Isle of Luing

A perfect day, sunny with no wind. We decided to spend it exploring the Isle of Luing. We went for the 10:15 ferry getting to the jetty by 10:00, thinking that would allow me time to have a wander and take some photos. But no, the ferry was waiting, and they waved us straight on board, and we rode across the strait in solitary splendour. Obviously, the timetables don't mean much here! 

We found two Iron Age forts, Ballycastle and Leccamore. I love these ancient places. They are magical and so atmospheric, although they are usually not blipworthy, often being no more than a pile of stones. These two were great, Ballycastle being a hill top fort with a remarkable amount of stones remaining, and Leccamore (above) being a galleried dun still with two entrances and a stairway set in a substantial stone wall. 

Another highlight was finding the 13th century graffiti on the old ruined chapel apparently depicting a passing fleet as the Norwegian and Scots kings sought to establish control of the Isles.

After visiting the heritage village of Toberonochy, walking on the sands of Blackmill Bay, and exploring the village and slate quarries of Cullipool, we returned to the ferry and were again the only car on the trip. We finished off a grand day with a lovely meal out in the pub in Ellenabeich.