Loving the warm, sunny weather. Loving that we can take a day trip involving ferry rides, beaches and beautiful scenery. Loving this summer...
Today's destination lies ahead... it should have been Bute but we left home too late and missed the noon ferry, so we visit Cumbrae instead...
...we're rather spoiled for choice for ferry options hereabouts. Within easy day-tripping distance lie the Isles of Arran, Bute and Great Cumbrae, and it is also possible to take ferries across the Clyde to Dunoon and Kilcreggan.
Two ferries ply back and forth all day between Largs and Cumbrae. The crossing is short - about 15 minutes and as soon as the ferry is emptied it reloads for the return journey. Many people visit on foot as there is a regular bus service into Millport, the only town/village on the island. Bikes are also very popular - you can either take your own or hire various styles in Millport. The circuit of the island by road is only 10 miles and is very flat. The views are amazing and there aren't many cars - it's ideal for a family bike ride.
We set off in a clockwise direction, heading south from the ferry slip.
It's very hot. Soon we pass a a small museum and aquarium, it's only £1 each to visit, we go in to escape the sun for a while...
Then back on the road - we plan to have our picnic at the beach in Millport. It's a gorgeous setting. After lunch the hubby and the children go for a dip in the sea while I lie on the sand and read my book. Did I mention it was hot! To be honest, I'd rather have had a little patch of shade, but the views were wonderful and it was lovely to see people enjoying the simple pleasures of a visit to the seaside.
Eventually the children are persuaded out of the water by a promise of icecreams and cold drinks, then we set off to continue our circuit of the island.
The mountains belong to Arran, where we were earlier in the summer holidays.
Looking inland. The best views though are out to sea.
Ox eye daisies.
N picks one for me.
My shell collection.
A last pause at one of the little beaches.
Approaching the ferry. We miss this one but it's only 15 mins till the next one.
Here it is, unloading a tractor.
On we get. I should mention that N's bike is attached to hubby's by means of a "follow-me". This means he can be towed along, or can cycle independently if desired. He was towed the whole way...
We see the Waverly in the distance as we cross.
I'm rather taken by A's footwear.
Once back in Largs we have fish suppers on the esplanade and watch the ferries. The bikes are then packed back on the car and we head for home.It was a grand day out.
14 comments:
How utterly wonderful, I haven't been in Millport in years and you've fair put me in the mood.
What a wonderful day out!!! It is such a beautiful place and I feel cooler just for seeing your photos. Just the place to go and chill out for a day by the sounds of it. xx
oh that does sound like a wonderful day out!
What a wonderful place, you've captured it beautifully. It sounds like you're having a blissful time. CJ xx
beautiful views, amazing bike rides~ it was like i was there thanks for sharing your beautiful summer trips.
being on the coast of devon next to the coast of Cornwall we have lots of ferry boats its really handy and a lovely way to travel to the sweet small coastal villages and national trust lands and just for a few pounds each way makes a wonderful and very cheap day out ;o)
What a wonderful day, your children will grow up with such happy childhood memories. Photos brill as usual! Xxx
What a super family day out. The scenery is beautiful. I've not been to Scotland at all but there are so many places up there I'd love to visit!
It looks like a grand day out! I'm beginning to think that in years to come we'll be referring to this summer as "the hot one of '14'", or words to that effect. Long may the sun continue. Although if someone were to turn the heat down I wouldn't complain! 30C again here today.
Beautiful day, beautiful scenery, beautiful pictures. Thank you. I learn so much about different parts if the world from bloggy land !
I so enjoyed these lovely photos. I love Millport, we used to go over every year when I was a child. Went last year with my daughter and husband and enjoyed it so much....it hasn't really changed over the years has it?
Marianne x
Such a beautiful place to visit with your family. I am so glad the day was so gorgeous.
Hugs,
Meredith
Oh, you are such a tease, I so want to go back the Argyll! It is the most gorgeous part of Scotland that I have been to.
We have visited Cumbrae at the beginning of the holiday, it is magical. It wasn't hot then and I missed out on swimming. You are right, we are spoilt for choice in our part of the word. Cx
Hi, just discovered your blog. It looks like a lovely place to visit.
Leah x
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