Today it's time to explore on foot and follow the the marked Inner Walk to the top of the island. At 417 feet above sea level you are rewarded with amazing panoramic views in every direction. You can look across to the mainland, the islands of Bute and Arran and on a clear day you can see Ben Lomond and the Arrochar Alps. One of the most fun things I did during my time on Cumbrae was to go Geocaching. View my blog post further down the page to read about this treasure hunting craze. On the Inner Walk there are 3 cache locations which were all pretty easy to find once you knew where to look! Geocaching will add another entertaining and educational dimension to your walk and I highly recommend giving it a go.
DAY 2 PM After all that walking and seeking of treasure you will enjoy a proper lunch. Refuelled it's time for one last walk around the town before heading home. Have a look at the few pretty seaside themed shops for the perfect souvenir. Get you camera out and capture some last digital memories of the brightly coloured harbour benches, the house with the smallest frontage in the world (it is next door to the bistro) and don't forget to take a few snaps of the iconic crocodile rock. Head up to Kames Bay where you will get some nice views of Little Cumbrae, Arran and the seafront. If this is your first visit to the Island of Great Cumbrae then a day trip won't be enough to discover the treasures of this little island. If you have the time and budget, stay at least one night, follow my itinerary and you should cover the main attractions. Of course if you have longer then take the chance to relax into Scottish island life. For easy reading I've split this blog into 2 parts, one for each day. DAY 1 AM
I recommend a visit to Garrison House as your starting point. The building itself, complete with sunken gardens, is beautiful to look at and it's history and recent renovation provide a fascinating story and insight into the development of Millport. It is free to visit and houses a small museum complete with video and exhibits telling the story of the building and island. There is also a cafe with free WiFi, a craft shop and you can pick up free leaflets and maps here. If there was one Scottish event I wasn't going to miss this year, it was the launch of The Kelpies. These two 30 metre, 300 tonne, stainless steel horse heads have captured my heart from the beginning. I love that there is something mystical and ethereal about them as they shimmer in the light and give the impression that they could come to life at any moment. The opening night saw a clear blue sky over Falkirk which slowly coloured to orange as the sun began to set. I stood in a snaking queue with excited anticipation at the much hyped fire, light and sound show which was about to take place.
While everyone stood waiting in the now chilly evening, we were entertained by poets, musicians and street performers, all setting the mood for the event ahead. For me, walking is by far the best way to explore and get a feel for a place. Following a long distance pathway can provide a sense of adventure and achievement while you are guided through fascinating and ever changing landscapes, often only accessible on foot. The West Island Way on the Isle of Bute (not to be confused with the much longer and more arduous West Highland Way) leads you on a 40km (25 miles) walking tour of this west coast island. Easily accessible from Glasgow in under 2 hours, yet often overlooked, this long distance walk provides you with stunning and varied scenery as you cross the Highland Boundary Fault Line from Highlands to Lowlands. If you want to really experience the beauty and diversity of a Scottish island, the West Island Way should be on your travel list. You are frequently rewarded with spectacular sea and island vistas from rugged hilltops as the route guides you along coastline, through woodland and farmland and over moorland, passing several pretty lochs along the way. With part of the walk crossing Bute golf course and the island airfield you are never short of variety.
Curious livestock and an abundance of local wildlife from the birds of prey circling overhead to the hares darting across your path or the occasional shy roe deer peeping through the trees ensure you will never be short of company as you progress along your way. For bird watchers and nature lovers there are plenty of opportunities to observe the diversity of wildlife that inhabits the island. |
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