Trip to Garelochhead

Good Afternoon Everyone

A few weeks ago we took a trip to Garelochhead, a small village on the Gare Loch, one of the sea lochs of  in Argyll and Bute, and I thought it was about time I shared a few photos with you.

Gare Loch extends north from the Clyde Estuary and Garelochhead sits at the head of the Roseneath Peninsula, commonly known as ‘The Green Isle'. Although small, the village is a popular yachting base as well as a resort. Despite this it is a quiet place, this could be because many of the 1300 residents commute to Glasgow on a daily basis leaving the village fairly deserted. 

We stopped at the recently opened Cafe Craft on the village's Main Road. A cafe with a craft shop - what more could a dedicated crafter ask for :) The food was delicious, the staff efficient and welcoming.

The craft shop stocks yarn and a wide variety of other craft supplies. I thoroughly enjoyed browsing through, and admiring, the lovely handmade cushions and bags on offer.

Tucked away in a quiet corner of the craft shop is a bookcase crammed with books on all types of crafts - not for sale but to enjoy while you are there. The book pictured above caught my eye - Yarn Harlot, The Secret Life of a Knitter, by Stephanie Pearl-McPhee - I took the photo for future reference. It's not a knitting instruction book but the story, told with humour, of an obsessive knitter. It's about being addicted to a hobby and that is something not only knitters but most crafters will recognize. I have now acquired a copy of my own and am quietly chuckling my way through the reading of it. I have discovered too that the author also writes a blog devoted to knitting!

 © George Rankin 

Spotted was a sign pointing to a memorial to Isabella Campbell. Unfortunately, we ran out of time to visit the memorial ourselves so I've had to borrow the photo above. The memorial is intriguing because although the people of the village erected it in the 19th century no one now seems to know much about it.  All I've discovered is that Isabella Campbell has been described as "an exceptional and holy young woman" The stone is inscribed ''Here Isabella Campbell Was Wont To Pray'' which clearly made an impact on the people of Garelochhead.

The trip took us into Glasgow, by accident, Helensburgh, Geilston Garden, a National Trust Property, and passing the very colourful Faslane Peace Camp. Of course, I took a load of photographs, some of which I will share with you another day. 

The sun is shining, Maria Sharapova is through to the semi-final at Wimbledon, the EM has repainted the Welsh dresser, and the window cleaners have just cleaned the windows - it's been a great day :)

Hope you are having a good day too.