Introduction

This evening, I am reprising a small group, Clan MacEwan tour in the west of Scotland.

Information on the Clan MacEwan Tour-Part 1

First, I collected my small group of guests from a cruise ship at Greenock, Glasgow. Then we embarked on a fascinating trip to visit the site of Mac Ewan Castle, near Kilfinan.

First we drove round to Gourock and caught the ferry across the Firth of Clyde to Dunoon. Then drove for about 1 hour west along  a narrow, winding road to our first stop at Otter Ferry. This was the place of domicile of Ewen of Otter on the shores of Loch Fyne. Ewen was active around AD 1200. It is he who is the earliest historical forbear of Clan MacEwan. Lovely spot to admire on a  warm, sunny morning.

Video clip of Otter Ferry

Next, we drove on to Kilfinan and the Kilfinan Hotel. Here we were provided with some excellent assistance by Madelon.This comprised very helpful information on Clan MacEwan and directions to the clan castle’s ruins. We were also provided with a friendly dog (collie) by name of Jessie to accompany on our hike.

Kilfinan Hotel

Jessie

Accessing the castle site proved something of an adventure, navigating across fields, a stream, rickety fences, and a beach.  We eventually achieved our target. However, access and signage is deserving of improvement. Our exertions were mitigated to an extent by the warm sunny weather and relatively dry conditions underfoot.

On the trail to Castle Mac Ewan

The castle site is prominent but now amounts to little more than a pile of stones. However, view across Loch Fyne and surrounding landscapes was superb.

Video clip of castle and landscape view.

Information on the Clan MacEwan Tour-Part 2

We next headed back to the Kilfinan Hotel for a pleasant light lunch under care of Madelon. Very enjoyable experience sitting outside on the veranda.

After lunch we headed north, tracking the east bank of Loch Fyne to Loch Lomond and the popular village of Luss. The volume of visitors here was exceptional and parking proved a challenge. However, we did undertake a short tour of this heritage village on the banks of Loch Lomond. This included venturing out on the pier for some photos and then a walk along to St Kessog’s Church (where a wedding was in process). We also visited the famous Viking ‘hogback’ burial marker from the first millennium. Some children were brave enough as to swim in the cold, loch water.

Wedding

‘Hogback’ Grave Marker

Luss Village

Luss was the final stop and the we drove back across the Erskine Bridge to Greenock in time for the ship’s departure later in the evening. Fond farewells after an exciting day in the west.

More information on Scotland.

The publication Visitors’ Guide to Scotland comprises a vast array of information on 800 pages.. ISBN is 978-1-9161`332-0-4. Also available via Kindle.