Sunday 23 August 2020

We hired bikes from Appin Electric Bikes.  We had 2 electric bikes and 2 ordinary bikes. We used the shop at Port Appin and had coffee/coke at the The Pierhouse. We caught the ferry to Lismore Island, taking the bikes with us. We cycled as far as the Isle of Lismore Café where we had an excellent lunch.  We cycled back to the ferry calling at the church and then at Tirefour Castle (the Broch). A fabulous day out.

Monday 24 August

We decided to have a late start so left in time to get to Glenfinnan for 3:00. We parked in the carpark by the visitor centre.  There are works taking place at the other side of the river so no access to the second car park mentioned when researching. We walked up the footpath from the car park to see the viaduct, but some walked across the river and along the closed road towards the viaduct to get a front on view of the train. From the hillside. The Jacobite (Hogswart Express) leaves Fort William at 2:30 and arrived at the viaduct at 3:15. We stayed for a few minutes after the train (and crowds) had gone and saw the morning train coming back from Mallaig.

We drove on the Road to the Isles towards Mallaig and visited the Silver Sand of Morar. We returned to Fort William for dinner at the Ben Nevis Bar (pre-booked). Unfortunately, the A828 was closed for road resurfacing so we had a 62-mile detour via Glencoe!

Tuesday 25 August

We went for a walk in the forest at Sutherland’s Grove using the leaflet in the cottage.  What a wonderful walk with plenty of variety: waterfalls, a reservoir and fabulous views.

Wednesday 26 August

We decided to visit some of the nearby islands.  We drove to Seil using the Bridge over the Atlantic. We spent time looking at the rock pools before returning to the mainland. We drove back towards Oban and took the passenger ferry to the Isle of Kerrera.  We walked on the island and enjoyed an ice-cream as well as talking to the person who runs it.  We were very interested in the work they are carrying out to renovate the old school and converting it into a community centre.

We ate at the Piazza Restaurant in Oban (pre-booked) and watched a spectacular sunset.

Thursday 27 August

We planned for this to be a long day.  We set off at 7:30 to catch the 8:30 ferry from Corran.  We had plenty of time, which was fortunate as temporary traffic lights were stuck on red at both ends of the roadworks.  We waited with others for about 15 minutes before someone came through the other way and told us what was happening. We paid on the ferry. We drove down the other side of Loch Linnhe to catch the 10:00 ferry from Lochaline, which again we paid on the ferry. Once on the Isle of Mull we drove to Fionnphort. There were limited facilities here including a snack bar and toilets (20p).

We had pre-booked a boat to Fingal’s Cave through Staffa Tours (£25 each) to leave at 12:35. Although 4 people paid on the boat, I would advise pre-booking for this magical trip. Most people go straight to the cave when they get off the boat so I would advise going up the step first to walk on the top and then going to the cave before catching the boat back.  We got back to Fionnphort at 3:00.

We drove back until the left turn B8035 signposted as the scenic route to Salen.  From there we took the road to Tobermory (famous as Balamory on CCTV), about 15 minutes from Salen. We then returned to Salen and took the A849 to Craignure to catch the 7:15 final ferry to Oban.  It is essential to pre-book this ferry.

In Oban we bought fish and chips at 116 George Street, which were wonderful.

This was a long day but was worth it to be able to visit Fingal’s Cave and Tobermory.  The scenery was stunning and I enjoyed driving on these roads, a lot of which were single carriage with passing places.

 Friday 28 August

I went for a walk while the others enjoyed the hot tub.  I turned right at the end of the drive and just followed the track until I came to the sheep folds and the shepherd’s hut.  The walk took 2-3 hours, mainly uphill on the way there.

We then drove to Oban and had afternoon tea at Roxy Coffee Shop (2:00). This was the most incredible value for money we have known anywhere. At just £12.50 we had quiche; sausage rolls; 6 bread fingers containing smoked salmon, ham and cheese; a scone with jam and cream; meringues; and 5 cupcakes; plus, free tea and coffee refills. All cooked on the premises.

We walked around Oban and visited Pulpit Hill for a panoramic view of the town and of the various mountains and islands.  On our way back to the cottage we called for pizzas at Ben Lora Café & Bookshop.

About midnight the sky became clear and we were amazed at how many stars we could see.  I am almost 70 and I have never seen so many stars anywhere in the world. I brilliant end to a fantastic holiday.