Mull and Staffa and Iona, Oh My!

Yesterday we all, including my mother-in-law Gerri, toured some of the Western Islands of Scotland.  We made the coastal town of Oban our home base and arrived late Friday night to stay at a stellar B&B, the Glenburnie House, which was spectacular.  The best breakfasts we've had in any B&B, terrific views over the bay, and extremely pleasant staff.  Definitely a great place!

Oban is incredibly picturesque!

Fortified with a substantial breakfast we embarked on a multi-leg tour of some spectacular islands.  After a ride on a large Cal-Mac ferry, Mull was our first stop, but this island we just crossed en route to other islands.  Our bus trip from one end of Mull to the other was entertaining though thanks to our bus driver who gave a humorous, running commentary about Mull's wildlife, economy, forestry practices, summer road rage, etc.

Then, a boat trip over to Staffa where we passed some dolphins who played a little tag with the boat.  Staffa's claim to fame is Fingal's Cave and volcanic rock formations, but we traversed the island to see the puffins nesting in the cliffs.  Funny to travel to a different continent to see birds that we can see in Maine.

Again, amazing views and scenery!

Then back onto the boat to Iona, where the Book of Kells was made.  We had a late, delicious lunch at the only restaurant on the island, Argyll Hotel, then took a leisurely stroll around the Abbey.

check out the air this girl is getting!

happy tourists

Then, on to a smaller Cal-Mac ferry, bus and the big ferry to get back to Oban.  A lot of travel time, but worth it!


I can't recommend this trip enough.  The scenery was absolutely gorgeous!  Oh, try to arrange for a beautiful, sunny day like we had.

The only thing I would suggest is trying to arrange for more time on each island.  We weren't rushed, but had to only do part of each island.  Also, don't eat dinner at Pizazza in Oban -- mediocre food and very loud interior.