Fingal’s Cave, Staffa

A marvellous full on day. A morning trip out to Staffa and Fingal’s Cave then an afternoon back on Iona to visit the Abbey and walk over to the western part of the island.

Staffa was all that I expected. A six mile, 45 minute trip by boat from Finnphort to the island with an hour on shore to walk around the island and to visit the cave.

Unfortunately, we couldn’t enter the cave as storm damage last winter destroyed the walkway but we were able to get right to the cave entrance, peer into the depths and listen to the sound of the sea which inspired so many people including the composer Mendelssohn.

I’ve seen many a picture of the columnar basalt that is so startling here and on the Giants Causeway. This was the first time I’d set foot on this geological feature I’d taught about to many young people over the years.

After the trip we had lunch sitting on the same bench in the Nunnery we had on Monday. It was just as warm.

The Abbey, on the site of St Columba’s monastery was indeed a special place. We learned about its history as well as its place in modern society as part of the Iona Community. It survived Viking invasions and the Reformation, fell into disrepair and was restored in the early 20th century and is now maintained by the Iona Community. There was a real feeling of being part of history and of being the latest in a long line of pilgrims who’ve made the journey here over the centuries.

The day was rounded off by walking to the quieter western half of the island where the horizon stretches out to the Atlantic and North America. The seas were blue and calm as were the skies. Hardly a soul to be seen.

All too soon it was time to scamper back to catch the last ferry back to Finnphort at 18.30. Shame they don’t run later!

Sunshine took a 2 - 3 lead in the weather game. It was touch and go early on as there were morning showers but from 11.00 til sunset the skies overhead were untroubled by cloud.

The extras are from Staffa, the Abbey and the western shore.