Five Ferry...Attempt

View from the top of the String to Brodick

Adam, Marc and I set off this Saturday to tick off the classic Scottish west coast ride the five ferries. Meeting at Arran we bought tickets and headed the 40/50mins across from Ardrossan to start. The ferries were in winter schedule but that would be fine right?

The route itself is 50 miles going up from Brodick to Lochranza via the coast road. We decided to extend this going up and down the closed string road which was getting a resurface at the bottom. This was a good hard hitting slog, where I found that although I though I was quick enough, I'm pretty rubbish compared to the guy! We headed down the other aide taking both lanes and hitting speeds around 40mph. It's too easy to gain speed though you should exercise caution on the sharp corners with steep drop offs. Marc's friends had first hand experience if this. The only casualty this time thankfully was only my water bottle which flew off without me realising! R.I.P we've had some good times!

In good time we covered the 20 miles to Lochranza to have lunch, watch the ferry come in and then leave again without us on it. A slight (massive) planning oversight on my part didn't read the second ferry could only take 11 people in winter cargo mode!! A week later and it could take the full capacity of over 100 people on its summer schedule! Whoops!

Waiting for the ferry to come in and leave again!

To make the best of a bad situation, which in all honesty on Arran isn't a bad thing since its so lovely, we set off to ride the rest of the island back round the coastal road and take in the other big hill in the south of the island. The ride was great though the wind picked up, blowing you about the road in the exposed sections. On the latter hill I've never been so physically tired tapping out a slow 4mph up the hill. A bit demoralising being dropped then watching Adam also being dropped by Marc! Turns out riding a road bike solely each weekend gives you unbelievable fitness!! Despite the pain the views were clear and spectacular as always. Such a great island so close and easily accessible from Glasgow. Five ferries, I'll be back and hopefully get further than just the one!