Lochbuie, Isle of Mull

Who knew today would turn out to be a 'waterfall day. With so much rain recently they were positively gushing. Last night's rain was miserable, as was the wind. Packing up at Fidden Farm this morning was a challenge. Nobody likes to be wet. But as we drove back through the Ross of Mull the cloud slung low, began to lift so we were able to take in the magnificent views. After some googling it seemed returning to Lochbuie would be our best option. The rain was forecast for all day and night, but the winds appeared to be lighter there, so that's where we headed. Honestly Mull, where's this terrible weather coming from you're throwing at us. We couldn't believe yesterday was so stunningly beautiful. Despite the miserable drive, we were rewarded with the sighting of deer as we approached Lochbuie.

A wet Lochbuie would be unappealing to some, but we know the place so it's easy to see the beauty through the murk. Marge was positioned in her usual area, and we just sat out the weather. Angela hasn't been very well since just after we arrived on the island. She has a terrible cold, not surprising considering the inclement weather, so a day just sitting suited her. The main season here has come to an end, but there are still plenty of visitors. More visitors bring more inexperienced drivers when it comes to single track roads with passing places. You just have to be patient with these novices. Stopping for people along these roads is usually rewarded with a wave. One finger lifted from the steering wheel is usually, two fingers lifted acceptable, a full wave considered to show you are overly excited probably because you've just seen your first Highland Coo!

Lochbuie, Isle of Mull (day 2)

Today the weather set to be settled Angela decided it would be a good idea to hand wash a few items. Life on the road can sometimes be challenging, especially when it comes to washing. But after three weeks in Scotland earlier this year, nine weeks in Europe and Morocco after that, and now back in Scotland we think we've nailed it. Jobs done, there was no need to rush as we were staying another night here at Lochbuie.

So a walk along the coast looking for otters, sadly no sightings today, but we did spot a seal and a sea eagle. We love it here. It's quiet, picturesque, calm, and because we come here so often a couple of locals recognise us. However, despite it being September, the midges are still on the attack, driving us inside Marge early evening.

Thank goodness we decided to cook our main meal outside on our grill this afternoon rather than later, bread for Angela, couscous for John. Despite the changeable weather and the midges the island is busy with visitors, but we manage to find a few quiet places to stop overnight and walk out. So tomorrow, we will probably move on to a new location. As always, the weather will dictate where.

Lochbuie, Isle of Mull

We have spent many a night in Marge, on Mull over the last few years and we think last night's overnight weather was probably the worst. Unrelenting strong gusty winds and rain. So this morning we hunkered down in bed until ten, when we decided to breakfast and pack up as quickly as possible. Lochbuie is our chosen spot in a storm, and after a quick stop at the Spar in Salen we were on our way. Fortunately the space under the trees near the tea room isn't accessible to everyone so Marge drove straight in.

The trees around provide shelter, and we still have a view of the loch. It's busy here. Probably because it's only five pounds a night in the honesty box. Toilet available twenty four hours, and water to top up your tank available, although not drinkable. Sounds like a bargain doesn't it? And an added bonus, The Old Post Office tearoom on site ready to serve breakfast if you wish. It was late afternoon before the rain stopped.

A tall ship sought shelter close to the shore, we didn't envy the people staying on it. After being confined to Marge we were glad to eventually break out, walking up to Moy castle.

The waterfalls and rivers normally run steadily, today tumbling, foaming, bouncing over rocks at pace, we'd never seen the like here. No otters spotted today, but we did see a Dipper briefly diving under the water in the fast flowing stream. This evening thunderstorms and more rain. Oh joy. Tomorrow is an improving picture, thank goodness. Would we rather be at home where it's sunny, or here in Scotland. Well, you can always wrap up against the weather, or just stay inside, read and enjoy the ever changing landscape. So Scotland wins. More settled weather would be nice though, if only just a little, as a consolation it's curry night at tonight!

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.