Today we awoke to rain! Thought it might continue for the day but it stopped and though the sky was overcast we did not get any rain. We caught a Bowman’s Tour to Mull & Iona. We departed from Oban on the Caledonian MacBayne’s ferry MV Isle of Mull. The crossing to Craignure on Mull takes about 40 minutes. It was beautiful with all the different islands but it was difficult to photograph as they were all tones of blue and grey. Once in Craignure, we transferred to a bus that took us across the island. We went though the glens and over the pass to reach Fionnphort where we were supposed to catch the ferry to Iona. However, there were so many people that we missed the ferry and had to wait 25 minutes for the next one.
Once on Iona, we walked to the Benedictine Nunnery which is in ruins. From there we visited the Iona Abbey. It was founded by St Columba in 563 and it is believed the Book of Kells was written here.
Had lunch in the St Columba Hotel which is near the Abbey and then return to the ferry for the trip back to Oban. Walking back from the ferry, we could hear bagpipes so followed the sound. It was the Oban High School Pipe Band which had won the World Champion of Champions Pipe Band. How good was that?
We are staying at Wellpark House on Esplanade Oban. It was once the stately home of a shipping magnate. Breakfast in the front room is fantastic as it looks out over the harbour. Breakfast in Scotland, is a full breakfast – bacon, sausages, black pudding, haggis, potato scones, tomato, mushrooms and eggs. All this is after you have had the usual, juice and cereal!!! Not having the full breakfast!!! Would end up 20 stone!!
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