Francine's Tour

The weatherforecast predicted a splendid day and that was exactly the way it turned out.

Getting up at 5.30 in the morning was kind of hard but a must to be able to catch the 7 o’clock ferry to Mull.  Andy, the Celtic Warrior and Sara, the Italian Volunteer joined in for a daytrip to Iona, an Island opposite the Isle of Mull.

Arriving on Mull we entered the bus heading  for Fionaport, a one hour bustrip which ends at the ferryport from where the ferry for Iona is departing. It was a gorgeous drive through the western part of the Isle of Mull with mist rising from the frosty fields and deer to be seen in the distance. Passing along Ben Mor, with 966 m the islands largest Mountain, the temptation rises again.  Seeing it for the second time in my life the urge to climb it hasn’t subsided, quite the opposite, it got even bigger. It’s peak still covered with snow and not having proper equipment at hand gave me a good excuse to postpone this undertaking to a later time.

Ben Mor

We got lucky with the ferry at Fionaport, instead of waiting another 45 minute we were able to fetch an early one. I would have loved to swim the distance, the sea a perfect turkise and emerald colour and with its sandy beach it looked very tempting to take a dive, but keeping in mind that the nights are still frosty it was out of question.

Fionaport Bay with Iona seen in the distance

I headed first to the South beach which was pointed out by Andy and is supposed to have beautiful green limestones, similar to jade. Already the short walk to the beach was very scenic, seeing an otter and the typical whitewashed stone farmhouses spread over the countryside.

I let the picures of the beach talk for themselves, all I wanna say is that it felt rather like being in the Carribean than at the Northsea coast.

South Beach

I spent quite some time at the beach, taking dozens of pictures, the whole place felt very inspiring and uplifting.

After that, I headed for the Nunnery and the Abbey for which Iona is famous.

The Nunnery

The Abbey

I dind’t go inside but headed instead for Dany Hill, the highest elevation on the island. The view from up there is absolutely breathtaking. Looking down to the beaches and fields spreading out beneath my feet made my head spin and my stomach go loopy and it took me quite some time to get used to the feeling, adrenalin pure.

View from Dany over the island

Of course, there was just time left for a refreshing cider at the local pub. Since the ferry back to Mull was leaving at 2.30 it was a short stay on Iona but definitely one to remember forever.

View of Iona from the ferry heading back to Mull

Another perfect day on my marvellous biketrip through Northern Europe.

To see all the pictures, click on „Mediathek“ at the left