A logistically complicated day, as we had to take 3 ferries along the way. The first was from Fort William to the other side of the Loch Linnhe. The second was from Lochaline to the Isle of Mull. The final ferry was from the Isle of Mull to Oban.
Complicating matters was the ferry schedule. The second ferry had a big gap between noonish and 2pm. If I missed the one at noonish, I’d have to wait 2 hours for the next one.
So after the short first ferry, I went a bit harder than usual, but not too hard that I’d not have any legs left after reaching the second ferry.
I was making good time until I hit a rock and got a pinch flat. The good news was that it was just a quick tube replacement and I was soon back on the road.
The road along the Loch Linnhe was lovely with little traffic and great views along the water. Also, the weather was pleasant with plenty of sun in the morning.
I got to the second ferry, and lunch, with sufficient time to spare, despite my flat. The ferry was bigger than the first one, which was about the tiniest boat that was still able to take about a dozen bikes and riders. The ferry to the Isle of Mull was big enough to take bikes and cars.
The Isle of Mull was quite nice, with quiet roads and great views along the water. I even saw the sign pointing towards Calgary, which is the place on Mull that my hometown is named after.
After seeing lots of sheep and negotiating two relatively easy climbs (for this tour), I was keeping a good pace until I got my second flat. This one was not a pinch flat, so I changed the tire as well as the tube, to make things easier.
No complications there, and I was back on the road again. I pushed the pace again, wanting to reach the last ferry and not knowing how far it was to be honest. In the end, I reached it with plenty of time to spare.
The last ferry was the largest by far, and the cruise to Oban was quite pleasant. Despite the stress of trying to make the ferries, it was a great day on the bike.
June 6, 2026 by Mike
