Cowal Peninsula - Day 4

We packed up and left the site, and drove a short distance down the road to the Kilmun Arboretum. We had a walk round there, where there are lots of trees from various parts of the world that have been planted here over the last 100 years or so.

We continued round the coast road until it turned inland and went up over the top of a pass and back down to the main road.

We drove into Dunoon and went to a baker for rolls and pastries for lunch.

After this we drove home, and of course later had our takeaway curry to celebrate Shirley's birthday.

Cowal Peninsula - Day 3

Today we visited Benmore Botanic Garden, which is within walking distance just up the road. We've actually been here before, about 10 years ago. It's part of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh organisation.

It's set on a hillside plot and has a wide variety of different regional habitats. It seems to specialise in rhododendrons and various pine trees.

It has an avenue of giant redwood trees.

Benmore House has some large rhododendrons around it.

We went in the fernery.

We spent a good few hours walking round all the site, it's very impressive and colourful at this time of year.

Another visitor pointed out a goldcrest to us.

After leaving we did a walk outside the gardens, along the banks of the River Eachaig and the River Massan, before heading back to the campsite.

We watched the wildlife for a bit. Oscar is of course transfixed by the squirrels.

Later for dinner we had tuna pasta.