We joined our feeder coach at Cleveleys and then after a couple more collections we arrived at the Stretton Interchange near Warrington. We had less than an hour to wait before we climbed aboard our coach for the duration of our trip and headed back in a northerly direction. So, around 3hrs after we set off in the morning, we passed Lancaster - about 30 minutes drive from our house
This was the tough part of the trip in both directions as we had to pass the exit on the motorway less than an hour from our home 
Stops were at Gretna Green but nobody on our coach decided to tie the knot whilst we waited....
A further stop was at one of the Dobbies Garden Centres along the route after Glasgow. No idea which it was, all I know is the stuff inside on offer in the gift shop was very pricey indeed. Saw a lovely tartan blanket at £79.99 so gave it the cold shoulder and on the way back, a gorgeous cushion which was more expensive than the bloody blanket! So, 3 mugs of tea - and that's all they got out of us and we got to use the loos by way of recompense
Finally, some 10hrs after we left, we arrived in the darkness at Oban - it looked pretty enough in the dark....
Next morning, it was up early for breakfast and off on the coach again for our excursion to Seil Island:
Clachan Bridge over the Atlantic Sea to Seil Island
Seil Island from the Atlantic Bridge, Argyll &Bute, Scotland
White Cottages and a Stormy Sky, Seil Island, Argyll & Bute, Scotland We got a short sharp shower and I was lucky enough to capture a rainbow during our time here on Seil Island.
Next, we headed off to Inverary after travelling up the side of Loch Fyne....
Vital Spark, Clyde Puffer boat at Inverary Maritime Floating Museum, Scotland
A visit to a local whiskey shop meant we went home with a bottle of Loch Fyne Gin (a botanical), which we tasted in the shop. Very smooth and can easily be sipped alone over ice.
We chased the odd robin for a photo shoot too. He was a friendly little chap and not in the least scared of us humans.
Then, back to the loch and some views of the Inverary Bridge before making our way back to the hotel in time for dinner and our evening of entertainment:
But first of all, we had to go out and discover the delights of the Reindeer and Santa!!!
It was the start of the Oban Winter Festival and the night of the Christmas lights switch on with a parade through the streets of a group of reindeer pulling santa in his sleigh.
Sunday was a day off from the coach, so we decided to explore the town of Oban on foot....
It really did look just like we had seen in the brochure - that makes for a pleasant change!
Dunollie Museum and Castle (Oban)
Allan's Seal Trips boat just leaving the harbour by the exit from the railway terminus
And finally, views across to the promenade area on George Street and McCaig's Tower on the top of the hill:
We each thoroughly enjoyed our trip and a little taste of Scotland.... only the journey itself was a chore.
But, we can't complain too much when you realise our 4 day trip included 3 nights half board accommodation with a different entertainer each night, all transport, a day excursion and 4 free drinks for each person on the Saturday evening - all for £91 per person!
My Mum had a twin room all to herself at no additional supplement.
So, we will definitely travel again with Shearings holidays but due to that niggle of watching the coach bypass the turnoff to our home town twice along the route, we will head south next time to take away the pain
