Trees at Port Askaig, Islay

We left Islay on our tandem today for Arran. My blip is of a copse of trees that is high on the hill above the ferry terminal at Port Askaig. I love the way that the high cloud frames the boughs against the blue sky.

Are they silver birch? I'm sure that there will be a blipper who can confirm this (or not) for me.

Our journey today included two ferry crossings: one from Port Askaig to Kennacraig, and the other from Claonaig to Lochranza. There were also two major climbs: first over the Kintyre penisula, and the second around the north tip of Arran from Lochranza, then south again along the east coast to Brodick.

As things turned out the big hill on Arran was actually quite manageable. It was certainly easier than the Clisham on Harris (last conquered on 6th June). However, we could have done without the sudden downpour that seemed to be timed exactly to dump on us during our ascent, and meant that we arrived at our destination absolutely soaked!

It's been a good day for wildlife. We saw a dolphin from the second ferry, a couple of herds of deer near Lochranza, seals on the east coast of Arran, and lots of birds - gannet, oyster catcher, heron, cormorant, shag, swan, ducks, plus many others unidentified.

Our home for the next three nights is a lovely bed and breakfast in Brodick. Our hostess gave us - and the tandem - a very warm welcome. We were barely through the door before she was offering to do all sorts of kind things for us, including our washing :-)

We were a bit cramped in our last bed and breakfast on Islay. There our bedroom was small, and the ensuite bathroom was so tight that Mr hazelh struggled to clean his teeth at the basin. He didn't even attempt to shave! Another problem was that there was nowhere else in the house where you could sit comfortably, for example to read, play games, meet and chat with other guests.

Here it's great to be in accommodation with a spacious bedroom and a large bathroom, complete with a proper bath in which to soak our cycling bones. There is also a large sitting room for residents. We will be very happy here.

Exercise today: 31 miles of tandem riding.