Oban and Isle of Mull.

Despite the overcast and damp conditions we hopped on the local bus to Oban. We knew where the bus was supposed to go after crossing the Connel Bridge over the Falls of Lora but at a “T” intersection the driver turned right instead of left where we thought he should be going.

Connel Bridge across the Falls of Lora.

We needn’t have worried as the bus route went round the suburban area of Connel before heading back towards Oban. The bus was quite strange in that where most buses have two seats on either side of the aisle this one had two on one side and three on the other. The aisle was a bit narrower than usual but not by much.

Old down town Oban.

Oban township with the McCaig's Tower or Folly on Battery Hill.

We had a short wander around town before heading to the ferry terminal to catch the ferry across to the Isle of Mull. The 55 minute trip was very smooth but it was interesting in the rip that appears to run across the Firth of Lorne between the island’s. There are up to 6 return sailings a day between Oban and Craignure which is the islands connection with the mainland. We arrived on the island at 1pm and we then had to decide whether to stay for a while or take the return trip immediately. As the weather had improved slightly we stayed, not that there appeared to be much around. We spotted a sign to the Mull Railway so we followed these signs. They lead us to the local camping ground where the railway was supposedly behind it. Well we found the station and track but that’s all. We then spotted a sign on the station saying that the railway was “Not operating until further notice”. Ah well, never mind.

Isle of Mull, built in 1988 in Glasgow.

Yes we've been there (note both Gaelic and English again).

Duart castle on the Isle of Mull. Built as an impenetrable fortress.

Open wide! Isle of Mull discharging through the Bow door.

Craignure Station, Mull narrow gauge railway suspended until further notice.

Antique master piece is still in working condition at the Cragnure Inn.

Walking back to the village we decided to pop into the Craignure Inn for some lunch and await the next sailing at 3pm. This inn used to be an old drovers inn and has plenty of antiques in the bar giving it atmosphere. The return sailing didn’t have anywhere near the passengers as the outward bound sailing so there was plenty of seats. Back in Oban we had an hour to kill before the next bus back to camp so we walked around different parts of town. Above the town is McCaigs Tower which is another folly of sorts with an interesting history. However the 324 steps up Jacob’s Ladder to reach it was something we didn’t have time for.

Coll and Tyree Ferry ready for it's next sailing. Capable of Bow and stern loading.

Want a wee dram? Oban's whisky distillery.

McCaigs Tower on Battery hill above Oban.