The Numbers Game

650, 65, 6, 74, 75, 76, 71, 78. So what does this sequence of numbers mean to you? Probably absolutely nothing! 

They are, in fact, the road numbers of our route from Cottingley to Ardrossan [A650, A65, M6, A74, A75, A76, A71, A78.]

It's a route that we must have driven at least twenty times over the last few years, and quite honestly I reckon I could press a button in the car and it could probably find its own way there!

Using the Microsoft AutoRoute Programme it tells me I can set off from home and be at the ferry terminal in Ardrossan in 3 hours and 38 minutes by staying within the speed limits and not stopping anywhere, but to be perfectly honest I much prefer to set off with plenty of spare time, and stop off at least twice before we board the ferry.

We usually have a break at the northbound Southway Services on the M6 for a coffee and a light breakfast. It also gives us a chance for Ruby to exercise herself and have a wee (as well as the two of us!) We have a look round the W H Smiths and maybe purchase a bar of chocolate, a soft drink, a magazine etc. then after about 45 minutes we head back on to the M6, turning left at Gretna and heading in a N/NW direction along the A75 towards Dumfries. There is now a by pass round Dumfries, which eventually joins the A76.

It's then a steady run through Border Country [Dumfries & Galloway] until we reach Kilwinning, which is about twelve miles north of Kilmarnock, and here we tend to refuel at a Morrison's Supermarket & Garage [supporting home industries!] and from there it's only a short journey to the ferry terminal at Ardrossan, where we board the MV Caledonian Isles.

The CalMac Ferry MV Caledonian Isles approaches the pier at Brodick on the Isle of Arran.

The CalMac Ferry MV Caledonian Isles approaches Brodick on the Isle of Arran.