Let me explain further. The traditional route would have been to travel from Inverness down the A82 past Fort William and to catch the ferry further down at Oban. The Oban ferry goes across to Craignure on Mull. However I had found a different route taking in two different ferry crossings that if my calculations were correct would not only work out much cheaper but also quicker.
Just for piece of mind before setting off and to make sure no booking of ferries was required I checked in with our friend at the Tourist Information Office again. This was actually by now my third visit after calling in previously for a replacement map for the one mysteriously lost if you recall.
The look on his face worried me, it wasn't just 'oh no not him again'. To say he wasn't familiar with my planned route would be something of an understatement. I wasn't hearing the soothing words of re-assurance that I had hoped for. He did recall hearing that one of the ferries in question had been out of action for a while due to an accident....He passed on a couple of phone numbers for the ferry operators (which were never answered) and wished us luck. We were going to need it because our only alternative 'The Oban ferry' was fully booked.
I enjoyed the drive to Fort William especially as it once again took us past Loch Ness as well as the splendour of Ben Nevis. Ben Nevis is the highest mountain in the British Isles, located in Scotland, United Kingdom. Standing at 1,345 metres above sea level, it is located at the western end of the Grampian Mountains. Not that we could see much of it as it was shrouded in cloud and mist. Shortly afterwards our first ferry crossing came into view , just as one was pulling away....
The Corran Ferry is one of few remaining mainland vehicle ferries in Scotland. The route crosses Loch Linhe from Nether Lochaber to Ardgour, The wait for the next ferry was only about 20 minutes and the passage took about 15 minutes max. Foot passengers travel for free but £8.20 for a vehicle wasn't bad I thought.
From the Ardgour side, there are roadway connections to Lochaline, 31 miles (50 km) to the southwest. Although it is probably the longest 31 miles I have ever travelled due to the winding single track roads. It is most certainly ascenic drive to Lochaline across the wild and remote Morvern peninsula. The last 18 miles from Strontian south to Lochaline is along single track roads. The next ferry I felt slightly more comfortable about as it was operated by Caledonian Macbrayne 'Calmac'. This time the crossing cost £11.50 The ferry journey from Lochaline to Fishnish across the Sound of Mull is short but stunning. There is a chance of seeing wildlife, including porpoises, seals and even basking sharks depending on the time of year. Fishnish sits roughly halfway between Tobermory and Craignure. The views over the water to the rugged hills of Morvern are outstanding. So it was with no small amount of relief that we had actually arrived in Mull !
No comments:
Post a Comment