I vividly recall the occasion of my first bus trip from Glasgow to Campbeltown, Argyll. My bro had moved there due to a change in job some weeks formerly and a buddy and I were heading down to go to him. I had travelled to Argyll many times before but Campbeltown – just about at the southernmost end of the cape – was further by some way than I had formerly ventured.

We were scheduled on to the Citylink service bus number 926, leaving Buchanan Street Bus Station in Glasgow City Centre at 9am one bright morning and due to arrive in Campbeltown roughly four and a half hours later. The 1st hour or so of the journey was thru terribly familiar territory to me, with small of relevance to see, but when we left the city of Dumbarton behind and approached the banks of Loch Lomond, though I was still on familiar ground, the views seriously improved and that was time to put the paper away and watch the world go by.

As the weather was so fair, we shortly saw the waters of Loch Lomond sparkling thru the trees to our right and spanned the banks of the famous loch for some miles, before leaving it at Tarbet and seeing the sea for the 1st time in the shape of the sea loch that’s Loch Long. This road then took us towards, up and over the “Rest and be Thankful,” where the gradient is so steep at certain points of the road, my ears really “pop” more frequently than not, as in an aeroplane climbing to altitude. The views here is completely different in that it is essentially rough and desolate, if just as incredible in its own special way. One can nearly imagine the prehistoric glaciers carving the form of the land for millennia yet to come.

Approaching sea level again, we will be able to see Scotland’s biggest sea loch, Loch Fyne, in the distance. Passing the hamlet of Cairndow, we round the head of the loch, where sits the famous Loch Fyne Oyster Bar, a seafood lover’s heaven. There’s both a store and restaurant here but be aware that costs aren’t the least expensive in the world and the restaurant frequently needs to be scheduled ahead. The freshness and quality of the produce cannot ever be called in to query. The Oyster Bar also sells game, a selection of meats and lots more besides what’s its traditional fayre.

Inveraray is where the bus stops to permit a short comfort break of almost 20 mins for the driver and passengers alike. It is feasible to disembark and take a short wander, smoke a cig, or simply admire the phenomenal perspectives. This small city is one of my favorite places on Earth and I’d suggest to any person that they include it on their list of “places to see before you die.” The stunning views, the superb castle that’s home to the Duke of Argyll, the friendly folk in the hostels, shops and bars – all combine to make Inveraray a fabulous place to spend a couple of days or more. Setting off again, we follow Loch Fyne for the main part, passing through a multitude of tiny towns and hamlets, all of the while enjoying consistently impressive perspectives till we reach the city of Lochgilphead. This isn’t my favorite part of Argyll but we shortly pass on by, thru Ardrishaig, and head towards the decorative little place that’s Tarbert (note the extra “r” which distinguishes it from a prior port of call) This is where we curve away from Loch Fyne and approach the West Loch, shortly reaching the ferry terminal of Kennacraig, where the ferry departs 2 or 3 times per day – timed to coincide so far as possible with our bus – for the superbly attractive Isle of Islay, likely the malt whisky capital of Scotland and indeed the planet. We are now homing in on Campbeltown and should make the best of what there remains to see before reaching our last destination.

There’s virtually a feeling of dissatisfaction when our journey ends, but aside from the activities we are booked to enjoy during our stay, there’s also the return journey to anticipate.