harbour

 Ready to Depart 

 On Our Way 

 Bound for the Isle of Arran

 Approaching Brodick Pier

'Caledonian Isles' at Brodick

Blackwaterfoot Harbour

 Kids Enjoy the Horse Ride

Lagg

 Flowing Stream at Lagg

 Aptly Named

'Caledonian Isles' arriving at Brodick

 Ready to Depart

Homeward Bound

More images are available at - www.dougie-coull-photography.co.uk - better resolution and options to licence.

PS Waverley 5 Island Cruise

 Today it was a trip 'Doon the Watter' on the PS Waverley.

It's been a few years since I was aboard but a tempting offer of a discount voucher paved the way for a great day out - and we were blessed with some wonderful sunshine,

The cruise started at Greenock and we departed right on time at 10:30 and headed to our first port of call - Helensburgh.

After picking up some passengers we sped off in the direction of Dunoon where we had the slightest of delay as we waited on a coach arriving.

Down the river and on to Rothesay and the sun was still holding despite a forecast of cloud.

Then it was across to Largs where a large crowd were waiting to embark, and this completed, we were Millport bound.

After Millport we headed past Little Cumbrae and on down to Brodick in Arran where a fair number disembarked for a few hours while others came aboard as we steamed on down past the Holy Isle to Pladda where we saw the Lighthouse dating from 1790.

Then we covered the route in reverse - still with the sun beating down - till we arrived back at Greenock at 21:30.

A long but very rewarding day on the river aboard the 'Waverley'.

PS Waverley Dining Area

PS Waverley Dining Area

 Engine Room

 Helensburgh to Pick Up Passengers

 Departing Helensburgh - Dunoon the Next Stop

 Heading Back after Visiting Pladda

 Passing Arran

 Holy Isle in the Distance

Seagull Balancing

More images are available at - www.dougie-coull-photography.co.uk - and are also better resolution.