Mull part 3… A trip to Iona before heading home
Kaira helping choose the days trip locations
We had a pretty relaxed start to the day but we were aware that it was due to be a very warm sunny day again and we wanted to get one of the earlier ferry’s across to Iona in order to miss the crowds and the worst of the days heat. After another fabulous cooked breakfast at our dog friendly hotel (Glenforsa Hotel near Salen) we opened up the map on the bed to decide on our route to Fionnphort and the Iona ferry. Kiara couldn’t resist but get involved and unbelievably picked the correct spot on the map. I think she may suffer from a little hay fever as she has weepy eyes and a runny nose in this picture and often does in the summer months.
Water bottles filled again and off we set along the B8035 heading towards Fionnphort. We had hoped to have spotted eagles and otters throughout the trip and we counted 9 eagles on this particular drive however all of them were too distant to have gotten any decent images. We did encounter a Greylag goose with her goslings crossing the road so Joanne grabbed a quick phone snap.
Greylag goslings and the road around Clachandhu
A lovely scenic drive along the coast with loads of interesting bits of shoreline and a rustic looking woodland that I have earmarked for some exploration on my next visit. The road then begins to rise up and heads inland for a time and again the scenery is stunning but very desolate in it’s appearance until you begin to descend towards Loch Scridain and Loch Beg. At the junction taking a right onto the A849 the road hugs the coastline most of the way to Fionnphort. We arrived for the first ferry of the day with only minutes to spare. The ferry to Iona is run by Calmac and cost the 2 of us £7.20 return and is a mere 5 minute trip.
Boy was it worth it! I know the weather was on our side but what a stunning scene coming into Baile Mòr on Iona from Fionnphort. The cute little houses along the shore, the white sandy beaches and crystal clear turquoise waters.
We had a walk through the village and up firstly up to the Nunnery before walking out past the Abbey all the way to White beach. By this point it was becoming very hot for all 3 of us so we headed back to the St Columba hotel for respite from the sun, refreshments and water for Kaira. The staff were very friendly and accommodating allowing us into one of the lounges with her as it was a little cooler in there. and brought us another bowl of water. I was certainly glad of the respite from the sun so I can only imagine how Kaira felt with her thick coat on.
It was time to leave for Craignure and our ferry back to Oban but I couldn’t resist a few images from Fionnphort beach looking back across to Iona on such a beautiful day. Just as we were leaving the were a number of coach tours arriving so if you like peace and quiet and want to avoid the crowds I’d highly recommend making the trip early in the day. I was definitely glad we did not only to miss the crowds but the worst of the heat. I’m glad we had such beautiful weather but I really struggle to to regulate my temperature when it’s much warmer than 18ºc. I sound like a grumpy old man and I’m not even 40 yet.
One thing I regret not taking with me were my sunglasses. I’m sure my eyes were sunburnt with the constant and relentless sun. They were stinging for days afterwards so lesson learnt although I’ve never really liked the sun or blue sky days very much.
Holiday weekend was almost over but we stopped off at Callander on the way home for a stroll along the river and some chips.
I really enjoyed the Isle of Mull and I am very much looking forward to going back to do some photography and explore some of the areas we visited whilst driving around the Island.
