Kilchoan to Kilmelford

This should be a comfortable day’s touring with plenty of time for holiday-type activities. During the crossing to Mull, Tim divulged much about his extraordinary life. He had been a senior manager for Sony at the time of the introduction of the Walkman, part of the “cutthroat” advertising business in London, and head of charity organisations in Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. He was also in charge of the building of the impressive Community Centre in Kilchoan. Tim was going to Tobermory to walk away from traffic after visiting the bakery, now added to my list of eateries on his recommendation.

The Gallery, former Free Church has, above The Gallery Restaurant, an impressive stained glass window behind artwork on display and for sale. Artwork based on maps of Scotland can be commissioned and is under consideration for its relevance to this travelogue.

The sunny weather made an hour’s trip round the bay inviting, and the canopy was welcome. The trip was most informative about the history and construction of the town, local trees and wildlife such as shags, harbour seals and deer.

The usual break of the ride to the port of Craignure at The Coffee Pot in Salen was particularly welcome in the heat, and a shaded spot by a stream past the side of the cafe was a relaxing place to drink the coffee.

After the crossing to Oban, the large Tesco is a good place to stock up, eat some fresh food and wait for the early evening when the main road quietens.

Once more at the campsite of Kilmelford Yacht Haven, there was a greeting from David, still in his office with work on yachts continuing later in the day than observed in recent visits.