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From Helensburgh where I visited Hill House I had two options travel on to Tarbert: Either crossing over to the A82 to travel along Loch Lomond or to take the A814 along Gare Loch and Loch Long. As I had already been at Loch Lomond several times I opted for the A814. And it was worth it.
On the left you can see Gare Loch with Garelochhead in the foreground. In the background you can just catch a glimpse of Greenock on the Firth of Clyde (difficult on this picture, better with a higher resolution and in clear weather). The road then follows Loch Long, it is a very nice drive, although be warned, the road is quite narrow in places and has lots of curves. |
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I don't remember how often I've passed this place, but every time I do it seems to rain. The name of the place? "Rest and be Thankful" on the A83 between Loch Lomond and Loch Fyne.
There is some history behind the name, although I must admit I can't remember it exactly. It has something to do with it being an old military road and being the summit of the pass I think. If I had to walk up the road I certainly would need a rest up a here and would be thankful for it... |
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As mentioned in the comment to the first picture, it always seems to rain when I pass "Rest and be Thankful". But with the constant weather changes during the day I thought I give it another try and rested for a while (at least I could sit in the dry inside the car).
And guess what happened: After about 10-15 minutes a few rays of sun came through and shortly after that the valley was lighted up by sunlight. It only lasted a few minutes, but at least for once I had seen it without rain. |
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Inveraray on Loch Fyne is always worth a stop on the way to Islay. Since I already stopped to visit most of the attractions on earlier visits and the weather wasn't that good anyway I only took a short break this time. On the right you can see the main road with the Loch Fyne Whisky shop on the left. If you have some time to spare I recommend a visit to the castle or to the jail. | |
With the frequent change between torrential rain and bright sunshine it was only a matter of time until I would see a beautiful rainbow. Inveraray was the place where it finally happened.
It was pouring down with rain when suddenly a huge gap opened in the clouds and the sun came through. A beautiful, half circle rainbow appeared over Loch Fyne in perfect view from the pier of Inveraray. On the left you can see me under (part of) the rainbow. |
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As the ferry to Islay was leaving at 7:15 the next morning I needed a hotel as close as possible to the ferry terminal at Kennacraig. I found it in the West Loch Hotel (by Tarbert, Loch Fyne, Argyll PA29 6YF; Tel: +44-(0)1880-820283), which is well prepared for visitors planning to take the early morning ferry.
They also have a nice restaurant and several bars. I had a very nice Chicken filled with Haggis, a good preparation for a wet and stormy day ahead... |
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