Lochbuie, Isle of Mull

We've now been away two weeks, and still the sun shines, but with it today and strong cold northerly wind, ideal for drying washing, so we took the opportunity. After being forced to change spots yesterday evening, John went to the reception to complain and ask if we could have a free night tonight as compensation. We were told we'd have to wait until four o'clock clock to hear. So we walked over to Knockvologan Beach.

We've visited here before and remember being blown away by the white sands, turquoise blue water, grassy hills and rocks to climb. It's a little piece of paradise. There was just us, a couple with a baby and a couple walking their dog. Unlike our last visit when we sat high on the hill admiring the view, today we hunkered down out of the strong wind which blew in our faces. But we didn't mind, the sun was out and the views absolutely stunning. The tide was falling so we walked back across the sands to the campsite. John seeing no need for walking boots had to result in removing his socks and sandals to navigated the last of the tidal water.

Back at Fidden Farm we were told there'd be no compensation for us regarding our inconsiderate neighbours from the previous evening. The campsites information leaflet clearly states vehicles must not park too close together, and that consideration should be given to others. Obviously these rules aren't implemented. Feeling let down, we packed up and decided to drive back over to Lochbuie. Thankfully it was quiet, just six other people here. The cold wind we'd experienced today now gone, the evening was pleasant. The scattered colours from the fading sun lit the headland. Stunning.

Angela took lots of photographs. We don't know if we'll return to the island of Mull on this trip and she just wanted to capture as many memories as possible.

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.

Lochbuie, Isle of Mull

After spending three relaxing nights at Loch na Keal it was time to move on. Mull is only a small island, but because many of the roads are single track with passing places, it takes an age to go anywhere. Tobermory was our destination, there hot showers for two pounds awaited us at the marina. A shop at the tiny Co-op, costing three times our Aldi shop, saw us stocked up for three days, and lunch at the excellent fish & chips shop in the High Street satiated our appetite.

Browns, a shop that sells everything, provided us with new binoculars, as Angela had forgotten ours, and you can't come all the way to Scotland and not be able to see the wildlife up close. We love Tobermory. It's a picture postcard of a place that always delivers.

The day was passing quickly, so it was 'tioraidh', (Gaelic for cheerio), and we were on our way to one of our favourite places on the island, Lochbuie, where we will probably stay for three nights.

Also here, a lady and her son who were at Loch na Keal, and a couple we met on our first night in Scotland at the Corner Campsite in Dumfries. That's Scotland for you, you always meet fellow travellers along the way. As the evening cools after another beautiful bright day Muddy Marge, nestled under the trees prepares to rest a while. So far she's been a reliable old girl, perhaps best not let her hear that, don't want to tempt fate!