Our holiday - the second week

[wellinghall]

On Saturday, we packed, and drove sorthwards. We took a diversion to see the castle of Moy (dull) and some standing stones (fun). Then on to Fionnphort, when we boarded a ferry to take us to Iona. The hotel was pleasant, if a little haphazard - we were given someone else's room, for the second time in two hotel visits!



On Sunday, we went to a service at the abbey - very full, and with some uncomfortable extra benches pressed into service! Then Creatrix went for a walk, while I went back to the hotel. A walk together in the afternoon, over to the machair on the west side of the island.



On Monday, we went for a walk to the south of the island. Well, that's what it was meant to be, but it got very wet. So, we turned round; changed into dry clothing; then visited the other hotel (with internet access), the bookshop, the abbey again (to do the tourist bit) and the craft shops.



On Tuesday, we travelled back to Oban. Ferry to Fionnphort; drive to Craignure; ferry to Oban; taxi to our guesthouse (a large Victorian house on the esplanade). A wander round town, and so to dinner.



On Wednesday, we went to Kilmartin Glen. This has an astounding concentration of cairns, standing stones, stone circles &c. Also the capital of Dalriada, with a fine carved boar.



On Thursday, we went to Inverary. First to Inverary Jail, which was well done, with lots to see. Then to the Arctic Penguin, a reasonable maritime museum.

We then took a break for lunch, and headed off to the Loch Fyne Oyster Bar. Afterwards, back to Inverary for a look round the castle. Among other things, this houses memorabilia of the duke's hobby of elephant polo.



On Friday, we drove up to Appin, from where we could see Castle Stalker. Then back, via a forest walk; and pottering about Oban. I dropped the car back at the garage, then we had high tea in the station hotel. Then the train to Glasgow, then onto the sleeper train to London.



On Saturday, we got into Euston by seven in the morning. Then across to Kings Cross Thameslink, just in time to catch a train back here. Then the usual round of unpacking, washing, catching up with post, emails etc.



I fnd that I haven't mentioned the other wildlife we saw on our holiday. This included:

porpoises
sandpiper
wood sandpiper (we think)
linnet
blackcap (which have a beautiful song)
blackbird
song thrush
starling
house sparrow
goldfinch
mallard
great skua
guillemot.

Comments

[kargicq.livejournal.com]

Ooh, bits of Scotland that I know! (sc. "have driven through") Loch Fyne is lovely; my thoughts about Oban are clouded by the fact that I passed through it in heavy rain, but it cleared up just in time for me to see Castle Stalker from the restaurant/viewpoint above it.

Glad you had a great time!

[wellinghall.livejournal.com]

Yes, that's a good view.

[bouncy-elf.livejournal.com]

Loving the ship (of course), but elephant polo?! You'd need one very long mallet, and and absolutely huge pitch.

[wellinghall.livejournal.com]

I gather that the elephants quite enjoy it, but don't like changing round at half time!

[tree_and_leaf]

Ooh, Iona! To my shame, I've never been, but would love to go.

[wellinghall.livejournal.com]

It's a good place.