Loch na Keal, Isle of Mull

After yesterday's dreadful weather we were looking forward to today. First thing of course it was raining, so we packed up straight after breakfast by which time the rain had eased and the cloud began too thin. John didn't feel well, he felt sick, just as he did yesterday. But after some paracetamol and a little food he felt able to drive to Tobermory. As we left Lochbuie, we saw the men heading out to cull the deer, sadly a task they must do.

In a field some 'bambi's' nibbled at the grass, Angela felt sad that their days may be numbered. The eight mile drive along a narrow road alongside the loch and up through temperate rain forest Angela loves, she always takes photographs as the changing seasons make for different views. As we approached Tobermory, the sun broke through. What a difference a day makes.

Showers, shared fishcakes and chips lunch before a walk around the town. We are not sure how long we will stay on Mull, as there is a car rally on this coming weekend which will involve some road closures. Also, this evening a message that John's daughter is in hospital, so we think we may need to head down to visit her, just waiting for more news.

What the internet says about where we are spending tonight. 

Key Features of Loch na Keal around Dhiseig

Dhiseig is a scenic stopping point on the northern shore of Loch na Keal on the Isle of Mull, best known as the main starting location for climbing Ben More, the island's only Munro (a mountain over 3,000 feet).

Ben More Access: A small parking area off the B8035 near Dhiseig gives direct access to the steep, rewarding southern/northern ascent routes up Ben More (966 meters or 3,169 feet). Parking spaces here are very limited and fill up quickly by mid-morning.

Stunning Views: From the shoreline near Dhiseig, you look across the deep salt-water loch toward the towering volcanic cliffs of Gribun and the dramatic slopes of the Ardmeanach peninsula.

Wildlife Watching: The area is a prime location to spot the Isle of Mull's famous wildlife. Look out for white-tailed sea eagles hunting over the water, golden eagles soaring above the crags, seals resting on coastal rocks, and otters along the shore.

The Terrain: Walks and climbs from Dhiseig involve rugged terrain, a mix of boggy grassland, and loose volcanic scree as you head higher up the mountain.

Loch na Keal, Isle of Mull

Yesterday was a waterfall today, today rainbows. And to create rainbows, what do you need, sunshine and rain, of which there was plenty.

 Today, a visit to Tobermory. When the rain gets you down, and the thought of hiking in it depresses you, Tobermory is the place to decamp to. From Lochbuie, for Marge,  it's a drive of around an hour and a half.

Today was much longer as after a stop at the Spar in Salen, just outside the village the traffic began to build up.

The reason, a tree had fallen onto a van and the power cable opposite.  Hopefully the van driver was O.K. After some time the men from Scottish power cleared the tree and the road opened. There aren't many roads here on Mull, and this particular one is the main road to Tobermory. Some people were impatient about having to wait for the clearance, but hey, that tree could have fallen onto any of our vehicles, thank god we stopped at the village shop, Marge might have clocked it! Last time we arrived at Tobermory it was heaving, today not so. The persistent showers have either driven people off the island or just kept them inside.

So it was easy to park in Marge, before setting off to 'Hooked' for a lunch of their homemade haddock fishcakes, of which you are given two, with either a choice of salad or chips. We think they are the best fishcakes we've ever eaten. Sorry The Fish Plaice in Swanage, yours are excellent as well, but these pip you at the post. No photos of lunch, but we spotted this in Hooked!

As another day draws to a close, Angela is still unwell, which she's really fed up about. A decision needs to be made about our west highland way walk. Is it a good idea for her to exert herself, then spend the nights in a tent in the cold and wet? We're now sat at Loch na Keal in a new spot for us trying to make some decisions. 

We think the warm weather we experienced from April to early September whilst on our travels has spoiled us. Did we complain at times it was too hot? Surely not. Well at this moment in time, a little bit of warm sunshine and no rain really appeals. What do you think Marge, should we head for the sun?

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.

Loch na Keal, Isle of Mull

This morning we made a decision on our West  Highland Way walk. After researching the weather for the next fourteen days it looked like we'd be better holding off and beginning next Thursday. Posts on Facebook from people on the trail at the moment talk of relentless rain and wind. Fortunately we are in the position where we can bide our time. At our age we don't want to be cold and wet for a week, that's a recipe for becoming unwell. So at lunchtime it was decided we'd drive up to Oban and catch a ferry to Angela's favourite place in Scotland, the isle of Mull. A quick look on the Calmac website and we were pleased to see we could secure a place for Marge on the six twenty five sailing this evening. Result! Of course the sun was shining when we reached Oban, it always does. Whatever the weather forecast, when it comes to the isle of Mull we find it's generally O.K.

The wind was blowing strongly offshore when we left Oban which blew the clouds laden with rain inland.

The nights are drawing in now, and by the time we drove from Craignure, where the ferry came in, it was after eight before we arrived at tonight's stop, one of our favourites beside Loch na Keal.

There were a few vans around, but luckily none at our preferred spot.

So tonight it's just us, Marge and a couple of oyster catchers which we absolutely love to listen to, and a favourite meal of fishfinger rolls!

Tomorrow's forecast looks good for the island, and we're sure despite rain being forecast this week the weather won't be too bad whilst we're here. For now it feels great to have returned to our happy place.