An early departure from Tobermory landed us at Craignure on the Isle of Mull in ample time to board our coach for the cross-island drive to the ferry to Iona. As our coach driver, Chris mentioned during the drive down single-track lanes, “You don’t drive to the left of the road here, you drive on what is left of the road.”
After ferrying across to Iona, there were opportunities to explore on one’s own, join expedition leader Carol Knott for a historical tour of the island, or accompany National Geographic photographer Jim Richardson for cultural and photographic exploration. Everyone had the chance to pass through the ruins of the old nunnery and wander through the cemetery known as a final resting place for kings of Scotland, Ireland, and Norway. And as luck would have it, a chamber concert that was part of the Mendelssohn on Mull Festival, was playing at the church in the Iona Abbey during our visit.
Our visit to Iona wasn’t limited to ruins and religion, but extended into the rugged spaces of the islands with nature walks to the inner farmland, complete with charming Highland cows, and exploration along the rocky coastline lined with turquoise waters.
The afternoon finished under storming skies at Duart Castle, the home of Clan MacLean who refurbished the imposing structure from ruins and now is a lovely place to wander the grounds and learn more about the clan history.
Our evening ended as we docked in Oban, completing our exploration of the islands of Scotland and preparing us for our onward adventure through the Highlands via the Caledonian Canal.
