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.

Lochbuie, Isle of Mull (Day 2)

Lochbuie is Angela's favourite place on Mull.

We have stayed here many times now. It's two years since our last visit, and everywhere just looks the same. Tranquil landscape, beautiful coastline, fallow deer, otters and sea eagles. And still just five pounds a night to stay near to the Old Post Office tearoom with toilet open twenty four hours. Even the English man whose still in the progress of building his house nearby recognised us, and stopped for a chat this evening.

This morning a herd of cows were led down the beach in front of John whilst he sat eating his breakfast!

This morning we walked out, stopping at Moy Castle, stronghold of Clan Maclaine of Lochbuie. Then onto Laggan sands where the highland cattle basked in the warm sunshine. The calves sleepy eyed eyed us suspiciously.

Up amongst the trees stands the former chapel converted to a mausoleum for the Maclaine family. Today popular with visitors. The views from it were amazing. Shimmering seas, striking mountains and in the distance the islands of Colonisay and Jura.

And for John a special day. Angela saw a deer antler on the ground, which now adorns the landrovers winch bar. Back at the tearoom Muddy Marge nestled under the trees. We nestled under the warm afternoon sky. We can't remember the last time we just sat like this. In a few days the weather is due to change. Well it would, this is Scotland. Wet weather clothing is always ready to hand. For now we'll make the most of these long warm sunny days and evenings mild enough to sit out.