[water]

This was once a smallish CalMac ferry I believe,converted into an expensive 'cruise ship' that plies the Western Isles.Tied up here at Ullapool around 6am on a glorious morning

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[silkstone]

That's the ship HM the Queen now uses occasionally instead of Britannia. We've never been on it but keep getting brochures inviting us to spend £2000 - £10,000 for a few days of luxury. So far we've found it easy to resist the temptation.

[simpbow]

Need to be some trip for that money

[silkstone]

Tomorrow we're going on a somewhat shorter and less luxurious "cruise" on the Lochaline-Fishnish ferry to the Isle of Mull. It's better value at around £15.

[water]

Originally Posted by silkstone

Tomorrow we're going on a somewhat shorter and less luxurious "cruise" on the Lochaline-Fishnish ferry to the Isle of Mull. It's better value at around £15.

Been on that ferry and you will pass some lovely scenery to get to Lochaline whichever direction you arrive from [though I have to say the Lochailort-Salen-Strontian route looks tasty on paper].
As an aside,my mother traced an ancester who was working in the lead mines at Strontian in 1700 and something

[silkstone]

That whole area is beautiful. We go across the loch on the Corran ferry and head by the most direct route to Lochaline - having already been on the go for over 7 hours! - and it's still a very enjoyable journey. We've been to Mull almost every year for the last 12 years.

A few years ago we 'did' the Ardnamurchan peninsula - stayed at Kilchoan - and that is also great (and remote). Another way to Mull is via the ferry from Mingary to Tobermory. We did that as foot passengers but have never taken the car across from there.

You'll have noticed that the weather has changed. It may get into the mid-teens next week up there!

Anyway... I'm going to pack the Macbook up now and sign off for a week or so. Don't forget to turn the lights off, and keep the place tidy while I'm away!