At the end of last month I made the journey north to Scotland — a very generous 18th birthday gift from my aunt, to the place I’d dreamt of my whole life.
It took a whole day on the road, so this first post is about getting there, and where we stayed.
The route
The journey north
Depart
7am coach
Arrive
Oban, around 7pm
Stops
Gretna Green and one more
Season
Early September
- The early start A very early September morning, with a few coach changes and rest breaks.
- Gretna Green A quirky village famous for runaway weddings — we saw kilts and wedding dresses.
- The last leg The hills began to look like the Scotland you imagine — like Wales, but grander.
- Oban Arriving at the hotel around 7pm, after twelve hours of travel.
Autumn was just showing — a subtle turn to red and orange on the way up, and far more by the journey home.
Where we stayed
A week in a twin room at the Bay Great Western, with the harbour across the road.
Hotel
The Bay Great Western
Harbour views from the lounge and front rooms, a short walk to town and over the road to the seafront.
Pack
Flip-flops, not hot water bottles
The rooms were boiling — I had the windows open and radiators off.
Next on the trip
Day 2
A day on the Isle of Mull
The ferry and Tobermory.
Oban
Five things to do in Oban
From chocolate to McCaig’s Tower.
