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The first day of my Highland Tour, and what a fantastic start! First, the weather was pretty good - sunny spells and the odd little shower as we drove around with the roof down.
After brekkie and checking out of the hotel, I headed west to Dumbarton Castle. This was built on a massive rock where the river Leven flows into the Clyde. The rock is a volcanic plug, i.e. many eons ago it plugged a volcano! There are quite a few steps that have to be negotiated to get around. I counted 605. However, you can't go in a circuit, but there are several paths that spur off, so each of those 605 steps had to be negotiated in both directions. But well worth it, and some stunning views!
Then I drove a little further along the Clyde to Helensburgh, where I visited Hill House. This is something of a showpiece for a designer called Charles Rennie Mackintosh, who was a very innovative designer around the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries. Quite interesting but not really my cup of char.
Next I headed north along the banks of Loch Lomond. I briefly stopped at Inveruglas to take a couple of photos and visit the loo! Then I drove a bit further to the Falls of Falloch - a short walk from the car park and beautiful.
Then I headed west to Dunollie Castle near Oban.Very little is left of the castle, but the views of Oban, across to Mull and other little islands were fantastic. Plus there is a museum of the MacDougall of Dunollie clan, who own the castle and the 18th century house in which the museum resides. They have quite a turbulent history (of course - the Scottish clans were always fighting each other and falling in and out of favour with kings!) There was also an interesting insight into the life of a Crofter - a style of smallhold farming which has died out.
It was also at Dunollie that I enjoyed a haggis toastie - consisting of haggis, cheese and chutney, which was made to order and delicious. I also head a Chieftan Hot Chocolate (with marshmallows and cream).
I then drove through Oban to Pulpit Hill Viewpoint for more views of the area, including the ferry I was about to board. So I headed to the ferry terminal and arrived in time to get an earlier sailing.
The 50 minute trip to Craignure on the Isle of Mull was again replete with stunning views (this will be a common theme during this trip - I hope!) I spent the whole trip on deck and I know I took far too many photos.
After disembarking at the small ferry terminal, I turned left to head towards Fionnphort (pronounced finnafort, which means Fair Harbour). Almost the whole stretch of this road is single track with passing places, and is the kind of road the Little Minx was made for. In places, we were fairly bombing along. The scenery was stunning again, especially as we were heading west towards the setting sun which was shining on the water.
Just before Fionnphort, I turned right on to the road that heads towards Kintra, but only briefly as my abode for the next two nights was just off this road. Maolbhuidhe (pronounced Mull-voo-ee and meaning Yellow Knoll) B&B is amazing. I have the whole of the downstairs to myself. The bedroom has a large double and single bed. Then across the hallway is the sitting room, with the shower room and toilet next to it. Then the kitchen where I shall be served breakfast. The hosts live upstairs.
I've had a fantastic day, and felt happy all day, singing or whistling to myself while driving. I feel so relaxed, despite having driven 140 miles - and climbed, and descended, 605 steps!
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