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Cowal

I broke the collapsable bowl that we use for everything, by pressing my finger into the soft bit, as I lifted it when it was full. I can see how hard life must have been before bowls were invented, as many chores were needed before we bought a replacement fixed type. I’m expecting better with this one made by Addis as it has a ten year guarantee. I’m confident about it’s construction but not in my ability to find the receipt if needed.

The drive to the Cowal peninsula and the village of Tighnabruaich passes an amazing lookout. From here the view is south over the Isle of Bute, with the two Kyles on either side. 

There were one or two vehicles in the pull-in, with a local fuel tanker and driver who was eating his lunch. I assumed that he is there frequently and it’s all a little normal. After he’d finished his sandwich however, he climbed down from the cab, crossed the road and then took a selfie! He said that sadly he doesn’t get to drive this route much.


We drove down and went to the Five West café, named after the closest line of longitude that must be here somewhere. It is a lovely place and was doing a good trade inside, with contact tracing recording and the proprietors wearing visors. The Very Hungry Caterpillar was on the side, along with plenty of other stuff for kids. The Five West café

Then we looked at Millhouse which has, in bygone times, been a gunpowder factory. There are a few small separate buildings as you would expect for safety reasons but it was still a dangerous industry. A plaque shows that the 1860s were particularly eventful.



There had been several deaths in 1863, 1866 and 1870 but also a ship was lost in 1864. A dangerous business certainly.

At the southern tip of this peninsula is a beautiful beach which requires a fifteen minute walk through very marshy ground. The view of Arran is fabulous. Goat Fell dominates.


Looking north towards Carry Farm, our overnight spot, the mountains indicate what lies beyond.




The wind dropped to nothing and we had a bbq of venison burgers, chicken, small courgettes and peppers. This then became a camp fire and we sang songs to keep up our spirits. 🤣


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