A little light rain overnight and then much as yesterday with a grey start and then gradually more sunshine through the afternoon. We picked up from Seamill, where we left off yesterday and joined the main beach which was a fairly narrow strip of soft pink sand and quiet enough for Poppydog to go off lead straight away.

At the end of the beach heading north we picked up the coastal path for a bit over Bastion Craig a rocky headland and then we were soon back down on Ardneil Bay, another lovely pink sandy bay.

As the beach was empty we played for awhile before rejoining the coastal path which took us past Portencross Castle.

With it’s small mostly shingle little bay and a pretty little harbour.

Just beyond the harbour was a short pier which was packed with local kids (though quite where they had all come from I can’t be sure as there are precious few houses around) looking to be settling in for a bit if a party! The coast is all rocky along here but a pleasant enough walk along the grassy bank with views out to Little and Great Cumbrae Islands and of course the ever present Isle of Arran.

Then came the rather boring trudge through Hunterston Nuclear Power Station which seemed to go on for ever!

Once out the other side we saw a large area of light blue water, almost like a whirlpool in the sea and almost certainly something to do with the Power Station…

Before arriving at the rather unappealing looking Hunterston Sands….

And Southannan Sands beyond…

This was our turning point and we followed an inland cycle track through farmland most of the way back to Seamill, with maybe the last mile or so being a footpath alongside the main road. Once back in Seamill we took a quick peek down at the beach again to check on the low tide position – how lovely!

A lone yacht against the stunning silhouette of Arran….

On the way back we popped out of the car to take a quick look at Fairlie Sands as we probably won’t have time for a proper visit unless they are really special and they aren’t!

A fair 9 mile jaunt for us today!

Two thoughts of the day:

We are taking a bit of a break and leaving the caravan here, whilst we head down to Hertfordshire to visit Dad for a week.

Let’s hope it has warmed up again by the time we get back!