Tuesday 17 June - Oban to Arrochar

I started my day with a wander around Oban town centre exploring the shops and picking up a few trip souvenirs. I checked out of Sandvilla and fixed up the parking. From here I made the short drive up to McCaig's Tower that overlooks the town of Oban. It is a circular structure made up of two tiers of lancet arches constructed in 1897. The views over Oban were lovely, although a little obscured by the growing trees and plants.

The weather was definitely better than yesterday, still overcast, but not raining, and I was in the mood for a good walk. I ventured to Gunavan Sands, just 10 minutes north of Oban, parked my car and headed off on a walk across Gunavan Sands to Dunstaffnage Castle. The first part across the grassy dunes and along the coast was quite muddy and wet, but manageable. I loved walking through the wooded area amongst the trees covered in lush green moss where I am sure loads of fairies live. There was one area that reminded me of a scene from the Neverending Story.

I reached the Dunstaffnage Castle and enjoyed it from the outside. It is a smaller castle, partially ruined from what I could tell. Had a little misty rain here and there, but mostly the weather was dry throughout my walk. The path on the way back was paved and meandered up and around the small hills a little inland from the coast.

The drive from Gunavan Sands to Arrochar was so picturesque. I stopped at a couple of parking places to take photos and thoroughly enjoyed the winding roads around the mountains and along the edge of Loch Long. There was one section along Loch Long where the road was quite narrow and one large truck coming the other direction took up the whole width of his lane, making it a tight squeeze as the traffic in my direction came passed quite slow. I must admit though that the drivers throughout the whole of my trip have been very considerate. A wave as one passes using the passing place on single track roads happens with grace and appreciation.

Just before arriving at Arrochar, I made a snap decision to stop at a waterfall when I saw the sightseeing sign on the road. Falls of Falloch was a lovely waterfall and it was nice to stretch my legs on the very short walk from the carpark to the falls.

Arrochar is a small town, that I'll explore another day, as I'm staying here for three nights. I have arrived on the same day as 65 motorcyclists! They're only staying the one night on their journey from the southernmost point in England to the top of Scotland - can't remember the Point one couple said they are going too - but sounds amazing. Perhaps a little jealous, although not sure I'm ready to be spending that much time on the bike, yet.

I had a little walk along Loch Long and dinner at the hotel restaurant before enjoying a quiet evening in.