Saturday, 12 September 2026

Fidden Farm Campsite, Fionnphort

What a miserable night! As forecast the rain began falling heavily at two this morning and didn't relent until about eight. Outside Marge's back door was a large puddle. We have never experienced rain like it whilst visiting Mull. We could only hope the promised settled weather this afternoon would materialize. Whilst we're here, Angela wants us once again to visit the tiny island of Iona, just off the south western tip of Mull.




So full of optimism for an improving picture we packed up a soggy Marge and began the long drive to Fiannophort, where we would stay once again on the Fidden Farm campsite. As we trundled along wet roads, the views obscured by low clouds we could only hope Mull would deliver on the weather.


Quite often here a day starts wet and ends with beautiful sunshine, so fingers crossed. With such high precipitation these last few days the waterfalls that streaked down the mountains, visible through the cloud dropped almost vertically, the waters bouncing down towards the plunge pools below. Booking in at the farm campsite Angela mentioned the deluge we'd experienced last night as was told by the lady attending to her that Lochbuie, where we'd stayed was the wettest place on the island last night. Let's hope all is calm tonight. This area of ​​Mull is renowned for being windy, so Angela has been monitoring the weather to make sure all would be calm on our visit here. As promised the sun saw off the clouds and the afternoon weather delivered. We walked out around the beach collecting shells with the farm cat following John everywhere.


Angela spotted a seal out on one of the rocks, and we watched it until the rising tide prompted it to slip into the oily black sea water.


Shortly after we spotted another. This evening the tide was high, almost lapping at Marge's wheels, we watched the sun go down.


The light was stunning, what a difference to the gloomy start to the day this morning. That's Mull for you, it's full of surprises!

Click on the seal photo to watch a video of the seal on our YouTube channel.

Friday, 11 September 2026

Lochbuie, Isle of Mull (day 2)

Today the weather set to be settled Angela decided it would be a good idea to hand wash a few items. Life on the road can sometimes be challenging, especially when it comes to washing. But after three weeks in Scotland earlier this year, nine weeks in Europe and Morocco after that, and now back in Scotland we think we've nailed it. Jobs done, there was no need to rush as we were staying another night here at Lochbuie.










So a walk along the coast looking for otters, sadly no sightings today, but we did spot a seal and a sea eagle. We love it here. It's quiet, picturesque, calm, and because we come here so often a couple of locals recognise us. However, despite it being September, the midges are still on the attack, driving us inside Marge early evening.


Thank goodness we decided to cook our main meal outside on our grill this afternoon rather than later, bread for Angela, couscous for John. Despite the changeable weather and the midges the island is busy with visitors, but we manage to find a few quiet places to stop overnight and walk out. So tomorrow, we will probably move on to a new location. As always, the weather will dictate where.

Thursday, 10 September 2026

Lochbuie, Isle of Mull

We have spent many a night in Marge, on Mull over the last few years and we think last night's overnight weather was probably the worst. Unrelenting strong gusty winds and rain. So this morning we hunkered down in bed until ten, when we decided to breakfast and pack up as quickly as possible. Lochbuie is our chosen spot in a storm, and after a quick stop at the Spar in Salen we were on our way. Fortunately the space under the trees near the tea room isn't accessible to everyone so Marge drove straight in.


The trees around provide shelter, and we still have a view of the loch. It's busy here. Probably because it's only five pounds a night in the honesty box. Toilet available twenty four hours, and water to top up your tank available, although not drinkable. Sounds like a bargain doesn't it? And an added bonus, The Old Post Office tearoom on site ready to serve breakfast if you wish. It was late afternoon before the rain stopped.

A tall ship sought shelter close to the shore, we didn't envy the people staying on it. After being confined to Marge we were glad to eventually break out, walking up to Moy castle.





The waterfalls and rivers normally run steadily, today tumbling, foaming, bouncing over rocks at pace, we'd never seen the like here. No otters spotted today, but we did see a Dipper briefly diving under the water in the fast flowing stream. This evening thunderstorms and more rain. Oh joy. Tomorrow is an improving picture, thank goodness. Would we rather be at home where it's sunny, or here in Scotland. Well, you can always wrap up against the weather, or just stay inside, read and enjoy the ever changing landscape. So Scotland wins. More settled weather would be nice though, if only just a little, as a consolation it's curry night at tonight!

Wednesday, 9 September 2026

Loch na Keal, Isle of Mull (day 2)


It's wonderful to be back on Mull. It's our go to place for peace, quiet, stunning scenery, fantastic wildlife, and friendly people. This morning dawned bright, and after being awoken by a herd of cows we were up and raring to go. The forecast for the day was great, and we intended to enjoy every minute of it. A walk along the shore after breakfast, stopping to speak with a man collecting copious amounts of seaweed, who told us to keep an eye out for dolphins, which we definitely will, before driving to Tobermory, a picture postcard place, and the main town on the island where we were surprised at just how busy it was.





Showers at the marina before shopping, and then a walk out to the lighthouse.





Got to keep those steps up! For the second night there is just us at our favourite spot alongside Loch na Keal, back on the way from Tobermory via Salen where John photographed the old wrecked boats.



The cows, along with a large sombre bull our guardians for the night. As darkness falls, the rain returns falling lightly.




The mountains disappear into the darkness. We feel content and calm, surrounded by nature.