It seemed rainbows were following us wherever we went on this road trip. as did rain, interspersed with sunny days. But our leisurely pace and focused itinerary let us enjoy the scenes along the way. We flew into Glasgow, got our rental car and headed for Loch Lomond.  (Click thumbnails for larger versions)

The comfortable and charming North Polnaberoch Bed & Breakfast was less than an hour from the airport and a great place to rest up, thanks to charming hosts Ian and Maria

Even in autumn the blooms were almost in overload at this lochside residence.

Loch Lomond on a grey afternoon.

Our first pub lunch, at the Lochgair Hotel.

The harbor at West Tarbert

Most of the boats were working vessels.

While staying in Kennecraig to go to Islay, we drove over the peninsula to see Skipness Castle and Chapel. This is the "lodge" at the entrance.

In spite of the drizzle and this warning, we proceeded to the ruins.

We got as far as the castle ...

before the rain made us rush back.

But it was a nice sunny morning when we drove down to the port at Kennecraig to catch the ferry after spending a night at the convenient and fantastically accommodating nearby Bluebell Cottage, run by Graham and Iris Terry.

Moving from Islay to Mull, we passed through Kilmartin, one of the UK's most under-explored archeological sites, that seems to be getting some more attention recently. (The office and cafe shown)

The small and well-kept Kilmartin House Museum is filled with some fascinating exhibits, such as a this ancient tomb.

I had first discovered Kilmartin from a CD (The Kilmartin Sessions) I got years ago made with the haunting Stone Age instruments. Click the photo above to hear my go at the "lithophone."

The church at Kilmartin is a relative newcomer, built in 1835, but it was built on what appears to have been an important ceremonial spot and houses some fascinating ancient carved stones.

One of the displays of carved tomb stones, some possibly going back to the 9th century.

The Kilmartin Poltalloch Stones, the work of sculptors working around the Loch Awe area in the 14th and 15th centuries.

A view of Kilmartin Glen from the churchyard. This is the site of many standing stone formations and cairns, which I'd love to explore more.

Driving to Kilmartin we noticed a strange rocky outcropping, which we later learned was Dunadd, This is believed to have been one of the most important places in Scotland from 500 to 900 A.D.