Getting There Is Half The Fun – Part 1
Duart Castle as seen from ferry |
One of the lessons we’re learning about the kind of travel we do is that one can’t see everything a region has to offer (especially with stops of only a few days). Many of the best sights can require full day trips, so advance planning is crucial.
Leaving Oban |
A visit to the island of Iona had come highly recommended. It required a ferry ride, a bus ride, then a second ferry ride over rather rough water (fortunately a quick hop across a narrow channel) to get there.
Lochs in a glacial valley on Mull |
The bus portion of the trip across the Isle of Mull (an hour in each direction) was actually quite interesting. Normally one sees quite a bit of wildlife and Mull is apparently a destination for naturalists and geologists, but wind and rain must have had all the beasties hunkered down. I’d really wanted to get a good picture of the shaggy Highland cows, as they are incredibly cute, but shooting from the window of a speeding bus, this was the best I could manage.
When we reached Iona the rain had let up, but a cold gusty wind dampened our desire to walk about and explore outdoors. We grabbed a Cadbury bar at the general store to fortify for a walk up to the Abbey. You can read more about the Abbey here, but the short version is that it was founded in 563 by St. Columba, was a working abbey and pilgrimage site for several centuries, was abandoned and fell into disrepair during the Reformation, then was rebuilt and restored beginning in the 1870’s. Most of the structures date from that time, though there are displays of grave markers and some remaining bits of the early structures incorporated and on display.
Ruins of the nunnery which was not restored. |
I believe this cross dates back from the earlier life of the abbey. The bus driver told us how the Celtic cross design (with the circle) came about: the heaviness of the stone couldn’t support the horizontal pieces so the circle was added to the design to provide structural support.
There is currently an active Christian community living and working at the abbey.
After a quick peek into some of the local craft shops, we enjoyed a quick lunch, then it was time to hop back on the ferry to head home. While we enjoyed the excursion, I’m certain that had the weather been better we would have explored a bit more and enjoyed more if Iona’s charms.
Next up, “The Road To Windermere.” With a detour or two on the way.
~
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0 United States License.
Stay in touch
Sign up to be notified of new posts and updates from une femme d’un certain âge.
Sue I spent all my childhood summers on the Isle of Mull its a fantastic place every year we found something new to do. Check out painter Samuel Peploe’s pictures of Iona. In the summer when there is sun the sea goes turquoise and the the rocks are pink!
Now that you are familiar with some of the delights of Scotland, you will probably enjoy reading Alexander McCall Smith’s “Sunday Philosophy Club” (Isabel Dalhousie) series. For me, it’s been a vicarious way of traveling there. One day, I hope to make the journey for real.
LUFFING THESE TRAVEL SNAPS SICK!!!!!
brilliant xx
Wonderful photos — they really emphasize the possibilities of a muted, yet strong, palette. . . .I wonder if that will influence your wardrobe after your return . . .
It looks beautiful, but I am certain that weather would also dampen our desire to walk around too much. As always, thanks so much for taking us along!
Your travelogue through these last few posts has been a treat!
Your descriptions and photos make me feel like I’m ‘almost there.’ Thanks for the ride.
Love coming along with you on your travels….looks like you’re having a great time!
Iona looks interesting. The islands of Scotland are grey and stormy but beautiful.
My family and I took this same trip 11 years ago tomorrow and loved it. We had a sunnier day while on Iona and could actually eat our lunch (prepared by the ladies from the church) outside on the picnic tables. Also, had the best fish and chips of my life in Oban. Enjoy every minute!