Boat to Staffa (Staffa Trips) was full and we were glad we bought tickets the day before. We parked our car in Fionnphort village and walked over to the dock. The sea was calm. On approach and then walking around, Staffa is dominated visually by high vertical basalt columns with grassy fields on top. We first walked to Fingal’s Cave entrance and then back and up the cliffs (SW coast) to watch puffins. We saw many. On the way back, tour boat dropped us off at Baile Mor on Iona. We had the rest of the day to explore the island. We walked through Nunnery and visited the Abbey. With limited time, we decided to walk straight up Dun I and then continue down the hill to the beaches along the NW coast (recommended). An easy hike and with great sunny weather relaxing walking on the beaches. Very few tourists on Dun I and no people further on. We started walking South along the coast, no obvious hiking trail, just pieces and bits of local trails to follow. With little time to spare, our competitive tempers flared up and we split for the final run across the rugged terrain to catch last ferry. The incentive was clear: there is no way to cross to Fionnphort after the last ferry departs. We were back at our base in Ardtun for late dinner.
North Iona
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