Sealife sanctuary, Beinn Lora and Benderloch beaches - Scotland day 8

The day dawned freezing cold, and I felt smug I'd put my thermals on. We headed to the Sea Life sanctuary and were surprised to be welcome by a bagpiper as it was a bank holiday fun day we didn't know about. This also mean't reduced entrance fee and an Easter Egg hunt for a £1 in aid of a children's charity. Despite the freezing cold morning we had a great day out. Although the centre is small the staff are really knowledgeable and gave us lots of information. Emma enjoyed handling lots of rock pool creatures and I enjoyed watching the seals. We didn't see the whole seal talk though as despite our down jackets the freezing wind blowing in off Loch Creran was too much for us after a while and we retreated inside for hot chocolate (best one of the holiday). What's also worth knowing if a paid visit entitles you to come back all week for free (good for young kids).

View from Sealife centre to Loch Creran


Wanting in on the photo action




Our next stop was a hill called Beinn Lora - this was by far the most populated area we'd been all week. With it's well constructed path it appears to be a popular top and we passed a few people on there way back down. The path up leads you through forestry but felt rather nice. The air temp had warmed right up and I lost my thermal smugness as I roasted and stripped down to my T-shirt. Once on the hill itself we had no-one for company and enjoyed our summit views alone. I hear the area is usually very boggy but it was dry as a bone for us which was lucky. Time was a ticking so with no time for a circular walk we headed straight back down picking some wild garlic to go with our tea en route, we did take a slightly different forest path for the last small section we returned us back to where we had started.

Nice new benches for the views en route to top


Moss in trees en route




Some of us have to take the hard way....










We visited the local shop for a bucket and spade then it was off to the beaches of Benderloch for a stroll and dig in the sand. The lady in the shop said we were brave heading to the beach in the cold conditions, we advised her it was much warmer than it had been earlier in the day!