I did so many sketches on this trip away that I've had to split this blog into three parts! If you missed the first one then you can read it here.
For my first full day in Kirn, I visited Benmore Botanic Gardens which are situated on a mountainside in stunning surroundings. I took my small A6 sized Royal Talens Sketchbook and ended up just carrying it as there were so many views I wanted to capture.
I mainly wanted to capture the surroundings rather than rare plants. it's not often that you have views of mountains from a garden. This first sketch was done standing on the path with midges buzzing round me. I'm not sure why I hadn't put insect repellent on that day so they were bugging me a little! It was also trying to rain so I got little blooms in the sky. All adds to the character though!
They have the most wonderful building housing a fernery. Soaring brick walls with an apexed glass ceiling. There was one bench in there, thankfully with a good view! I sat there and sketched in my A5 sketchbook. I really love this one and it was so tranquil sitting listening to the trickling of the fountain. I ate lunch on the bench as well, hiding from the rain. Luckily the sun came out and the light through the ferns was gorgeous.
It got quite warm as I hiked up the slopes to take in the views from the shelters. I decided to incorporate the ornate pillars of this shelter. The view in the first photo was of the old kitchen garden which was just breathtaking when it came into view. I always love a Japanese garden so just had to sketch the bridge over the pond.
I spent most of the day there, enjoying a drink and a cake in the cafe before I headed off. On the way there I had passed a gorgeous view of Holy Loch. While driving back I noticed there was a car park and small nature reserve so I stopped to see if I could see the view again. Unfortunately you couldn't get round the trees but I sat and sketched this upright composition. I love to try and look at things differently and I'm really pleased with how this layout worked.
Next day I drove to Lochgoilhead...17 miles along a single track road!! It was newly tarmacked though with plenty of passing places and little oncoming traffic. Definitely worth the drive though. Such a beautiful walk to a little waterfall, medieval settlement and a tranquil shelter overlooking Loch Goil.
It was so hot that I decided to stop off at The Boathouse cafe on the way back for some iced tea and a tray bake. I sat on the terrace beside the loch and sketched. Such a glorious day!
