The hour long bus journey from Craignure took us to Fionnphort where we boarded the short and painless 10min ferry ride to Iona. After exiting we found our way to the B&B, settled in, before heading off on a short walk - free from the tourists at this time of night. There were very few people around, and we headed up toward the abbey via the Nunnery before doubling back and eating a meal in the pub before lazing on one of the ebaches and chatting as the sun began to dip down.
The following morning we did relatively the same thing, walking up toward the abbey only this time far more closely and with cameras. We looked around the graveyard, where 48 of Scotland's kings are buried (including MacBeth) before looking around the impressive interior of the abbey and the various celtic crosses that adorn both the outside, and the inner of the museum which has been set up in tribute to this craft.
We looked around a couple of the tourist shops, and the crafts which were for sale before once again heading to one of the beaches where we sat and watched the ferries toing and froing, bringin with it tens and twentys of tourists who all began there short tour of the island by heading toward the abbey.
Like Glenfinnan, and Berneray, Iona is the perfect place to just sit and think. To not get caught up in the heady bustle of normality and instead take time out to enjoy the peace and whatever company you are with. As such, it is hard to capture the isle in words alone. There is a rich history due to establishment of the abbey, and the various tales which go with - such as the massacre of monks upon the North Eastern beach. And there is a rich natural history, with many farms and wildlife (including otters) being able to be seen from various points on the island.
It is hard to capture the atmosphere in words alone, and if only one place in Scotland deserved a closer visit it is this. I find it hard to believe that people can produce a clear picture of the place in the few hours that a tour allows.
This is why we chose to spend the night there, and I do not regret doing so. It is really the only way to experience the island. |
