Best of 2017 (2)

01.01.2017 - 31.12.2017 0 °C
View Ouarzazate & Girne & Lismore & Arran & Oslo & Islay & Colonsay & Abbotsford & Ben y Vrackie & Blair Atholl & The North & Gaimersheim & Eigg on IainT's travel map.

This category is for transport other than flights - the Edinburgh Airport buses and the occasional taxi don’t count!

I had my share of Calmac ferry trips - again... this has become a trend! Eigg, Islay, Colonsay and Arran were on my island hopping adventure list. I always enjoy them. The one from Mallaig to Eigg was memorable for the perfect weather, but so too were the Port Askaig (Islay) to Kennacraig and Colonsay to Oban mini cruises.

Bliss

I also used the cute wee ferry to Lismore from Port Appin. 5 minutes each way. I even used the Western Ferries service from Dunoon to Gourock.

Firth of Clyde

On a more exotic note I used a couple of ferry services when I visited Oslo. Scottish ferry trips are usually accompanied by dramatic scenery, but crossing Oslofjord between Nesodden and the city was spectacular in a different way. I loved it.

B10 from Akers brygge

I used the train services in Oslo and Casablanca - but just the airport services. I took the train in Bavaria in January - Munich Airport to Ingolstadt. German train journeys seldom disappoint, but I’ve had many in the last 6 years so they aren’t especially memorable!

I took the Scotrail train from Fort William to Mallaig to get the Eigg ferry - the line made famous by the Harry Potter books. It is spectacular. I had a number of good awaydays by train around Scotland over the summer as well.

Scotrail's 8:30 to Mallaig

On business I took the Transpennine Express train to Lockerbie - you see some good scenery on that journey, plus it’s fast and comfortable. Last but not least (as far as trains go) is my day out in Derry courtesy of NI Railways.

I had a rented car (Renault Clio) in Ouarzazate and rented bikes on Colonsay and Lismore (makes unknown). The Clio became a friend. She kept me safe from other Moroccan road users.

Road Home

The bike on Lismore was fun - in a way. It was the first time I’ve cycled with a full rucksack (20kg) on my back. Tough going.

I took a dolmuṣ (twice) on Kıbrıs. A new experience and a fun one. Ultra cheap too.

Dolmuṣ to Lefkoṣa

I’m really spoiled for choice in this category. The decision came down to a choice between that warm, dusty trip by dolmuṣ between Girne and Gazimaǧusa and the cool, sophisticated commute in Oslo.

Oslo Harbour