Once again I had pre-contacted the pier and quickly found the deputy Pier Master. The area is pretty quiet for a Sunday afternoon and apart for a few folk setting up a community radio even, there are no folks on the pier. Dunoon forms more of a U shape rather than a long spur and was very much a steamer terminal rather than amusement centre although it does still boast its original ticket office / event hall on its head. The pier deck boards had recently been renovated so it was with some surprise the gates were opened and the three of us we allowed onto the new deck. We really appreciated the gesture and can’t thank them enough.
Unfortunately, due to the delay on the previous ferry, we all too soon have to head off to catch our third ferry of the day at McInroy’s and head towards Hunters Quay, avoiding a 60 mile drive around Long Loch (clue is in the name). Whilst sat waiting in the queue, a nice old bearded man wanders over to George and simply states, ‘You guys don’t need to pay for the crossing – I’ve sorted it with them’ !! Eventually, it turns out he was a retired ex-captain of the boat we were crossing on and had a word with his ex-colleagues although he didn’t want any thanks. The generosity of people still amazes me, in a world where all you seem to read about is selfishness, hate and spite.
Back onto the proper mainland and time for fuel and a quick bite to eat. A short KFC break at Greenock after trying to get food at the local Tesco Café to find out they stop serving at 2pm :-0 before heading east towards Edinburgh. At this point we detour over the Erskine Bridge across the Clyde and head for a place I spotted some time ago when planning the trip. When you see a road name such as ‘Tak ma Doon’ then it is law that you must take your Doon up there – simple. Tak Ma Doon road is highly regarded by cyclists and winds up a steep narrow road to give great views across to the Firth of Forth and beyond. It climbs up to Carron Bridge in the North over the Campsie Hills.
Other than a very near miss with a local in a 4 wheel drive coming the other way, the ride was brilliant and we stop at the viewing point at the top for a 10 minute break. From hear you can see across Glasgow to the west and all the way down to the Forth Bridge in the East. Brilliant view and well worth the detour.
As a sub plot to our Pier trip, we also wanted to take in as many iconic bridges as possible and so we decided to head to Edinburgh the long way around as we really wanted to do the Forth Road bridge crossing. Heading to cross the River Forth at Kilcardine Bridge we meet up with Aaron in his yellow Volksrod, David in his red GP and Jed on his really nice blue and silver VW Trike, right on the roundabout before the bridge. We had met up with Aaron previously at Paul Groove Champion’s Haggis Hunt a couple of years ago and it was great to see his buggy finally up and running and joining in the fun.
After a quick jaunt along the northern side of the river, we cross back using the Forth Road Bridge. The bridge is impressive, but not as much as the new bridge, which is around 80% complete and runs alongside the old bridge.
At this point traffic is building and getting quite heavy, so I hand over the leadership reigns to Alan, who lives in the shadow of the Forth Bridge. I pre-arranged with Alan to lead us through is home town and I am so glad I did. What we hadn’t realised when we planned the trip was we would be hitting Edinburgh on the Sunday afternoon of Fringe Festival and the Tattoo. Busy isn’t the word, but bloody brilliant too. We must be on at least 1000 Japanese holiday snaps and many a you tube video too.
Alan led us a merry dance through the City, backwards and forwards across the Royal Mile, before finally parking up outside the rear gates of Holyrood House. Ruth went over and spoke with the guard that was quickly heading our way. Apparently we were OK for a few minutes, but Lady Sarah did want to leave soon so could we please be gone in 10 minutes.
All too soon we head off east towards our Travelodge stop in Berwick on Tweed. However, time is now moving quickly past 6pm and our bellies are protesting and we ask our Scottish brethren for a good place to eat. We end up at the all new Fort Kinnaird centre at Newcraighall which is a typical large retail out of town centre with shops and eateries. At this point Alan stays for food whilst Aaron, David and Jed head home, but not before Alex gets a ride on the back of the Trike. Thankfully we manage to get into an Italian place and for the first time in many days we manage to eat something other than chips or sandwiches.
We now part company with Alan who has smashed his own furthest trip in his Doon record by taking a round trip from Edinburgh, via the Isle of Bute and Back in one day. Awesome support from all our new and old Scottish friends. We are now left to complete the final 40 miles or so along the A1 on our own and soon the sun is setting on a brilliant day. Turning south as we hit the east coast near Dunbar, we arrive in the dark at our resting place for the night in Berwick on Tweed, even managing to find two parking spaces right next to the door.
At last we get our first family room for the Chadwick’s and George gets his own space. Before bed we partake in our customary night cap of tea and biscuits whilst reflecting on the great scenery, memorable roads, great company and the nice piers we have encountered in Scotland. George then heads off to his own room to download his go-pro and leave me programming in the next day’s journey into my satnav, between fatigue led power naps and watching the Olympics.
3 days complete, 12 piers down, 18 additional vehicles already joined in our Cruise Against Cancer and nearly 750miles travelled already – bring on day 4.
Topic: Pier Pressure THE STORY - Day 3 Sunday 14th August (Read 3784 times)
