After dropping the keys back at the "keynest" convenience store, we made the short trek to the Queen Street train station just past George Square. As we awaited our train platform, we quaffed a much-needed coffee from a nearby stand.
What followed was a scenic train ride through Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, as we wound our way westward through the hills to seaside Oban on the coast. The train split at Crianlarich, with our front two cars continuing on to Oban. Arriving in late morning, we quickly found baggage storage at West Coast Motors (tomorrow's bus) and caught a taxi to nearby Dunollie Castle.
One of our travelling companions was of Clan MacDougall, whose traditional seat lay at Dunollie. We toured the manor house and museum, and then hiked up the hill to the castle ruins for a panoramic view of the Sound and surrounding isles. While we enjoyed the manor and castle and video of the long history of the clan, including the original Irish Viking chieftan named Somerled, our MacDougall friend was in her glory. This stop on the trip had been specifically designed for her. The current clan head (Morag) was even in residence during our visit, and personally signed a copy of the clan history book our friend bought at the gift shop.
Oban is a great base camp to explore a number of offshore isles, notably Mull, Lismore and others. Alas, we were only here for a half day and one brief night. Next time! Leaving the castle, we made the pleasant walk back along the sea wall to town, stopping at the Oban Inn for lunch and drinks. I sampled my first haggis (along with neeps and tatties) washed down with a Tennant's, while Jane opted for fish and chips.
From there we booked into our lodging, the Lorne Apartment through an alley, up a turret and overlooking the main street. It was very nice, and once again we lamented that we only had one night to spend here. We reminded our friends not to unpack anything more than necessary, as we had a bus to catch in the morning.
While our companions explored the shopping and the nearby whisky distillery, we made the steep climb up the hill behind the apartment to a whole new world of quiet neighbourhoods overlooking Oban from above, as we wound our way up to McCaig's Tower. The "unfinished" tower was a wealthy man's philanthropic make-work project when local stonemasons were experiencing hard times, but certainly commands an outstanding view of the town and sea beyond. We also met an entitled tabby lazily guarding the premises.
Walking back a different way, we wandered further afield to grab dinner and a few sundries at the Morrison's grocery store before working our way back to the apartment. As nice as it was, we needed to spend a bit of time there as the four of us enjoyed our one evening chillaxing in Oban. A week into the trip, it was a good time for some down time.
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