Scotland the Rainy

Well it certainly knows how to rain! We became accustomed to the Scottish weather on our 3 week holiday, and for the most part enjoyed living and cooking in the van (except when it smelt of burning oil or overheated gearbox). Truly terrible weather drove us away from the mountains of Glencoe in the Western Highlands however, and we spent a few days island-hopping with regular adventurer-buddies Rory and Jane. We took a cold ferry ride over to the Isle of Mull, and then another (in even worse weather) to the holy island of Iona. The waves threw the boat around while it lowered the ramp to let the cars drive off, we were glad of our wet-weather gear!

We couldn't figure out why there were no other tourists?

Iona - this is a little island with lots of history. In 563 an Irish monk sailed over the Irish Sea to start a religious community, which led to the spread of Christianity throughout the Scottish Isles and Northern England. This Celtic Christianity had begun as the Roman Empire and influence faded, and any number of missionary characters endured the elements for their lifetimes to spread the word to the wild Celts. The monasteries were sacked by the Vikings and went through different periods of influence in the Middle Ages. Today there is a beautiful Abbey that has been mostly restored by the Iona Community, a group that are active on the island and across the UK, especially in lots of social development issues. They like Fair Trade too.

Rory or Janes pic of ruin on Iona

We were the only tourists on Iona, as the weather was truly foul. However after a 2 mile trek to the northern tip of the island, we found a fantastic hostel staffed by a introspective (but bored) German with a Scottish accent. We put all our wet clothes in the drying room, and read books, drank wine, and felt warm while it blew and shuddered outside.

Hebridean sheep - like black goats but smaller (and probably not as tasty according to Katie)

Rory and I did manage a days climbing back in Glencoe, while Katie and Jane bagged a few peaks from the campground.

Here's Rory on a classic Scottish route, Dorsal Arete. He climbed along the 'fin' above in his crampons.


Star-jumping in Edinburgh on our way back south.

(photo by jane, stars = jamie, ljana,rory and ben)