From Isle of Aaran to Kelso

Day 3

July 15, 2025

Isle of Aaran, Lochranza, ferry, drive, Kelso (on the east side of Scotland)

Stats: 14,miles, AIS: 1:27, Elev. 836 ft, Speed: 9.9 mph

We needed a much earlier start today to arrive at the ferry by 10:30am. The hostel had a simple continental breakfast… toast, cereal, yogurt, juice, coffee and tea.

This morning we woke up to what is going to be one of the best weather days we will have in Scotland. If the forecast remains to be true. We had nothing but sunshine and no wind. The temperature was very comfortable for climbing. We departed at 8:30am to ride back. Within a mile we started our last big climb on the island. It wasn’t as steep as the one yesterday but it was definitely the longest climb and descent. It had several false tops as we went up into the mountainous area.

There were several cyclists descending as we were climbing. Probably it’s used as a good weather training day! Coming off the ferry there were lots of cyclists today.

We had a really long descent with a great view of the sea coming down. We could see all the mountain tops so clearly this morning. At the bottom we followed the shoreline back to Brodick. There was the cutest little town along the shore with neat and tidy homes… all with flowers out front. Between the looks of the tidy homes, flowers and the smell of the sea I was reminded of my sister Mimi’s home at Martins Beach near Half Moon Bay, California. What a pretty place to live…even if the weather is dreary.

We arrived in plenty of time to catch the ferry. A nice finish to a beautiful island ride.

We drove a few hours to the east side of Scotland. The town is called Kelso. It’s south of Edinburgh in an area they call “The Borders”. The area borders England. This is where Sandy lives now.

It is currently Civic Week in Kelso and the borders areas. Tonight Sandy is playing with the Kelso Pipe band in the town square center.

There’s a torchlight parade and fireworks to conclude the Civic Event for today. But I called it a day after watching the rather quick little parade.

Tomorrow we take a ride in the borders in the morning. Looks like the weather will be good in the morning. We have a few days here in the borders while Sandy has some civic week pipe band duties.