Duart Castle

Holiday Backblip - Final Day

Up early and ready to go well before 10 am, so after saying our goodbyes and thanks to the cottage owner who lives next door, we were on our way. Much too early for the ferry which was not until 3 pm, so we had decided to visit Duart Castle which we'd seen signposted on several drives past Craignure.

An early morning mist over the island meant hazy final views of everything en route, but added to the atmospheric attraction of the scenery. Arriving at the castle, the mist started to lift and by the time we'd got as far as the roof and battlements, the views were magnificent over the Sound of Mull to the mainland.

The castle is the ancestral seat of the Clan Maclean and has a fascinating history going back to the 13th century. It's small enough to feel personal and yet grand enough to have many magnificent rooms and artifacts. It was largely restored from a ruinous state as late as the 1930s, but nothing much has been done since, so it seems in a time warp. After touring the building, we took a walk round the outside and this shot was taken from the back of the castle. Lunch in the cafe here was a treat and then it was time for the ferry back to Oban.

The weather got better and better and by the time we arrived in Oban, it was a glorious, warm day with blue skies and no wind so we enjoyed a gentle stroll around the busy town until it was time to go for our final holiday treat - a meal at the Seafood Temple, as recommended by a fellow blipper. Hard to believe that this tiny restaurant can produce such delicious seafood in such a small space! A wonderful meal:-)

The drive home seemed very long, but it was a clear night and the roads were not too busy, although having two lanes again was a novelty! We've had a wonderful, memorable holiday and hope some of you may have enjoyed it along with us:-)