So near, yet so far!

It could be a rather cryptic start to a review of last night's footie match. But We're actually referring to the Isle of Lismore. Quite literally translating as "big garden", this island is very easily accessed from Port Appin, just 20 minutes down the road from Glencoe, and yet it's taken about 15 years since my last visit to get back to the island.

 The monument to Waverley Arthur Cameron, son of the founder of the Oban Times

The island is just large enough to be too big to explore properly on foot, though you could easily walk around Port Ramsay for a couple of hours. The scenery and the views are stunning, and it's always great to get close to the water. And there's a little bit of history too with the lime kilns and the old cottages. However, the island is better explored by bike, and they are free on the ferry. Other forms of transport are available!

Pre-book a ride on a horse and cart.

The gradients on the modest hills aren't too steep, and there's plenty of side roads to go and explore. And you can do as we did, and try connecting a couple of the roads with a little 'off roading' adventure. Nothing quite like a loch side picnic and the promise of an ice cream at the island's cafe to keep the little legs going!

Stopping for a picnic

Good weather certainly helps, but there's plenty of exploring to be done on Lismore. I've already got a couple more trips ear marked for further exploration of the island, both with the bikes and on foot. And if it looks like the sun is going to shine again next time remind me to pack the sun cream!

The view north towards the point and the ferry pier.

Kids will love a trip to the island too. Whilst there's the history of limestone quarrying and lime kilns, castles and brochs for the adults, the sea shore is a great place for searching for all sorts of crabs, shells and other sea shore goodies which seem much more abundant on the island than even just over the water at Appin.

For more information see the Isle of Lismore community web site or see WalkHighlands for a number of suggested routes with easily viewed maps.