We had arranged to meet Lizzie and Richard, who look after the island, at the little pier at Badentarbert. We arrived a little early, having stopped on the way to take photographs of some of the peaks in Assynt, as well as a stag with the most magnificent antlers:


Before long we were on our way on the small rib across to the island. (Those coming on the retreat will not be travelling on the rib - the Patricia, which is a larger boat, is currently being serviced).

Richard dropped us of at the jetty closest to the two houses that will be used in the retreat - Schoolhouse and Farmhouse. Lizzie explained that at one time there were enough people living on the island to need a school, which I hadn't realised.

After having a look around the two houses (the views from all the bedrooms are stunning!) we headed inland a bit to have a walk around the island. Everywhere we looked there were wonderful views - our cameras were working overtime. Here is the view looking back towards Schoolhouse with the mainland beyond it:

On the west side of the island you get incredible views across the smaller Summer Isles:

Our walk took us past the ancient apple orchard, the graveyard reputed to date back to the 1100's, and the herring factory dating to the 1700's.

All too soon, after a wonderful lunch with Lizzie and Richard (we're not going to starve when we're on the island!) it was time to return to the mainland.


All I can say is the retreats are going to be great fun, a rather big adventure, and very, very peaceful.

On our journey home we were treated to a beautiful rainbow, which was the perfect end to a lovely day.

There are very limited spaces left on the second week of the retreats, and if you'd like further details then please contact Lizzie on the island - you can find all the details here.
9 reactions
1 From Libby - 27/01/2012, 18:44
I can't wait for September!!!
xxx
2 From Pat - 27/01/2012, 19:30
3 From Dorothy - 27/01/2012, 19:58
4 From Chris - 27/01/2012, 20:47
5 From Jill S - 27/01/2012, 21:46
6 From Lizzi - 27/01/2012, 22:46
7 From Anne - 28/01/2012, 01:30
8 From Maggie - 28/01/2012, 08:59
9 From Fr Wally Beale - 02/02/2012, 16:12
What a wonderful God we have. He gives us so much that is beautiful, if only we can learn to love.