I couldn't get a bed at the hostel tonight but I managed to get one on the island of Iona, the very last bed on the island. In the morning I packed up my belongings and walked to the ferry. On the way I bought two salmon sandwiches, one for lunch and one for dinner.
First ferry, to Craignure on the east coast of the Isle of Mull, 55 minutes
Bus from Craignure to Fionnphort on the west coast of Mull, 80 minutes
Second ferry, Fionnphort to Iona, 10 minutes
The large, white building in the middle is St Columba Hotel, where I'm staying tonight. Iona is a very relaxing place to visit. Only residents and some deliveries are allowed to bring a car, which means that there is hardly any traffic.
Iona abbey, birthplace of Scottish/Celtic Christianity.
St Martin's Cross from the 8th century
After visiting the Abbey I set off to climb Dun Ì, the highest hill of the island with supposedly wonderful views. Unfortunately I either took the wrong trail or it was just too difficult (I had been warned!), so I turned back after a while. No need to aggravate the knee!
I got to meet some nice sheep 😍
My room, very lovely, I sat in the window for a long time. But the duvet was a bit strange with boxed down (?) filling that was very uneven. I really expect better from an expensive hotel!
No complaints about the views, I could see the ferry shuttle back and forth.
The Abbey in the evening sun
Iona sunset!
St John's cross, believed to be the first Celtic cross, with the distinctive circle to support the heavy arms.
I set out for Columba Bay, but met a man who said that it was very boggy right now, so I walked across the island to the west coast instead. For a while it drizzled, but I hardly got wet. I then walked back to the hotel to get my backpack and got a ride down to the ferry, which gave me time to have lunch.
The ruins of Iona nunnery
Fishing boats in the harbour
The sea is so incredibly green!
The little lighthouse halfway to Oban
The rain followed us back to the mainland.
On the ferry I met Moira, who was on the ferry yesterday as well and we had a nice chat.
Entering Oban harbour we passed Oban Youth Hostel. The bottom right window is the lounge, where I like to sit and read, write my blog or listen to music. Or just look at the harbour with all the boats and ferries.
I'm a highland cow, I don't want to have my picture taken.
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