Uisken Beach, Isle of Mull

Words cannot describe how beautiful the view was this morning. As the clouds slid by and the sun shifted casting shadows across the landscape and the loch, it was as if we were viewing nature's television.

We were in otter country. Angela walked out early in search of them, but only the ever present squabbling oyster catchers were up and about. That was until we left. 

A short distance along the road we spotted an Otter crossing. Why did the Otter cross the road? Because of the fresh water flowing down off the mountains before entering the loch. Otters don't drink salt water, and they like to bathe in fresh water. That's why there's more chance of spotting them at low tide where rivers run into main bodies of water.

Our first visit today was to Knochvolagan Beach. It has to be one of the islands secret places. Fortunately Angela likes to read up on the areas we are visiting. Like her mother, Marge, she loves a guide book. As we approached Fionnphort, the island of Iona seemed within touching distance on this bright morning. How long have we waited for the weather to settle? Had summer eventually arrived in Scotland? The drive down to Knochvolagan took us through farmland to a closed gate. Should we go through it? Angela checked trip advisor. Yes, open the gate, drive to the farm and park in the paddock by the farmhouse. So we did, greeted on our arrival by sheep, cockerels, hens, and a goose. What a crazy place, chaotic and charming.

The tractors and vehicles no longer of use left to break down amongst the landscape. A ten minute walk, took us down to the beach.

The tide now low we were able able to walk across to the tiny island of Erraid just one square mile in size. It is the smallest, driest, sunniest island on Scotland's west coast. As we walked down the precarious rocky track down to the beach we caught sight of one of the prettiest beaches we'd ever seen. O.M.G. It was stunning. Swathes of bright white sand and blue green crystal clear water. Paradise in Scotland.

On the beach sheep and cattle rummaged through the seaweed, stopping to give us a look of contempt as we photographed them. We sat on a seat, dedicated to a lady who'd passed away.

Angela commented, if she were to die at that moment, what a beautiful view be your last memory. She's cheerful like that. A few weeks ago we were in this area, and enjoyed a meal at the Creel Seafood Bar.

So why not have another. Whilst eating, the sun burning our faces, we wondered about staying away a little longer. Tomorrow we will check the weather forecast and make a decision.

Today has been a lovely day. We saw an otter, visited an awesome beach, ate a fantastic lunch, returned to a beautiful overnight spot on the coast, managed to wash a lot of clothes and England beat Switzerland in the Euros, thank God!

Uisken Beach, Isle of Mull

Let us tell you about our day. After a uncomfortable night Angela was struggling to breath this morning, so after seeking advice at the cafe where best to receive medical attention, we set of to nearby Craignure to the hospital. Half an hour after arriving she'd been issued with antibiotics and inhaler. 

Now on our way along the coast we decided to carry on to a small camping area overlooking Uisken beach. Ten pounds placed in the honesty box, and half a dozen eggs also bought we settled in.

Our route here took us through the mountains, moody in the grey light cast on them from the low cloud. A group of people gathered at the side of the road with binoculars strung around their necks and spotting scopes set up piqued our interest, so we parked up. High in the sky soared a pair of majestic golden eagles. One of them returned to the nest and we were able to observe it through one of the spotting scopes. 

This evening we will once again cook on the beach. John is in his element, living the dream. He has his axe, his wood, his fire. Unlike Lochbuie there are only three of us here, just how we like it.

The island of Iona is close by and tomorrow we will move to the campsite near to it. Angela has been told no climbing mountains for a few days, so we'll just enjoy some gentle strolls along the beautiful beaches, collecting firewood now doubt.

We sat on a bench to take a selfie on a bench set up to commemorate Peter & Binkie Norris who camped on this very beach from 1966 to 2016. We feel something in common with them, though our adventures cover a wider area. Selfie taken, we forwarded it as requested to Leo Norris, whom we could only assume was their son. Soon after a thankyou email was returned informing us we had been added to a file of 100's of others whom had sent a photo of themselves on the bench.