We were up promptly to catch the first ferry of the day at 08:45 to the Isle of Lismore. It’s a 50 minute journey but only a tiny ferry, one of the oldest in the CalMac fleet, and we were the sole passengers. It was cold and grey with threatening clouds. The forecast was rain but thankfully the deluge was not forthcoming. When we docked, the Post Office van backed on to collect the mail off the boat, then it drove off, after which a few cars backed on to make the crossing to the mainland.
We rode out to the southern end, the road ending in a track. We walked to the top of a small hill for a view of the lighthouse then mounted our bikes and headed north into the wind. We didn’t expect a tearoom on such a sparsely populated little island so were surprised to see a large modern café attached to a museum of island life. We were allowed to eat our sandwiches here, but Rowan decided to keep his for tomorrow as he’d taken a fancy to their stilton, pear and cranberry sandwiches, after which we sampled their very nice cakes. It was a welcome haven from the cold wind.
We continued along the undulating road with view across to the mainland peaks, overshadowed by dark clouds. We turned off to view the remains of the ancient broch, constructed by the Picts. We called in at the café again as we were in plenty of time for the ferry, Christine looked round the museum but Rowan and I couldn’t resist a scone. We crossed back on the last ferry of the day, the 15:45, this time there were several foot passengers and one car.