In the early autumn of 2021, I was able to continue my peregrinatio in Scotland when I walked from the city of Glasgow to the island of Iona on the west coast of this very diverse country.
Leaving Glasgow on the Kelvin Walkway, I then picked up the West Highland Way which I followed for about half its distance. Then needing to turn west, I reached the port of Oban from where I allowed myself a day’s diversion to the island of Lismore. There I was able to visit and attend a service at the ancient cathedral dedicated to St Moluag, a contemporary of the more famous St. Columba (521-597).
Then crossing by ferry to Mull, I spent three days walking across the wonderfully hilly and watery landscape of this beautiful island. Finally arriving at the village of Fionnphort where I caught a second ferry to Iona, I stayed three days in this very special place. This allowed me to attend several services at the historic abbey and to learn a little about the Christian community that is based there.
All in all, this walk took me from Scotland’s biggest city to the stunning scenery of its lochs and mountain glens, and from chatting with my fellow hikers on the West Highland Way to experiencing the ancient and yet radical spirituality one of the most significant Christian centres in the British Isles.
A warm welcome at a Glasgow church 
A beautiful stained-glass window at a former chapel, now a hostel for walkers, near Loch Lomond 
At the extraordinary St Conan’s Kirk on the shores of Loch Awe 
Community larder at Taynuilt near Oban 
At St Moluag’s Cathedral on the island of Lismore 
On the old road across Mull 
Inside the parish church on Iona 
St Martin High Cross at Iona Abbey, standing in this place since about 800
