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Published: August 16th 2016
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Peninsular of Kintyre
Took another ferry much smaller this time from Lochranza to the Peninsular of Kintyre. Drove down the peninsular towards the Mull of Kintyre (the closest place to Northern Ireland) on a very skinny road with passing bays. Having to stop for passing made my driver slow right down making a very leisurely and scenic drive – unusual. Like going back in time, a place forgotten. Many beautiful old houses and farm buildings some of them derelict, looking forlornly out to sea. Maybe it’s too remote for anyone but sheep. Came to the end of the road at Skipness the post office a small cubicle in a equally small shop had in use scales looked like from the 50’s. Further along we drove up a drive instructing us as being the grounds of Torrisdale Castle and tannery a venue for weddings etc. Turned out to be a Victorian house built in a castle style. Also turned out to be private property. Oops! After an apology asked if we could take a photo. Lady of the house hanging out the washing of course wanted to know where we were from in NZ. Her daughter she said, lives
in Raglan. Raglan! She has three children and her husband works in the garage there. She said her daughter thought it was a better place to bring up the children. She didn’t sound too convinced herself and neither were we… Raglan could have a slight edge on the weather however. Having said that we did see some sun today. Further along the road we came to Seddell Abbey, or what’s left of it. Built in the 1100 by Cistercian monks who were kicked out around the 1500’s as the land was transferred by the Pope to the Bishop of Ayrshire. Beautiful ruins and cemetery in a leafy glade beside a rushing brook. On to Campbeltown across the other side of the peninsular which is an old port town much larger than we thought and rather picturesque as you come over the hill. Into the Black Sheep for lunch. The afternoon got us to Tarbet a very old fishing village and checked in to our accommodation. The afternoon sun was just right for taking our pre-dinner drinks across the road (plastic cups please) to sit and watch the fishing boats. We were looking forward to our dinner at the Starfish arranged
and booked for us by Kirsten and looking forward to seeing her as she had done so much of the organising of this part of our trip. She welcomed us with her big beaming smile and poured us some bubble she was to be our waitress for the evening. A very popular fish restaurant and our meals were beautiful. All local fish fare and what they refer to as King Scallops. Fatter than what I’ve seen for a while. Also Queen scallops which look like baby scallops but are actually their own breed – very sweet. Feeling very fortunate to have met Kirsten who led us to this part of the country as we would never have come this way on our own. The Western Isles is a great place to explore and island hop by ferry, as usual wished we had more time.
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