Road Of The Kings - Glen Lonan - 3 hours

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As we embark on a journey north of Oban, passing by the magnificent Dunstaffnage Castle, we soon reach the picturesque village of Taynuilt. From there, a visit to Kelly's Pier, nestled peacefully on the shores of Loch Etive, presents a moment of tranquil reflection. But our adventure truly begins as we immerse ourselves in the enchanting embrace of Glen Lonan, a place that effortlessly transports us back to the illustrious era of Scotland's mighty kings. The landscape that unfolds before us is a painting of serene beauty. Gentle hills gracefully cradle wind-sculpted birch groves, gradually giving way to bracken-covered terrain and the verdant expanses of boggy grasslands. Amidst this idyllic scenery, farms and cottages scatter the landscape, harmoniously coexisting with the leisurely presence of Highland cows. As we explore the area, an OS map reveals a tapestry of ancient history woven into the land itself. Duns, cairns, and standing stones stand as silent witnesses to the tales of a bygone era. Legend whispers that Glen Lonan holds the title of the 'Road of the Kings,' once treaded upon by the funeral processions of Scotland's monarchs as they embarked on their final pilgrimage to the sacred isle of Iona. For centuries, from the ninth to the eleventh, these hallowed grounds of St. Columba's island cradled the remains of Scotland's kings. Kenneth MacAlpin, Aed, Giric, Constantine I, and a lineage of successors found their eternal rest here. The essence of the land seems to retain their echoes, as if their presence lingers, bridging the gap between past and present. Continuing along the path, we gracefully skirt the mesmerizing Loch Nell, a tranquil inland loch that unveils its beauty at every turn. We catch a glimpse of an early church at Kilmore, adding another layer of historical significance to our journey. Eventually, we reach the shores of Loch Feochan, a sea loch stretching its sinuous finger into the Firth of Lorn. On the shore of Loch Feochan stands the solemn Carraig nam Marbh, aptly known as 'the Rock of the Dead.' It is here that the revered Kings' bodies were placed in regal galleys, embarking on poignant voyages across the Firth of Lorn. These vessels would encircle the southern reaches of Mull, carrying their precious cargo until reaching the revered shores of Iona, their final resting place.

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