Inveraray

Easy riding up the lochside, although the mist turned to drizzle and the view of the other bank disappeared.  At Ardrishaig the puny Loch Gilp turns off, a pimple on the back of the mighty Loch Fyne.  It's also the other end of the Crinan Canal, so I followed the towpath,elevated a bit above the main road, for a couple of miles to Lochgilphead, which is - oh, you already know.

The dreich weather continued as I continued my atmospheric ride along the loch.

Despite what you've heard, it is not a long way to Inveraray.  Long, gradual ups and downs on a good road, not much traffic, nice views on a sunny day (I guess).  Plenty of cafés.  But it might be a long way from Inveraray tomorrow.  I would say it's a well-to-do place, with an impressive high street, several touristy shops, a nice castle, and a famous jail.  Good youth hostel too, if a bit smelly.  Just in front of the Inveraray Shinty Club.

After two recommendations, I ate at the George Hotel. Excellent food and service despite​ being packed: it's a well-run money-making machine, and they deserve to be successful.