Day 11. Brodick to Oban (Jan)

Day 11: 140km/172km

Broddick to Oban

via Lochranza, ferry to Claonaig (Kintyre), Tarbert, Lochgilphead, Kilmartin, Kilniniver/Lochawe

'What's in a Scotch pie please?'

'Meat'

Hmmm well, maybe. My head wasn't working very well after 80 miles, including the last 20 on broken roller-coasting forest roads up the side of Loch Awe. But even I could work out that a 'meat' pie would set me up better for the final 20 miles into Oban than a packet of 'Gift from Scotland' shortbread.

'Ok'

The day had started well: Michael drove us back to Broddick, where we had left our bikes at the Douglas Hotel, opposite the ferry terminal. The bikes were still there and - miracle - the receptionist came out to us, with the water bottle I had left in last night's taxi. Amazing! We skipped along quiet roads to beautiful Lochanza, in time for the first ferry across to Kintyre. Too early for Jen's suggestion of fish at Skipness Castle, we had breakfast overlooking the harbour in Tarbert, then split up. I took the 'pretty' route out of Kilmartin, going up the east side of LochAwe, whilst Jony and Mark very sensibly stuck to the main route to Oban. It was indeed pretty - for the first 10 miles of bright sunshine. Then the road surface got worse, the clouds descended and the hills got steeper. I couldn't believe that a loch could go on so long! By the time I finally rounded the head, I was soaked and exhausted. Relieved to see the main road and a shop. And ready to refuel with any kind of Scotch meat pie!

Raced down to Oban for icecream by the harbour and the wonderful ambiance of Arbour Hotel.

A rather fine view of the harbour including a slightly odd column
that appears to be producing clouds.