I have spent so much of this trip watching clouds. Partly because they are so fascinating, and to me one of the best things about a life lived mainly outdoors.

Culzean Castle was an amazing place for cloud watching, and the sunsets over Arran were just beautiful.

I also cloud watch so I can predict weather, I have been so lucky with this trip to Scotland, only a few really wet days, and there is something very magical about watching the clouds over the mountains after it has rained, or the joy of waking up to blue skies after a wet day.

So I don’t mind the rain at all, after all Scotland would be nothing without its lochs and rivers.

The grounds of Culzean Castle were extensive, and I had some excellent walks around the grounds. The gardens are so lovely and lush, quite tropical in their appearance. 

My favourite walk was the one along the rocky coastline, with more views of Arran and Ailsa Craig.

I also had a guided tour of the castle, which was very much a home built to impress visitors.  All these weapons were bought for the entrance hall displays.

After a great five days at Culzean I headed north to Sue’s house, just above Loch Lomond,  taking the scenic route via the coast.  I stopped at Gourock for a picnic, at the Lyles Hill viewpoint, with a panorama across the Clyde. 

It was only a quick visit this time, just two nights, but another old friend from Polytechnic was there as well, who I hadn’t seen for 5 years, so that was great. It is always a joy to stay with Sue, not only is the place amazing,  but she is also an excellent host.

We just had time for one trip, to the west coast to Crinan, where a canal was built in the 1700s to connect the lochs and give easy access to  the sea by Jura.

Gorgeous views again, a very different landscape to that around Loch Lomond. 

Then it was time to head north again, with a quick stop in Oban for supplies, and to visit McCaig’s Tower, a coliseum like structure, with views over Oban to the Isle of Mull, and more fabulous clouds!

I am now at the very iconic, and very famous Glencoe, and this is the view from my pitch. I have already had some great walks,  which I will tell you about in the next post.

Today is a rest day, it has rained a lot overnight, and this morning, so while I have been snug and dry in Katy, there have been lots of people packing up in the wet, poor things. This site is used a lot by people touring with tiny tents, but there are a couple of shelters for them to cook in and hang clothes.

I will be back soon, so until then, have fun, take care, stay safe and thanks for visiting.