Once we got our camp established at the north end of Arran, it was time to explore. Nearby we came to the ruins of the old settlement of Cock. It existed because of deposits of lignite a low grade coal which was used for a relatively short period of time (1710 to 1735) to fire salt pans for the local herring industry. You can read more about it in this previous post "The taxman's hand on the Cock of Arran."
Nowadays the shafts of the coal pits are flooded. I would not care to wander round here in a dark night.
Despite its industrial past, Cock is now a beautiful place. The area has returned to nature and is surrounded by mixed deciduous woodland filled with birdsong.
Crystal clear burns tumble down from the high hills and wild flowers such as primroses and...
...thrift were in full bloom in the woods and along the shore.
