Tobermory

Stop 82 of 265 · United Kingdom

One cheese on the loop, with something to drink beside it, something for the driver, and the road either side.

The cheese

Isle of Mull Cheddar

  • cow milk
  • hard
Drink
Claret, or an English bitterAged cheddar has the tannin-friendly structure a Bordeaux wants; the bitter is the older pairing.
Driving
Strong builder's teaTannin against fat, which is exactly the red wine's job.
Eat with
Oatcakes, apple and a sharp chutneyThe ploughman's, essentially. Sharp fruit and vinegar against a dense fatty cheese.

A classic pairing — settled enough that it belongs to the region.

Isle of Mull Cheddar on Wikipedia

The road

Arriving fromWicklow405 km (252 mi) as the crow flies — a sea crossing. Book the ferry or the tunnel ahead.
On toInverness147 km (91 mi) as the crow flies — a sea crossing. Book the ferry or the tunnel ahead.
Tobermory

Every cheese on the loop has a drink for the driver as well as one for the passengers. On a driving tour, somebody is always driving.