Arran – the castles
With a couple of friends we rented an apartment in Arran over the May Day Bank Holiday. It was a long time since we’d been and it was their first visit – it was definitely a success, but, as with our earlier weekend in Galloway, the weather was a bit iffy. Still, we got out and about and there was plenty to see.
It was a disappointment to find that Brodick Castle is closed this year, presumably for maintenance. However, the gardens were open and we spent a whole morning wandering about.
Later that day, we went to Lochranza Castle, a 13th century ruin which can be visited free of charge. What a beautiful setting!
The following day, we had lunch at the Kildonan Hotel and took a short walk afterwards to see Kildonan Castle. This is also 13th century, though there’s much less of it left and it’s not accessible – it’s actually in someone’s garden! The modern standing stones at the hotel were interesting too.
Next time: the walks.
The Glasgow Gallivanter 
How lovely, Anabel. I think I could be quite happy living in Brodick Castle. 🙂
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He he, couldn’t we all? With an army of servants of course…….
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The gardens at Brodick Castle are beautiful, and you’re right, the setting for Lochranza Castle is fabulous. Your photos are so atmospheric. What are those yellow bushes there? They really add to the beauty of the place. 🙂
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Thanks Cathy! It’s gorse – blooms just about everywhere here giving lovely splashes of colour.
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Thanks for telling me about the gorse. I love it!
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The great thing is that there are several types which bloom at different times, so there’s nearly always something flowering.
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Someday, I’ll see the blooming gorse in person! 🙂
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Another place I haven’t been. My son takes his children they love it.
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You should definitely go – it’s beautiful!
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I’m envious. I love castles. My favourite here in Lochranza Castle 🙂
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Mine too, but they are all beautiful.
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You are one of the first blogs I read after changing over from Blogger and wiping out my old blog, and still my fave. I am passing this along to you (don’t know if you are interested) but I am doing the pass the nominating to a fave. I have nominated you for the VB Award. You deserve many awards 🙂 https://365daysblog.com/
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Thank you for all those kind words! *Blushes* I’m ambivalent about awards and challenges – my feeling at the moment is that I have a pile-up of posts waiting to be written so wouldn’t have the time. However, I appreciate very much that you picked me!
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I understand. No guilt from me 🙂
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Beautiful photos. Looking forward to reading more of your blog 🙂
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Thank you for visiting and reading!
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So beautiful, seeing all the photos I was thinking about the people who lived in them 🙂
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Thank you! I think they would have been rather cold to live in….
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Stunning locations Anabel – the 13th century ruins of Lochranza are especially picturesque 🙂
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Aren’t they?! Even though it was quite cold we lingered for a long time just drinking in the scenery.
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