SATURDAY 13th July: Kinlochleven-Barra

Our Cal Mac ferry arrives into port

7pm on the CalMac ferry from Oban to Barra.

Left Oban promptly with bikes safely stowed on the car deck. Sunshine and cold Magners helped to enhance the holiday mood.  Due in Barra at 20.30 –  hope they’re still serving food when we get there.

Today has been a massive contrast to yesterday.

Said goodbye to Saint Cathy (note rapid progress to sainthood) and Nelson.  Set off fuelled by a wholesome and substantial bikers breakfast.

The Sustrans 78 Route from Fort William to Oban was a gem. At this point we feel we owe Route 78 further description.  In contrast to the trunk roads, the cycle route is smooth and even making for easy and pleasant cycling. If we had any criticism it would be slightly ambiguous signage – one such being that we ended up cycling all the way down s muddy dirt track to a caravan site.

We enjoyed the scenic splendour of the Argyll coastline including the magnificent Castle Stalker and the Connel Bridge.

Stunning Castle Stalker

Hazel genning up about Castle Stalker’s history

You can just see Hazel at the end of the bridge

The journey was incident – and almost insect – free.  This is a reference to the multitude of cleg and insect related incidents yesterday. Disappointing stop at the bike shop in George Street in Oban due to the surliness and unhelpful attitude of the shop assistant.  OK he was busy but there are ways of saying things. While it may have seemed that all Caroline wanted was to use his bike pump (charge £1), he didn.t stop to consider how much either of us might have spent ultimately. As it was we left empty-handed.

Ee Usk had been recommended for lunch, but on checking the menu prices, we decided it wasn’t for us.  So we went to the Italian next door.

Oban itself was a surprise. On a sunny July day it was jumping.  However neither the drivers nor the pedestrians seemed to be aware of the existence of cyclists.

One of many sights at Oban harbour

Arrived on time in Castlebay (thanks CalMac) passing the splendid Kisimul Castle, and chewed the fat with other visiting cyclists whilst waiting to disembark.  Finally leapt on to the bikes and dashed towards the Isle of Barra Beach Hotel to be in time for dinner.  In fact, we arrived with time to shower and be in place for our 21.15 sitting.

The menu offered, amongst other things, fish & chips & peas. However, peas were off and substituted by salad which became the topic of some humorous debate (you probably had to be there …,). We then retired to the bar – you’re as surprised as we were. It didn’t take long to get into debate and discussion with Roddy and Seamus.  Thanks for your hospitality boys!