Riding the A817 (Detour to Islay)

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Picture of a road through hills, a motorbike passing. A red car parked in a layby in the distance
Riding the A817 (Detour to Islay)

If you have the time and some decent weather on your drive to Islay taking a detour via the A817 between Loch Lomond and Gare Loch / Loch Long is well worth it. This view is on the western side, looking towards the Arrochar Alps. A biker is riding the other direction while my car is parked in a layby further down.

Inviting bench at the Rest And Be Thankful (Journey to/from Islay)

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Picture of a wooden bench at the top of a mountain pass at the end of a valley
Inviting bench at the Rest And Be Thankful (Journey to/from Islay)

A popular stop on a journey to (or from) Islay, the Rest And Be Thankful on the A83. This is the view down Glen Croe with the old military road just below and the A83 along the left. An inviting bench to enjoy the view including the snow capped mountains in April

Sailing yacht in a lock of the Crinan Canal (Journey to/from Islay)

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Picture of a light blue sailing yacht entering an old canal lock
Sailing yacht in a lock of the Crinan Canal (Journey to/from Islay)

A memory from a stopover on a journey to Islay, a sailing yacht entering the lock at Cairnbaan, one of the many locks in the Crinan Canal in some April sunshine.