CL Dog Photography Mull part 2
Later on the Friday afternoon we boarded the ferry at Kilchoan which cost a very reasonable £15.65 for our short 35 minute trip across the sound of Mull to Tobermory. It is a small on/off ferry and as the weather was so nice we chose to sit outside on the upper deck which turned out to be a rather good choice. As we neared Tobermory we spotted a small shoal of porpoise swimming between the ferry and Tobermory lighthouse although I never managed to get any photos of them.
Tobermory, as most will know, is a colourful town and made famous by the houses, hotels and shops along the harbour front all painted in different colours and not forgetting the kids TV program Balamory of course.
As it was such a nice warm evening we chose to get ourselves a takeaway rather than sit in somewhere. We opted for the Fisherman’s Pier which is a food van situated at the pier itself and serves up some delicious food. Our rather fine meal was enjoyed sitting by the harbour taking in the stunning views. It was certainly dog friendly as it was outside. A Glengorm estate cheeseburger and chips for me and breaded garlic mushrooms and chips for Joanne. The chips were fantastic and easily better than many chip shops that I’ve been to previously.
If the weather had been different I’m not sure where would have been suitable for dogs as it was my first visit to the island but I’m sure there would have been a number of suitable choices.
When we decided to make the trip I had rather stupidly forgot or more precisely completely forgot that it was a bank holiday weekend (Platinum Jubilee) and finding dog friendly accommodation had proved rather difficult as the vast majority of places were fully booked. After almost giving up on finding somewhere I found a nice double room at Glenforsa hotel. A Norwegian log cabin style building surrounded by woodland and it’s very own airstrip. A cosy hotel overlooking the Sound of Mull with warm, woodsy rooms with knotty-pine walls and ceilings, tea and coffee making facilities in the room and ensuite. Initially I found it a bit quirky and unusual as I had never stayed anywhere like it before but after a good nights sleep and a lovely breakfast I had gotten used to the sheer amount of wood everywhere and found it to be quite comfortable. The restaurant where breakfast was served was quiet and had lovely views over the airstrip and sound of Mull. A lovely walk with Kaira through the woodland surrounding the hotel was had before breakfast where the bluebells were still in bloom in June.
Kaira outside Glenforsa and the upper waterfall at Eas Fors
On the Saturday we decided to explore the northern part of Mull and visited Eas Fors waterfall and onwards to Calgary bay and beach. It was another hot, sunny day with clear blue skies so water bottles were filled, sun screen applied and the all important smidge before heading out for the day. Eas Fors Waterfall is one of the most spectacular waterfalls on the island, situated just off the B8073. It’s name is tautological as all three words are synonymous (meaning the same thing). Eas is Gaelic for waterfall, Fors is Norse for waterfall and well, we all know waterfall is the English for waterfall!!!
There is a small parking area just off the roadside and a very short walk takes you to the bridge with views of the upper falls. Exploring further you can get right up to the upper falls pictured above. A little oasis on such a warm day, the sound of the flowing water and cool spray hitting my face was just perfect.
The middle falls beneath the road bridge are like another world entirely with twisting tree branches stretching out over the plunge pool and nothing but the sound of flowing water and birds chirping. It was bliss.
The lower falls are where the river falls off the cliffs into Ballygown bay and whilst the views from the top are pretty spectacular the view of the water fall at this point is difficult to see and it is not recommended that you try. There is a coastal walk to the bottom of the cliffs where the waterfall is but a section of it is tidal and care must be taken when planning to do this walk. We never had the time or the chance to be able to do it on this particular visit but I will at some point.
Continuing onwards along the B8073 to Calgary bay it feels very remote and somewhat desolate in places but beautiful and relaxing at the same time with wonderful views then all of a sudden a white beach comes into view. The name for Calgary can be traced back to the Gaelic for “beach of the meadow” and a stunning sight it is too. Crystal clear turquoise waters, white sandy beach, and lush green grass and wildflower meadows. To one end there is a small parking area with campsite and toilets. To the other end there is another car park and a small hut with a boat for a roof called Robins hut and here you can get refreshments and ice cream. Behind the beach there is a woodland with Calgary Artwalk, a series of artworks and sculptures. We spent a bit of time on the beach and in the cool clear waters then had a walk through the shaded woodland before stopping in at Calgary Farmhouse cafe for refreshments and cake. A dog friendly cafe and a welcome break from the bright sun and heat of the day.
By the time we left Calgary it was becoming rather busy and parking was a bit of an issue but we’d had enough sun for the day so had a slow drive back towards the hotel at Salen for a shower and meal in the Bar area which has fabulous views onto the Sound of Mull as mentioned earlier. A few planes landed and took off as we enjoyed a very nice meal.
After our meal we headed out for a walk and spent the evening wandering along the shore at Salen
Some details from our evening walk around the Salen shoreline
Me and Kaira, and Salen pier sundown
