Hiking the isle of Lismore

An early morning start and a drive to Port Appin to catch the ferry to the isle of Lismore. The air carried quite a chill and a few plump raindrops fell, but the MET weather forecast held true and it was partly cloudy the rest of the day. My parents and I hiked around the north tip of Lismore and down the west coast.

I would like to argue that we were hiking, but they are calling it slogging......I don't think it was THAT boggy, but after a few kilometers it was decided to leave the west coast and head more inland to the main road. It was much easier walking on the single track paved road.

Looked inside a lovely church and my prayers were answered when the small local museum and cafe was open. Hallelujah!!! I was afraid my parents might have decided to leave me behind in a bog otherwise. Lovely to sit inside and warm up and admire the surrounding countryside as the sun shined brightly for a few minutes. Lunch was a fabulous bowl of carrot soup with a small slice of soda bread and a fantastic bacon & haggis toastie, YUM! We circled the one room museum that amazingly packed quite a lot of interesting information on the history of Lismore in such a small space.

Here's an interesting story. Back when Celtic Christianity came to Scotland, via Ireland in the 6th century, two lads, Columba and Moluag were in a race to find the perfect place to set up their base of operations, a monastery. Well, both had their eyes set on claiming Lios Mor (Lismore, Gaelic for "great garden"). It was a close race to see who would come ashore first, the story goes that Columba was in the lead, so Moluag cut off his own finger and flung to the shore and cried: "My flesh and blood have first possession of this island, and I bless it in the name of the Lord." Thus, he won the island of Lismore.

Interesting, huh?

We decided a slog through boggy ground after our mini-break didn't sound too appealing so we walked on the main road, back to the north tip of the island and caught the ferry back to Port Appin.

I had a wonderful day and have now had a glimpse of the lovely Lismore and plan to return, perhaps when its a bit sunny and drier.