5 to 7 September - Oban: a few days of rest and recuperation before theadventure continues.

We took the train from Fort William to Oban, so that we could continue the rest period. It was a beautiful train ride!

Nice to not pedal for a bit, but in all honesty we would have preferred to ride the bikes...

 

Blue sky!!

Arriving in Oban. A glorious sunny day.

Performing some necessary bike maintenance in the park in front of our hostel. Gearing up for the weeks ahead.

Saying goodbye to our old tires- it feels as if we are losing good friends. Wondering how many years these tires would have listed if they had made the Fort William Bike Art? Years. Many years.

Our new home, the 'Corran House' at dusk.

And a smashing sunset! Looking west over the Kerrera, the island in the bay. 

Cycling along the coastal road near Oban, with Dunollie castle ruins on hill behind.

The impressive Dunstaffnage castle was built originally in the 1200s by the clan MacDougall. Unfortunately the MacDougall's had sided with the crown (the wrong side in this case) and lost the castle to Robert the Bruce in 1309 when he successfully thwarted the English from further invading Scotland (at least for a time). 

Quite an imposing place!

Built right on a large plug of rock, the strategic location of Dunstaffnage castle afforded excellent views of oncomers by sea and overland. It was later bequeathed to the Campbell's, who still own it to this day (although it is managed by 'Historic Scotland'). Also of note, Flora Macdonald was imprisoned here after she assisted in the escape of Bonny Prince Charlie to France by disguising him as her very own maid 'Betty'. She was later acquitted.

Remains of the family chapel at Dunstaffnage castle.

On the 7th we started the day with ... a distillery tour!!!

And were suitably impressed, so we brought a bottle with us.

Next, we head to the Hebrides on the Calmac ferry from Oban to Castlebay on Barra.

Stay tuned!

Day to Day summary:

September 5 - Fort William to Oban by train via portion of 'West Highland Line'. Rode through Glen Spean, along Loch Treig and through the Rannock Moor. Changed trains in Crianlarich and headed west along River Lochy. Passed the ruins of Kilchurn castle on banks of Loch Awe. Spent day walking through the sunny streets of Oban. Visited McCaigs's tower. Total  approximately 2 miles. Recovering well at Corran House hostel.

September 6 - Oban.

Short bike ride Castle tour north of Oban. Visited Dunstaffnage castle and chapel. Passed ruins of Dunollie castle. Attended local session in afternoon at 'Grassroots' cafe. Total approximately 10 miles. 

September 7 - Oban to Castlebay, Barra via ferry. Visited Oban distillery and Oban war and peace museum prior to departure in afternoon. Total 2.5 miles.