Fidden Farm Campsite, Fidden, Ffionofort, Isle of Mull

We decided it was time to move on, so we packed up early before a light rain shower was due to pass over. Fortunately when it did, it was nothing to speak of. Our drive to Ffionofort was only fifty five miles away, but this being Mull it would mean a drive of nearly two hours. We broke the journey at Pennyghael where there is a small shop adjacent to the campsite. The selection available was not as extensive as the Co-op in Tobermory, and also a lot more expensive. Since we've been on Mull the cost of three shops would have covered five shops at Aldi, but hey ho, it's all part of our trip. We feel though for the people on the island who have a limited choice of where to shop. On the plus side the little store served hot drinks so we indulged. Outside a local man was interviewing people asking them what they liked about Mull. We'd already spoken to him, saying we absolutely loved the island and why, but what we didn't like was the people who spoilt our enjoyment. At the loch yesterday evening two vans arrived around six in the evening. Thankfully they were about quarter of a mile away from us, but their music was cranked up so high we could hear the rapping and the continued boom of the base. Unbelievable! Here we were in one of the most tranquil, beautiful, away from it all places, and these people felt they had the right to ruin it. Fortunately it all ended around midnight, and this morning they were long gone. Obviously our negativity didn't allow us to be interviewed. It still being the bank holiday we were a little apprehensive how busy the campsite we were heading to might be. But we needn't have been concerned, it was fairly quiet. We know tomorrow quite a few people will leave. Sited near to us is a Belgian registered Iveco overland vehicle. We spent a long time talking with the owners exchanging information.

We have booked to stay here on the campsite for two nights. Even though it is now a lot cooler, it is dry, but also quite windy. We have a fantastic pitch in a slightly more sheltered area from where we can see across to the tiny island of Iona.

And once again, just before ten this evening we witnessed yet another incredible sunset.

 Hopefully the wind will calm a little in the night, as we have brought our lightweight tent with us that we will be using on our West Highland Way walk, and John is going to spend the night in it to test out it's suitability and also his lightweight warm clothing.

Angela knows she'll be cosy in Muddy Marge snuggled up in the teddy bear bedding. Hopefully we'll both sleep well. Tomorrow is going to be an exciting day for us, we have booked to go on the boat trip to the island of Staffa, something we've wanted to do in the past, but just not had the opportunity. Now we have the mindset that life is short and we must just 'go for it'!

Loch na Keal, Isle of Mull (the return to, day 2)

Although all of Mull is beautiful, Angela thinks there are only three locations that are perfect. Two especially. Lochbuie and Loch na Keal. The third, Ffionofort, where the beaches are stunning, but popular because they are just stunning, and because of their location near to the tiny island of Iona. Ffionofort will be our next stop. For now we are sitting tight, not keen to move until after the bank holiday weekend. But we will see, perhaps tomorrow. First though there was a Munro to walk on. Towering over us is Ben More. It is just under 1000 metres high. It's peak constantly plays hide and seek with the cloud. Walking boots on, and lunch packed we set off. From the get go, the uphill climb was relentless. Our legs complaining from the start. The waterfalls and rock pools were beautiful.

Crystal clear water slid over the rocks before tumbling down towards the loch. Despite an overcast day, the views were still lovely, and we very much enjoyed looking at them whilst we lunched.

Then it was back to Muddy Marge. That was Ben More done! Remember we said we were going to walk on a Munro, not actually climb it! This evening our little camping area is popular. Parked near to us a T25 campervan that was here with us two years. Owning a VW T25 Syncro 4x4 is on John's wish list. 

We have now been away thirteen days and have made the most of everyday. As we age the urgency of missing opportunities is strong. The urge to travel means not standing still too long. So as spectacular as the island of Mull is, we must soon make plans for our onward journey. We're sure that along the way there will be many more exciting places to visit and experiences to experience, on our road trip we have named, 'Muddy Marge's Highland Fling!

Loch na Keal, Isle of Mull (the return to)

Let us tell you about our day. Early start to shop, shower and lunch at Tobermory.

Then an interesting drive along, up, over and around twisting roads with barely any visibility as to who might appear at any moment. Calgary bay was our chosen spot for tonight.

A large bay with Caribbean white sands and tropical blue green waters. There is a little camping area here where we have stayed before. 

Muddy Marge just squeezes through the entrance. Arriving early, we had a pick of the spots, and chose the one we stayed on last time we were here. There were already quite a few tents in the camp field. Angela spoke to a man in one of them who explained he'd arrived today using public transport from Surrey. He was here to meet up with friends to play Frisbee Golf at a nearby course. That's correct. Frisbee Golf! Who'd have thought. Amazingly, it's quite a thing in the U.K. He'd almost run out of water and really fancied a cup of tea. Angela put the kettle on.

After a walk along the sands and through the nearby wooded area, we returned to the site. A short time later young men began to return to their tents. And then a van arrived with more. A banner was erected reading Geordies on Tour and we knew it was time to pack up and leave, as others on the site appeared to be also doing. Such a shame, that the few spoil it for everyone else. Angela doesn't like it when we're away on bank holidays, there's always problems, whether we're at home or abroad. There was only one place to go, back to Loch na Keal, a long drive, along yet more 'interesting' roads, with spectacular views.

So here we are, back with people who appreciate the outdoors, the scenery, the wildlife and sunsets. And what a sunset! Our smiley moment of the day, was when a farmer riding a quad bike with two sheep in the trailer he was towing asked us if we'd like to swop vehicles. You never stop drawing attention do you Muddy Marge. Apparently not. Our German neighbour tonight, said, 'I like your vehicle'. Quite the celebrity our Marge. And doesn't she look magnificent with the sun setting behind her this evening. One of our best sunsets ever. Absolutely breathtaking.

Lochbuie, Isle of Mull (Day 3)

Today is to be our our last sunny, warm day for a while. So before walking out, clothes washing needed to be done. And quite a lot of it! After a couple of hours, using our folding bucket and folding bowl, (a combination we like to call our camping twin tub), Marge's winch bar as a wringer and the sun and wind as our dryer it was time to head out. The path up through the little campsite here takes you somewhere a little more remote. 

The terrain, rocky and boggy. But never the less the views are beautiful. Before the path becomes more difficult you stumble upon a derelict farmhouse, stuck in the passage of time.

We've been here before, and noticed how much the building had deteriorated in the two years since our last visit. Despite its remoteness, and exposure to the dramatic winter weather it was probably a lovely place to live. Towering behind, the mountains, above which we saw three white tailed eagles circling. Despite their size, they looked graceful as they enjoyed the thermals before soaring over the mountain and out of sight. Today has been an 'S' day. Sunshine, Sunglasses, Sunhats, Sandals and Samosas, our lunchtime snack.

Tomorrow the weather will change sadly. So probably no more skinny dipping for the couple who didn't expect us to walk around the corner this afternoon. We've never seen anyone dress do quickly! Today has been another delightful day.

The sheep have come to trust us, and this morning when the young lady came along to feed them supplements we laughed when a pheasant and roe deer joined in the scrum. It's moments like this that make Mull so magical.