The road to the Isles

Arrived in Oban in good time for the ferry to Castlebay on Barra. A pleasant crossing on a large and comfortable ferry, with a sighting of dolphins or porpoises, I don't know which. Out hostess Mairi turned out to be a keen runner, with a hall full of  medals. Watched an otter in the harbour as we ate our meal. A short crossing to Eriskay, then over the causeway to South Uist. We've had a couple of days here, pottering about, watching seals, divers and other wildlife. Tomorrow we drive up to North Uist. Wondering how it will differ from the machair of the south.

Time to bid farewell to Arran. Caught the first ferry out of Lochranza, and now on the road to Obama, for the crossing to Barra. On the drive from Whiting Bay we spotted a red squirrel and a golden e agle

Arrived at Ardrossan terminal to be greeted by the sight of a ferry pottering about in the harbour with its bow door open. Turned out the ramp wasn't folding away properly. Soon fixed, that ferry departed and ours berthed. The crossing seemed considerably quicker than the paddle steamers of my childhood. Sought sight of porpoises, just breaking the surface. Having landed, we set off on a circumnavigation of th he island, pausing at Lochranza to recce the next voyage, and at Blackwaterfoot for a drink. The Burlington is a comfortable guesthouse, overlooking the bay. Last night we had an exceptionally fine meal at Felicity's restaurant - may well return tonight. It's a glorious morning, and I've been out for a rather half-hearted run. Looking forward to a cooked breakfast, then a walk. Tomorrow we set off early to cross to Kintyre or the drive to Oban.

Tomorrow we set off on our tour of the Western Isles. We are starting on Arran. I came to Arran several times as a child on family holidays, my father having grown up on the Clyde and having a continuing affection for the area, which certainly rubbed off on me. In those days we would travel up overnight from London on the Starlight Special to St Enochs. This time we are driving. After Arran we drive up to Oban then across to Barra, and up through S and N Uist, Harris and Lewis, and Skye. At least, that's the plan. It only takes one ferry out of place to wreck things, and following Calmac on Twitter I realise how precarious their timetables are. Ah well - we'll see how things work out