We were probably too excited about our first CalMac ferry to work out our true distance today as it came to 10km more than we had in our minds. That, combined with a strong headwind made it quite hard.
The route from Ayr to the ferry at Ardrossan is all NCN 7 and 73 and was blissful and we saw our first crop of cyclists since arriving in Scotland. A familiar mix of promenade, skirting golf courses and weaving through estates of bungalows and industrial estates, and an airport to avoid main roads.
The latter part, however was a smooth track through gorse and sand dunes with impressive skies and ominous light over Arran.
At this point the sky opened up and gave us a hail storm.
We were first on the ferry and we joined in the custom of a mug of tea and bowl of chips. A brief spell on deck to taste the sea air and get blasted by the arctic wind. A couple nearly lost their dog who was swept through the gap under the railings and was airborne and saved by his lead. We are not sure if the quivering result, as it nestled into the owners lap, was excitement or horror!
We docked at Arran in sunshine and ate at the Douglas Hotel which was packed. At about 7pm there was a mass exodus, it then dawned on us, as we glanced out at the ferry, that they were prolonging their weekend on Arran until the last boat back.
Figures:
Distance:- 45.5 km
Cycle Time:- 3 hours 39 minutes
Average speed:- 12.4 kph
Total Distance:- 1987 km
No comments:
Post a Comment