Isle of Cumbrae and Barbay Hill

 26 May 2026

Where: Island of Great Cumbrae including Barbay Hill

Hot weather, just right for a traditional trip "Doon the Water". Largs was rammed but the queue for the ferry wasn't too bad and there were two ferries operating. We were on the Loch Shira for both journeys. On previous visits I had walked or cycled the 11 miles round the island but today I took the car as such physical effort was out of the question, at least for now. Ferry approaching and leaving Largs and the journey over (only 10 minutes).....

As expected most of the passengers headed in the direction of Millport so we went straight to the west coast, stopping at the memorial to the sailors from HMS Shearwater who drowned in 1844.....

The west coast is mainly rocky but there are a few sandy type beaches and we spent a bit of time at one if these. There are great views of the Arran peaks from here with the island of Bute in front of them.....

I couldn't visit Cumbrae without going to the highest point, Barbay Hill, which is a SIB and a Tump. A cross island road goes pretty close to the top so not too much walking to get me and Harvey there. It was popular!.....

After admiring the view for a while, it was back to the car and on to Millport. I only took a couple of photos on the outskirts as the town itself was packed and I couldn't readily see a parking place. For completion, I've also added a photo of the main street taken on a previous occasion.........

A really good day out, Cumbrae never fails to deliver! One final view of the island through the window of the Loch Shira on the way back.....

Loch Leven circuit

 11 May 2026

There is now a walking/cycling trail around Loch Leven (Fife and Kinross) but my current health issues mean that it is not for me at present. I therefore used the car to visit some points of interest. The loch is over 3 miles across and contains a number of island, st Serf's being the biggest. It contains a castle where Mary Queen of Scot's was imprisoned in 1567. I had visited it on a number of occasions so didn't bother today. Instead, I started in Kinross, had a walk in it's Kirkgate Park, then drove clockwise round the loch stopping at a number of points including the village of Scotlandwell and the RSPB Centre where I had my usual cup of hot chocolate and a scone (there was a cold wind blowing).

Some old buildings in Kinross High Street.....

In Kirkgate Park and looking to Benarty Hill, St Serf's island and to West Lomond......

The Kinross old church was situated at the south end of the park; it is no more but the graveyard remains. This contains a mausoleum to the local lairds, the Bruce family.......

Returning to the car, I stopped at a number of points for views; here is a glimpse of West Lomond through the trees.....

Scotlandwell was next on the list and yes, it does have a well! It was of national significance in medieval times and was visited by pilgrims crossing Fife on the way to St Andrews.The canopy over the well was erected by the Bruce family in 1858. I  tried the water but I doubt that it will do anything for me!

There was a large car park on the south side of the loch beside a large chalet development and I stopped there for another walk. A good view of Bishop Hill across the loch.....

The final stop was at the RSPB centre, the facilities much improved since my last visit. The cafe windows provide a good view of the loch.....

On the way home I diverted over the hill road from Cleish. There was an excellent view of the loch and the surrounding area from close to the high point.....

Loch Lomond cruise from Balloch

29 April 2026

A fine, sunny, day so what better to do than go to Loch Lomond for a short cruise with Sweeney's cruises. First time doing this, I have previously stuck with climbing hills when visiting the area. Now that illness has deprived me of the ability to do that I am finding new things to do that continue to get me out into the countryside. This company have a number of boats with open deck and inside seating areas; I spent most of the time on the open deck although the wind was a bit cold when we left the river and headed into the loch proper.....

 

The route followed the west side of the loch passing some large houses and then the Cameron House Hotel as far as Inchmurrin Island before returning down the east side. Good views of the Luss Hills with Ben Lomond in the distance......

Enjoyable!

Dukes Pass, Trossachs

 19 April 2026

Where: Aberfoyle and the Duke's Pass.

Another visit to Aberfoyle today- with Steven and Harvie. Carried on to the viewpoint at the head of the Duke's Pass from where there is a fine view north to Ben Ledi and Benvane.....

Lochan Spling

 20 March 2026

Lochan Spling is a small loch deep in the Queen Elizabeth Forest Park accessed by track from Milton car park 1 mile west of Aberfoyle. As well as nice scenery, it is notable for the loch sculptures by Rob Mulholland. We spotted the pike and the dragonfly.