Kilchattan Bay, Isle of Bute

It was after eight when our boat berthed at Androssan where we'd planned to stay overnight in the port car park. It soon became apparent we would not. The area seemed rough and after being wrapped in the 'warm comfort blanket' of being on the islands we wanted to stay overnight somewhere that felt relaxing and safe. On the ferry journey over from Arran we decided we'd like to visit one more island. Bute was close by, so we headed up the coast towards Wemyss Bay where the ferry sailed from. At Largs there was a designated parking area especially for vans. We'd vowed we'd never return here as last time we stayed youngsters parked near us during the night with loud music playing.

That couldn't happen now. We were in a separate area. Fourteen vehicles were already there.

Behind us a Dutch couple with a roof tent. They were very envious of our set up. 

This morning just a short drive to Wemyss Bay to catch a sailing to the island of Bute. The ferry terminal was adjacent to the railway station. A beautiful Victorian building complete with an extravagant set of fifteen urinals in the gents!

Bute is fairly near to Glasgow. 'Back in the day', a return ticket to Wemyss Bay cost just 95p. The ferry was rammed.

Whilst waiting for the ferry the paddle steamer Waverly sailed past.

Over the half hour journey we were entertained by a hen party, the bride dressed as a banana, whilst one of the bridesmaids plied everyone in the party with prosecco. It was midday, how many of the older members would be able to stand the course?  Wanting a peaceful overnight spot we headed to  the viewpoint car park overlooking Scalpsie Bay.

We could see a few seals perched on the rocks. A wedding car arrived. The bride and groom emerging. From another vehicle a photographer. The chauffeur explained this was a popular spot for married couples to be photographed. We could understand why. The views were stunning, and the sun even shone for them. But we weren't happy about leaving Marge whilst we took a walk out. Lots of vehicles were coming and going, and we felt a little unnerved. So we drove a short way along the coast to Kilchattan Bay, where the overnight parking spot is at the end of the village's no through road. It was perfect. The views are stunning.

We walked out along the coast path, a little uneven in places and sat a while.

Back at Marge two other vans had arrived and we all watched an American submarine cut through the waters as it headed out into the open seas. The waves caused by it's wake thundering onto the rocks below us. Time for John to fish a while before dinner, and then another day was almost over.

We've been away six weeks now and it's flown by. One last thought. How drunk are the hen party crowd now!