Leaving

Today was the day to leave Bute. It was a bit overcast but thankfully the wind had dropped. We drove up to the northern end of the island to catch this ferry, stopping near Port Bannatyne to watch a Heron have his breakfast (something fishy not a duckling!)

This must be one of the shortest ferry crossings in Scotland We drove up and straight on.  In less than 5 minutes we were on the other side and off taking this picture, you can see the landing ramp just to the rear of the ferry where a canoeist is passing. There used to be lots of short ferries when I came on holiday as a child, I remember queuing at  Ballahulish but they have now largely been replaced by bridges.

We had crossed back to the mainland of the Argyle ‘Kyles’, very quiet roads until we got to Inveraray where we stopped for a coffee. Very pretty white buildings. We resisted going to the castle which I know is very picturesque. By this time the cloud had lifted and it was brightening up considerably.

A long trip on the road with just a pit stop at Fort William for petrol and something for lunch on the hoof.
We got to Ullapool at 5.00 pm and did a small stock up at Tescos - some lovely British asparagus for tea - and now we’re here!

I took a view of the mountains on my phone to send to family immediately we arrived. Wonderful to see the clear mountains and the sea well in, even further in now. You may well see them  if we can see them later in the week!  We’re very definitely in the Highlands now.
Unpacked, heard the cuckoo so now it’s a glass of wine, feet up and breathe - looking at that view! ( Well maybe a walk to the beach later)
12,000 + steps

Incidentally it’s 54 years since we met today!