Most people have heard of the Island of Iona. It attracts tourists and pilgrims from all over the world. Columba, an Irish prince accompanied by twelve companions, arrived in 563. During the next thirty-four years, he founded a monastery and turned Iona into a place of pilgrimage and Christian learning, which was renowned throughout Europe.
Getting there was a challenge. There are no marinas or public moorings near Iona and the only anchorage has a fast tidal stream running through it. With the excellent help of the local Tourist Information office, we decided to hire a car (£25 + petrol) for the day. The drive was challenging with most of the 40-mile journey being on single-track roads with passing places. After a short ferry crossing we arrived on the island and visited the recently restored monastery. After an interesting look around, we progressed to the local hotel for an excellent, mostly home grown, lunch.
Getting there was a challenge. There are no marinas or public moorings near Iona and the only anchorage has a fast tidal stream running through it. With the excellent help of the local Tourist Information office, we decided to hire a car (£25 + petrol) for the day. The drive was challenging with most of the 40-mile journey being on single-track roads with passing places. After a short ferry crossing we arrived on the island and visited the recently restored monastery. After an interesting look around, we progressed to the local hotel for an excellent, mostly home grown, lunch.