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.

Loch na Keal, Isle of Mull (Day 3)

The Isle of Mull is another world. Here you feel detached from the real world. Sometimes we all just need a moment. And here is the perfect place to do just that. Guess who visited us at breakfast this morning,? Olly the otter. Named by Angela. Looks like we may have won the otter jackpot here. The cloud slung low over the mountains and with the light low, we could easily see the otter gliding through the water. These animals are so graceful, and mesmerising. What a moment, just us, the otter and the oyster catchers whose familiar call we can hear day and night. We had no plans today to leave this beautiful location. Stunning views and easy walks will keep us entertained. We have everything we need, why wouldn't we linger a while.

The sheep with their playful lambs, the nests on the pebbles from the oyster catchers and ringed plovers, and various other small birds flirting about gathering discarded sheeps wool for their nests.

Angela will tell you, she even has a 'loo with a view'.

Sadly though not everybody appreciates this beautiful spot. Some people camping a little further down the loch left this morning after just one night here.

The fire pit they built contained blackened drinks cans, a pair of socks, a piece of cutlery and about half a loaf of white bread. It makes our blood boil to see people behave like this. Tomorrow we will drive to the 'big' town of Tobermory to use the showers at the marina and pick up a few groceries, and in the evening probably return back here. Why not? Just us, the birds, the sheep, and the loo with a view!

Loch na Keal, Isle of Mull (Day 2)

Mull. There's no place like it. It never disappoints. This morning cool with a cold wind, but the views were glorious. A passing farmer stopped his landrover on the road near us to give Muddy Marge an admiring glance, and us a friendly wave. After four days of travel to arrive here we decided today would be a chill day, so we walked along the shore line, where after just a few metres John spotted two otters feeding.

For a video of one of the otters feeding go to our new YouTube muddymarge channel here:

https://youtube.com/@muddymarge

Wow! What a treat, and right near to where we were parked, hopefully they will return again whilst we're here. We were made up! This area by the loch is always fairly quiet. There are just two other vans here with us, barely any passing traffic, a few cyclists and a pair of kayakers.

Oyster catchers, ringed plovers, cormorants, sheep and lambs are our entertainment. As the weather warmed this afternoon, and the few visitors departed the only sound was of the waters of the loch as the tide crept up onto the stones. Bliss. Time now to fire up the grill for our evening meal, before witnessing yet another stunning sunset.

Loch na Keal, Isle of Mull

Early morning at Loch Lomond, a mist shrouded the tops of the mountains. The forecast for today once again warm, dry and sunny. Perfect for a Scottish Road trip.

We packed up quickly, keen to arrive at The Green Welly Stop at Tyndrum late morning. Angela read on the internet you could take a hot shower there for three pounds. Our other choice was the leisure centre at Oban, which we were not keen on as the showers were communal. Once you reach a certain age, there are somethings that shouldn't be shared. Tyndrum is a small village located along the west highland way, a ninety six mile walk starting north of Glasgow, and finishing at Fort William. We plan to take this walk in September after midge season. Our ferry from Oban to Mull wasn't until six, but this morning John broke his glasses so we continued onwards in order to visit the Specsavers in the town. Of course along the way there was a castle to see.

Kilchurn Castle at Dalmally is supposed to be one of the most instagrammable castles in Scotland, so we thought we'd best stop to see why. Specsavers Oban couldn't repair Johns glasses, fortunately he has a spare pair with him. Keen to try and secure a place on an earlier ferry we filled Muddy Marge up with fuel, and her cupboards with as many provisions we could cram in. Food shopping on the islands is understandably expensive and the choice is limited. Plus it doesn't seem fair on the islanders to buy too much from their small supermarkets. Sadly we were not able to secure a standby place on an earlier ferry.

Never mind, the afternoon was glorious so we were happy to wait, watching various ferries arriving and departing until eventually Muddy Marge was loaded onto the six fifteen.

A smooth sailing with magnificent views of the surrounding area passed quickly and with our hearts filled with joy we disembarked the ferry and made our way to tonight's stop at Loch na Keal. A favourite of ours. The evening warm,  we sat out and watched the sun go down. It felt wonderful to be back on Mull.