Linn of Tummel car park, Pitlochry, Perthshire

What a relief, the night passed without a hoolie blowing and just a little rain. Although we didn't want to leave the island of Mull, we knew we'd made the right decision. Life in Marge when it was so wet, day after day, did not make for comfortable living, or good relations. Before leaving this morning, Angela walked up to the castle, the shifting light making for some fantastic photographs of the mountains.

To park at the castle a fee of ten pounds was payable, but no one came to collect it, so a result there. We needed to make a plan, if only a loose one. A thirty minute drive took us to the Green Welly Stop at Tyndrum, which if anyone is interested, is for sale due to the present owners retiring. Tyndrum is on the West Highland Way, route. When we arrived there were quite a few walkers there, most quite young. They looked, a sorry bunch, and we felt for them. Some looked broken. Tired, emotional, wet and deflated with nasty blisters. Being young they had physical energy, but with age comes resilience, which they were lacking. But who were we to judge, we'd opted out of doing the walk because of the weather, at least these guys were giving it a go. Tomorrow's weather in Scotland is going to be amazing, and we hope this dry sunny day will give these young walkers the boost they deserve to complete the walk, they still have forty six miles to go. After looking at the weather forecast the next few days, we decided not to drive south towards England, but over to the eastern side of Scotland. Rain showers passed over us on the way, but the sun broke the cloud just as much. The air felt fresher, and the light seemed brighter with the cloud higher in the sky.

So after a quick stop at Killin to see the Falls of Dochart we drove in the direction of Pitlochry. Three years ago we were able to park in the town centre car park, but due to the few, not behaving correctly, all vans are now banned. So the nearest free spot is at the Falls of Tummel car park, which is proving to be very popular. Marge even got to meet a fellow pop-top Landrover Defender, from Germany.

Tonight, we are quite the mix of travellers, English and German. It seems a little strange now being away from the coast, but for John, this area is one of his happy places, there are fungi to be foraged, and eaten, some Amathys Deceivers to go into his breakfast omelette. As we sit tonight all cosy in Marge with our heater to warm us, we think of the walkers we saw earlier. You've got this, just think of the achievement you'll feel when you reach Fort William.

Don't try one of these at home, the aptly named Death Cap mushroom, guaranteed death as the name implies over an extended period unless you can arrange an emergency liver transplant! Very pretty, but please leave it alone.

Kilchurn Castle car park, Dalmally

This morning we were pleased to be welcomed by the sun, we'd waited a long time. But it wouldn't last, by eleven it was raining. Because of the terrible weather conditions we have sadly decided to leave Mull, but we'll return hopefully next year. Being just a minute away from Craignure ferry terminal we visited the ticket office to change our return ferry crossing form tomorrow to today.

Booked on the five o'clock sailing we then drove to Tobermory half an hour away to buy a little shopping and eat yet more delicious fish from Hooked.

The lady who owns the fish and chip shop recognised John, her being a fellow landrover owner. She commented that she'd never known it to be so wet on the island, which is exactly why we have to leave. We love Mull, but when you can't walk out everyday and really enjoy it it's no fun.

Not surprisingly, Oban was wet, and a little windy. As we disembarked another group of vehicles filled the lanes waiting to embark. The weather during the Sunday on Mull is going to be glorious, then it looks like it's back to the same old. On the ferry returning to Oban there were quite a lot of Americans. We engaged in conversation with the couple nearest to us. They'd been over to Iona today, where the weather had been grim. Unfortunately these people book their trip to Scotland in advance, unlike us, who can choose what we do, and when, they just have to 'go with it'. Sensing their disappointment, Angela showed them the photos she took of Tobermory and Iona almost a week ago, when it was warm with blue skies. They were pleased to see them, it brought a whole new dimension to their visit. Less than an hour after leaving Oban we arrived at tonight's stop. At Kilchurn Castle car park. Cost ten pounds a night. Downside road to one side, and railway line the other. But the road and railway quieten at night, however the first train leaves Oban at six in the morning. That'll be our wake up call  then Marge.

(photo from our visit April 2026)

Kilchurn castle is on the banks of Loch Awe, and even though we've visited before, it would be nice to be able to walk out in the morning to view it again before leaving. That of course depends on, you guessed, the rain.