On arriving at the Isle of Arran we entered Lamlash Bay. This large bay is almost land-locked owing to Holy Island across its entrance. Lamlash is an attractive village and we spent most of Sunday exploring along its long waterfront
On Sunday evening we sailed gently across the bay to anchor close under Holy Island and on Monday rowed ashore to visit. The island has long been associated with monastic traditions and is now owned by the Samye Ling Buddhist Monastery. As The Centre for World Peace and Health, it has a full programme of courses on mindfulness and similar themes. There are several retreat and meditation houses – the community in the southern lighthouse complex nearing the end of a four year women’s retreat.
We walked the length of the high spine of the island including Mullach Mór at 1030’ (314m), with breath-taking views across the Firth of Clyde, before descending and returning on the coastal path. The photo below shows a view across Lamlash Bay to the village. Antipole is at anchor centre foreground.
![IMG_1320](https://blog.antipole.co.uk/files/2014/05/IMG_1320-1024x489.jpg)
![IMG_1323](https://blog.antipole.co.uk/files/2014/05/IMG_1323-300x178.jpg)
Tuesday was a beautiful day with clear skies but hardly any wind. We ghosted along with hardly way to steer but with the eventual help of the spinnaker made about 1.5 knots and got to Brodick Bay where we anchored close under Brodick Castle. We rowed ashore to visit.
![Brodick_Castle](https://blog.antipole.co.uk/files/2014/05/Brodick_Castle.jpg)
You can see our track round Scotland here. If you click on the anchor icons you will see where we were and can relate this to the descriptions here.
On Wednesday we sail for the Isle of Bute and will send more news in due course.
love
Tony & Ynskje