The Southern Isles

[MichaelJ]

In case people are interested, here - https://www.dropbox.com/sh/s71r1jhigy58gtb/AAB8U58v6ro9W_G4_xpmaLyna?dl=0 are a set of photos from our 2 week tour of the southern isles having left the car at Ardrossan, Ferry to Campbeltown, Kintyre Peninsula, Islay, Jura, Colonsay, Oban, Kilmartin/Crinan, Arran and then back to Ardrossan.   Dropbox appears to have put the photos in reverse order - the sequence starts with the car park in Ardrossan.  GPX files here -  https://www.dropbox.com/sh/xxk5rr1rue348hk/AAAoeszOXNY3m9e0i1mmr7ssa?dl=0  Excellent, and not many other cyclists doing the same.  Three Thorns and a Linskey (sorry, not me).  Michael

[John Saxby]

Super photos, Michael--thanks.  Loved the skies!  Not too much evidence of horizontal rain, either--finely judged choice of time and place   (Confess I wondered if you had borrowed Rual's camera to ensure Tourism-Board-approved skyscapes.)

[MichaelJ]

Hi John

We were lucky with the weather.  Only one session of riding in rain, when we got off the ferry on Islay for the short ride to Kintra.  And the wind was very kind to us, blowing hard from the northeast on the two days Oban to Crinan, Crinan to Arran.  Skies - that's the Scottish islands for you.

Michael

[Matt2matt2002]

Excellent pictures
Many thanks
My old stamping ground. Many a mile I've put in over those roads and islands.
Eigg was my favourite.
Pleased you enjoyed your trip.
Matt

[PH]

Some great photos and prime camping spots.
It's too many years since I was last on a Scottish ferry, I think I'll make next year the one I rectify that, thanks for the inspiration!

[Matt2matt2002]

Some great photos and prime camping spots.
It's too many years since I was last on a Scottish ferry, I think I'll make next year the one I rectify that, thanks for the inspiration!

Let know if you make it up here and are looking for a partner.

[rualexander]

"The Southern Isles"?
Never heard them called that before.

[lewis noble]

Good photos, thanks.

We leave for Arran on 18th July, probably parking campervan up at the campsite near Lamlash.  My first visit to the island, though my wife has been before.  Main focus will be walking, as that suits Dilys better and we will have the dog - but I'm taking my Audax and hope to get a few rides in.

In September, off to France again, no dog, so hopefully more bike rides. 

Anyone here live on Arran?

Lewis - Sheffield

[Matt2matt2002]

"The Southern Isles"?
Never heard them called that before.

Me neither. Western Isles better. Or Inner and Outer.......

Maybe its a local thing?

[MichaelJ]

"Southern Isles" - well Calmac group Islay, Jura, Colonsay, Gigha and Kintyre as the "Southern Hebrides", with Mull, Col, Tiree, Iona and Lismore as the Inner Hebrides.  Various people then use Hebrides and Isles almost interchangeably and so I went for Southern Isles, sorry if that has confused!  I would understand "The Western Isles" as a reference to the Outer Hebrides.

Walking on Arran - as we had heard lots of people talk fondly of Goat Fell we carried light weight walking boots all the way round with us, and were very pleased we did.  The ridge between Goat Fell and North Goat Fell and then the drop down to the Glen Rosa col is lovely, and we only wished we had another day to do the other half of the horseshoe.

Michael

[PH]

Some great photos and prime camping spots.
It's too many years since I was last on a Scottish ferry, I think I'll make next year the one I rectify that, thanks for the inspiration!

Let know if you make it up here and are looking for a partner.

I'll let you know Matt, probably looking at next May.

[Matt2matt2002]

Some great photos and prime camping spots.
It's too many years since I was last on a Scottish ferry, I think I'll make next year the one I rectify that, thanks for the inspiration!

Let know if you make it up here and are looking for a partner.

I'll let you know Matt, probably looking at next May.

It's in my diary.😀

[trailplanner]

Superb. Spending a couple of weeks ferry hopping, camping, beachcombing and easy cycling days in the Inner/Southern Hebrides is a fantastic idea.  I'll have to pencil that in for October or May 2020.