Day 38 22/6/16 Tarbert and surrounds on the Kintyre Peninsula

Day 38 In and around Tarbert - Kintyre Peninsula, Scotland

We had a slow start this morning.  Mike is still not felling the best and we took advantage of having our own qualified beautician and the ladies lined up to have their nails done - many thanks Janet.  Claire was particularly pleased with her nails.  Interestingly none of the boys lined up especially given the examples of embedded "grease and oil".  Oh well their loss! 
 
By this time it was decided to take a trip north to Lochgilphead where we had planned on visiting the Kilmory Castle and Gardens.

4 cars set off north, in search of castles and gardens

Salmon Farms in southern end of Loch Fyne

Overcast view across Loch Fyne

One brave yachty....

Great coastal views...

Continuing Northward.to Lochgilphead

Some great architecture...both old and new.

Storm clouds gathering...over Loch Fyne

Crossing the swing bridge across the canal entering Lochgilphead.

Downtown Lochgilhead

Claire studies the map..

Peter topping up on fuel.

We set out again looking for Kilmory Castle

McFritz studying the map.

McFritz "Guys, I think I can help"

See, I told you I could help

After some discussions and several stops we headed south and into Lochgilphead.  We went up and down several streets looking for any reference to Kilmory Castle or gardens.  There were a couple of clues by way of street names but no signage.  We became separated Peter and Janet disappeared down yet another side street.  Alan, Noeline and ourselves headed towards A816 and stopped at the canal loch in Cairnbaan.  There was a cafe and we decided it was a great spot for lunch.  We were about to ring Norman and Claire when from behind a parked car popped Norman (as if by magic),  They had the same idea.  After lunch, we were treated to some entertainment by a couple of big yachts travelling through the loch system to save a couple of days sailing around the coast.  It was interesting to watch and the boys were very interested. 

Smaller yacht enters the loch at Cairnbaan

Cairnbaan Loch on the Crinan Canal

Crinan Canal joins Loch Gilp (Loch Fyne) and the Sound of Jura

Lunch stop

We decided to travel in a triangle of "B" roads before heading back to West Tarbert.  This trip took in some very narrow bridges, a moor, some standing stones, lots of midgees and a number of rather large horse flies!!

Another canal swing bridge.

Canal bridge near Bellanoch

Standing stones near Kilmartin

The large yacht reaches the end of Crinan Canal at Lochgilphead

Unloading timber at Lochgilphead wharf

Hallo Hallo what have we here then!...Alan and Norman

Travelling back through Lochgilphead we found a much needed laundry at the end of the canal.  A cup of tea and cake allowed us time for a wash and dry cycle. 

Ship coming to collect timber

In the meantime, Peter and Janet had continued to search for the castle.  After some consultation with locals they discovered the castle was being used as the Council Offices.  The somewhat confused attendant on the front desk advised Peter that A) the gardens are being refurbished, b) they didn't normally have tours but as it was council offices they were welcome to wander around and c) while they didn't have a cafe as such they did have a canteen which was open to all.  He discovered that 5 pounds bought tea and lunch for two which was unexpected excellent value.