Travel Day: Oban to Isle of Skye

The early part of our trip has shorter stays - two nights in Oban then two nights in Skye. And sadly for our delayed cohort that meant less then 24 ours in the Oban area.

Starting our Glencoe hike

It was going to be a rainy day, expected but still annoying. Especially in contrast to the surprising sunny first two days. We headed to Glencoe visitor center to get prepped for some hiking in the beautiful mountains and glens.

My visitor center experience: cafe and birdwatching. I missed breakfast back in Taynuilt and learned that they had bird feeders outside a giant window in the cafe. So a cheese scone and Americano joined me for a sit down to stare at chaffinches and goldfinches.

As far as we got in the hidden valley

A big group of us hiked about 2 miles of the hidden valley trail, with ever increasing rain and wind. Everything was beautiful looking up to the Three Sisters and down into the glens and falls and streams.

View of the bay and Glenfidden monument

We continued north towards our ferry port in Mallaig, and our timing worked out to see the Jacobite (aka Harry Potter) train going over the aqueduct in Glenfinnan. The train was fun to see but the view in the opposite direction was even more spectacular. The monument is for Bonnie Prince Charlie and the Jacobite movement. Noble cause but led by a very ignoble noble.

Mike works his way up to the elevated green

The rain continued to fall as we made our way to Traigh and their lovely 9 hole beach side links course. Mike and I rallied our gumption, donned our rain gear, and set out for 9 holes of rainy bliss. It only took five minutes for us to acknowledge that this was the RIGHT CALL.

9 holes of links magic

Julie and Britt joined us at the 9th hole to chat about the adventure and admire the adjacent sheep herd.

15 minutes later we were in the ferry to Skye where we joined with the full group of 16 at the House of Juniper in Broadford.