I had wanted to take the dogs across the 'water' for ages, but a variety of reasons- work, weather, other walks, and of course Apathy- prevented it from happening. Time to fulfil my promise to 'ma wee dug' Arran, and take him over to his namesake- in the company of his brother Glen of course 
One eye on the weather, and a day off- with a mate under orders not to do anything to damage an already ' skelpit' patella, then Wednesday it was. The day had dawned-well not quite at 0400, the logistics were-up and caffeined, dogs harnessed, bags ready, water for dogs- and me, chicken nibbles packed (dogs only) silent whistle round the neck, wallet, car keys- check!Out the door, a few barks- again, dogs only, to wake the neighbours and into the car then Ardrossan bound
Arrived at the car park for the ferry terminal to find no-one in residence, walked down to the booth to see if anyone was in there, no. Walked back up to my car, and spied a figure sleeping on the seat with the hood of hisjacket placed to obscure the sight of him- he has to be wakened. A few sharp taps on the window and the occupant of the booth was in the land of the living
After being supplied with the required ticket, we parked. Hopped the boys over the wall for a well earned 'rest break', and back to the car for me to boot up. Across from the car park
DSCN0374 by BoydBlair, on Flickr
Time to head down to purchase our ticket. The boys had never been on a ferry, so glad they had their little walk first
0640 we boarded Eilean Caledonia- Brodick bound the engines kick in and Glen has his head buried behind my rucksac, and panting heavily- poor wee soul 
He was much happier when we headed up top to the bracing sea air, but Arran wasn't- this was going to upset no matter what I tried. At last time to disembark- two happy dogs Down to terra firma, Arran now decided to make Arran his property by peeing on it- that boy has style, 
and a large bladder Now it was his he wanted to explore !
DSCN0378 by BoydBlair, on Flickr
DSCN0379 by BoydBlair, on Flickr
Took the Fishermans path to the Visitor Centre, and headed up the trade route well before the hoardes the would eventually follow.
DSCN0382 by BoydBlair, on Flickr
It was a warm start, but with some shade to be had at times. The Chaos Crew were in no mood to mess about, they are always in such a hurry early on, as I tell them - Cadbury's Caramel........
DSCN0383 by BoydBlair, on Flickr
DSCN0386 by BoydBlair, on Flickr
The clouds were teasing us, hugging the summit, then disappearing leaving the summit clear and inviting. A slow ascent without a break for me, just happy to plod and drink on the go- savouring the surroundings. the dogs were happy as pigs in proverbial
DSCN0387 by BoydBlair, on Flickr
DSCN0390 by BoydBlair, on Flickr
DSCN0391 by BoydBlair, on Flickr
They were scenting something today as their noses wer constantly on the go as we headed towards the ridge- spotted the object of their desire- Deer. Only a couple running slowly away in the opposite direction- obviously the Chaos Crews deodorant was inadequate for purpose.
DSCN0393 by BoydBlair, on Flickr
DSCN0394 by BoydBlair, on Flickr
DSCN0396 by BoydBlair, on Flickr
As I said previously the clouds were toying with us today, as we approached the crags near the summit we were enveloped. Not to panic though, as blue sky could be seen through the haze
DSCN0401 by BoydBlair, on Flickr
Not long till they are starting to clear, and the summit views reveal themselves in abundance- magic !
DSCN0402 by BoydBlair, on Flickr
DSCN0403 by BoydBlair, on Flickr
DSCN0404 by BoydBlair, on Flickr
DSCN0411 by BoydBlair, on Flickr
DSCN0415 by BoydBlair, on Flickr
DSCN0416 by BoydBlair, on Flickr
Some deer, zoomed, from the summit
DSCN0417 by BoydBlair, on Flickr
DSCN0421 by BoydBlair, on Flickr
Our friendly seagull
DSCN0422 by BoydBlair, on Flickr
DSCN0423 by BoydBlair, on Flickr
More cloud
DSCN0428 by BoydBlair, on Flickr
DSCN0430 by BoydBlair, on Flickr
We spent about an hour on the summit, talking to arrivals, taking pics for them, and generally ' pure lappin' it up'
A magic day to fulfil a promise.Set off back down and saw the hoardes snaking their way up all along the path
Good to be out that much earlier, only met 4 people on the summit-but there must have been around 40 on the path on their way upwards.A last look around
DSCN0433 by BoydBlair, on Flickr
DSCN0434 by BoydBlair, on Flickr
Said hello to all we passed, and conversed with a few to tell them the views are amazing
Arrived back down for the 1350 ferry we had seen depart Brodick on our way down
. A fine Island I had only visited once- in 1979, a punk rock camping weekend Now with Arran having visited his namesake, I'm happy to visit again to explore the rest of its mountainous regions at my leisure.Here are a few pics I changed slightly for effect, Cheers.
DSCN0395 by BoydBlair, on Flickr
DSCN0398 by BoydBlair, on Flickr
DSCN0432 by BoydBlair, on Flickr
- cheers 
