Kyle of Lochalsh via the ferries to Fionnphort (Isle of Mull)

Once again today's story was about the journey.

I knew it was going to be a big drive today when Google maps told it would take 4 hours and 50 minutes to get from Kyle of Lochalsh to Fionnphort on the Isle of Mull.

Today's journey

 But it was just a magnificent drive and the scenery was just magical. And not only did I drive, but I also took 2 ferries!!! That was very brave for me! And I'm taking another one tomorrow as I cross to the Isle of Iona and on Saturday I take a longer trip on the ferry to Oban. I really am getting adventurous!!!

I set my alarm for 6.30am this morning in order to get up and going and on the road nice and early. Had to schedule some time first to read my emails and my comments before I hit the road.
There was a train in the station at Kyle of Lochalsh as I left, so this is for my train mad family...

Train at Kyle of Lochalsh

It was a truly beautiful day for driving. I had only just started out when I saw the sign for Eilean Donan Castle. This is one of the iconic tourist spots in Scotland and the morning light was absolutely perfect for taking pics of it...

Eilean Donan Castle

Eilean Donan Castle

Eilean Donan Castle

The journey continued both through the mountains and along the lochs and was so picturesque.

There were a few roadworks that held us all up and I got stuck behind a truck for about 20kms, but that just allowed me to take my time a little more and smell the roses!!!

There was still snow n the mountains..

Views on the journey

Views on the journey

Views on the journey

Stopped for a coffee at a little shop about 10 miles before Fort William, but kept going through the bigger town as there really was no place to stop.

The next  adventure was to cross on the Corran-Ardgour ferry, which saved considerable time and fuel!

This map might show you ferry routes. See red spot. Lochaline, south west of red dot.

I just missed this ferry - it was just pulling out as I arrived, but that was ok... it gave me a chance to stretch my legs a bit and go to the loo etc...
It was only  about 10 mins across, so it was back soon enough.
Here are some pics of this ferry and the crossing

Where the ferry pulls in

Me at ferry crossing

Ferry coming in

From on the ferry

So far the drive had been relatively easy. Apart from the roadworks, it was all dual carriageway. But after this crossing we were back to the one lane roads again, and I had to resurrect my little wave!!! It wasn't a bad road though, and it took me quite happily to my next port of call (literally!) - Lochaline.

This was yet another ferry crossing - this time to the Isle of Mull. There are a few ways to get across, but this was the easiest for me given where I was coming from.

As I drove in to Lochaline I was thinking lunch.  It was just on 12.45pm and there was a little cafe just at the ferry terminal. I saw the ferry there, with its back door down waiting for customers and the big decision was - straight on the ferry or lunch before I went. Hmmmm. I probably should've taken the first option because the ferry pulled out shortly afterwards and little did I know they would be having a lunch break themselves and the next ferry didn't go until 2.30pm. Bad decision....!!!

But once again it gave to time to have a lovely hamburger for lunch and a bit of a walk around the area.

Here's a few pics of Lochaline...

About Lochaline

Lochaline

Lochaline port

Here's the ferry coming in at last!

It took about 20 minutes to get across the water to Fishnish. Although the day was beautiful, it was certainly freezing out there in the middle and the water got a bit of a chop up. I was glad to get to the other side...

On the Lochaline ferry

Ready to board

Bit choppy

Isle of Mull in the background

 So that was successfully completed and I started on my journey around the Isle of Mull. At first the road was excellent... until I got to Criagnure, where the big ferry comes in from Oban. I decided to stop and check it all out , because that's where I'm leaving from on Saturday. Lucky I did, because the lady in the ticket office got my ticket all sorted. Even though I had pre-booked this spot on the ferry, I had to add my car number plate  and confirm the booking. It's all done now so it was lucky I stopped.

All that was left now was to drive to Fionnphort, which is just across the water from Iona. Once again the road was single lane and I didn't think it would be a bother, as I was getting used to these roads, but there were all these loonies who must've had the day on Iona and were belting back to catch the ferry to Oban. There were heaps of buses and trucks and the edges on the road were shockers.... So sometimes you had to just pull off the road a bit because the others were travelling so fast.

 The scenery on Mull was different to mainland Scotland. It had different colourings and was perhaps more pastoral. There were still mountains, but they weren't quite as raw as those on the mainland.

Isle of Mull

Isle of Mull

The coastal scenery was lovely once that kicked in again...

Isle of Mull

Then eventually I arrived at Fionnphort after an all day drive and sail!

And now the Isle of Iona is in  sight and that's tomorrow's target.

Iona in the distance

I'm here for 2 nights in a lovely B&B called Staffa House. It's very comfortable and roomy and the hosts are just lovely.

Had a great meal at the pub. You have to check in early because they don't really take bookings. It's only a little pub, so they spread everybody out so the kitchen can cope!

I think that's the last of my really big drives, so I'm looking forward to a good sleep-in tomorrow, then I'll catch the ferry across to Iona. You can't take your cars, so I'd better rest up for a day of walking.

Just sitting here in my room now, looking at the sunset over Iona. How lucky am I to be here...???