We leave Glendale in sunshine and wend our way towards the Skye Bridge at Kyle of Lochalsh, stopping at Upper Breakish where we find Skye Antiques - an extraordinary shop with precious wares left out in rain, hail or snow! A cornucopia of ceramics, old and older!

The drive via Fort William to Oban is varied and beautiful . 

We stay at Barcaldine Castle - a 17th Century fortified tower house castle, built between 1602 and 1609. So old, so solid, so dark and heavy with wood and metal - a memorable experience. We hear our first cuckoo!

We leave early and visit the Ardchattan Priory, founded in 1230. The ruins are beautifully preserved and the gardens that date back 700 years are filled with radiant spring daffodils.

The day is glorious and the road winding as we make our way to Inverary, past castles and ruins.

The roads are filled with an inordinate number of motorcyclists and Digby's envy is tangible! Apparently the Glasgow to Inverary run is a popular one. 

At Inveraray, Loch Shira glitters in sunshine and the reflections are quite special!

We reach Arrochar and our accommodation could not be better! It is so cold you leave your wine beside the open window to chill!

We look across Loch Long to the mountains of Ben Arthur and Beinn Narnain. Spectacular!

We leave early for Glasgow and connect comfortably with our flight to Cork, Ireland.