Caisteal an Stalcaire

Castle Stalker if you prefer. The present tower house was built in the 15th century by Clan Stewart but in 1620 a drunken bet resulted in it being passed to Clan Campbell and was swapped back and forth a few times. It was abandoned about 1840 when the roof collapsed. It was bought by Charles Stewart in 1904 who did the basic conservation work. It was passed to the present owner in 1965 who fully restored it. It is opened to the public on selected days during the summer.

The railway ran along the side of Loch Linnhe until the Beeching cuts. The Hollytree Hotel where we're stay was originally the Kentallen station. We drove to Appin and parked where the old railway (now a path and cycle track) leads down to the jetty to the castle. It was about a mile each way but nice and flat and easy walking. We saw eider duck and many familiar garden birds but no sign of the otters we're always hoping for.

When we got back to the car we drove a mile or so the the cafe which has a view of the castle and had a coffee. After that we drove to Oban where Marian bought some very colourful Harris tweed which she intends to make into a suit. After a walk around Oban and another coffee we returned to the hotel.

I'm pleased to say that the dire weather which was forecast did not materialise and although it's been overcast, there's been barely a breath of wind and it's been an enjoyable day. And a lovely sunset to end it!