7 July – On to Islay

Today we left Craob Haven and drove south to Kennacraig.  Along the way we stopped in Lochgilphead for some groceries and gas, and then spent some time walking the street in Tarbet, a nice town which reminded us of Oban.  It’s a harbor town, with the main street curving all around the harbor.  We had lovely conversation with a woman running a small gift and craft shop… of course she was knitting, so there was a good connection for Kathy, but she also talked with me about whiskey, telling me about a Dalmore “After Dinner” edition which she found wonderful.

Then on to the ferry to Islay.  It was a very nice, new-looking ferry, with comfortable seats and lots of windows.

 We had a meal of steak pie (K) and (D) had Cullen skink pie—Cullen Skink is a soup or stew with smoked haddock, potatoes, and onions; this pie had mashed potatoes on top as well-- preceded by a wee dram of Bowmore (to calm the unsettled nerves resulting from full moon driving on twisty narrow roads). 

   

The views along the ride were very nice, and after a bit of rain the sun cooperated and lit up the hills on either side of the Sound of Islay (the waterbetween Islay and Jura).  Our route follows dotted line.

A bigger view of where we are in Scotland.

Isle of Jura on NE side of channel

Approach to ferry terminal on Isle of Islay 

Once at Islay our TomTom went berserk, telling us that we had arrived at our destination before we even left the ramp of the ship.  So we had to find Perabus Farm B&B all by ourselves!!! 

It is quite close to both Caol Ila and Bunnahabhain distilleries.  So after a brief intro at our lodging we headed out first to Bunnahabhain and then to Caol Ila.  Having only and hour before both closed we made brief stops.  The setting of each is incredible, down the steep hills and along the loch with beautiful views and nice tasting shops. It was interesting that I didn’t really like either of the whiskies!  First time that’s happened!

Paps of Jura from near our B&B

View from Bunnahabhain site

                               
Had a chat with Donald, the owner of Persabus Farm, when we returned.  It is a working farm on which his family has lived for over 100 years.  He once had 700 sheep and 60 head of cattle, but has cut back… now having 70 sheep and 15 or so cattle.  Just had one calf and in his phone photo it sure looked cute… hope I get to see it.  Donald’s wife is Rosemary and she runs a pottery shop and tea room here on the farm.  We hope to get a look at it tomorrow morning.

Old wall next to the house is from 1700's

                                 Oh yes, happily for us some heather has started to bloom…