The weather reports where mixed today and we couldnt decide what to do. But there was no cloud on Mullach Mor. So after the morning walk on the beach and some dinner we set off to explore the top of the island and Loch Ranza. #isleofarran #scotland #adventure
We arrived on the side of the loch with two warm dogs. So we let them cool off with a swim before starting our walk. We then followed the road up to Newton Point and on the way spotted a cormorant and a seal basking in the weak afternoon sun.
Following the path further around the coast we came accross a stone dedicated to Huttons Unconformity. This is where the 18th-century geologist James Hutton began to realise that the stratifed rock formations showed that the earth was far older than the few thousand years it was believed to be at the time.
You can see the layers and folds in the rocks that helped Hutton develop his theories about how the earth and rocks were formed. Not long after passing the Non- conformity the heavens opened and got a good soaking it did not last long and we pushed on through it.
After passing several other walkers all heading in the opposite direction we rounded the headland to Fairy Dell.
The dell was believed to be an entrance to the fairy underworld. We rested against the stone wall by the house at the bottom of the Dell. Before we start the ascent up the steep slope being mindful of not being disrespectful to the inhabitants of the dell.
We have not gone far when one of our dogs decided he wanted a drink from the stream that runs down the dell. As we scrambled down the bank and the dogs started to drink I looked around and found a tiny fairy seat just a few centimetres high.
If the dogs not needed a drink there and then, we would never have seen it. Maybe there are fairies in Fairy Dell working their magic.
Ascended the dell we paused at regular intervals to regain our breath and take in the view across Kilbrannan Sound. After passing a couple of houses we paused to sit on a bench and soak up a view. Another group of walkers passed by us and I just happened looked up to the hill and there was a beautifal Red Deer stag eating grass.
I was cursing as I dont yet have a zoom lens for my camera. After a few minutes it realised I was watching and bounded off through the bracken.
Carrying on down the road we came to the Whins Craft Workshop and stopped for a chat with the owner, icecreams and enjoyed the view accross the bay. The shop only takes cash so make sure you have some with you.
We then pushed on down the hill back to where we had left the car. We had hoped to stop at Loch Ranza distilery but it closed as we arrived so thats a trip for another day.
Driving back we spotted another stag. Wow two in one day. Still cursing I don’t have a zoom lens.
Click on the link to see the full route and download the gps file https://explore.osmaps.com/route/13892313/lochranza-fairy-dell
We have taken all reasonable steps to ensure these walks are safe and correctly described. However, there may be changes in the area or to maps that we are not aware off. All outdoor activities come with a degree of risk and you should ensure you are adequately prepared before undertaking them. This route, maps and GPX traces are to be used as a guide only, it’s accuracy may change with the scale of map you are using or type of GPS device. Always use in conjunction with a paper map and ensure you now how to read it. We take no responsibility for any errors, omissions, injuries or accidents whilst following this walk.
Escape to the Wild Side 