Yesterday I had the perfect excuse to have a December day out. I had to go to a meeting in Loch Buie around lunchtime, and it was a beautiful, beautiful day. We have had some less than lovely days recently, with horrendous and torrential rains, and enough stormy weather to cancel ferries, so to wake up to a bright sky was much appreciated. Winter on Mull is always a mixture, and sometimes it is difficult to remember that we can have wonderful dry and bright sunny days.. like yesterday!
Loch Buie seems like a long way from Treshnish, but the drive is beautiful. I was given a lift from Salen so I could enjoy the views. Once you turn off the main Iona road at Ardura and head towards Loch Buie, it is magical, like stepping back in time. You drive through open mixed woodland, some of it Atlantic oak woodland, and on to the side of Loch Spelve. Very few houses. The turning to Croggan is worth taking but we didnt have time for that. Loch Uisg looked beautiful, calm and lush. The amount of rhododendron (ponticum) is always surprising.
We were going to Laggan Farm so followed signs through estate woodland, the low winter sun shining brightly in our faces (an enjoyable novelty!). We drove slowly. Past some holiday cottages, and the silage fields fenced off from the deer.
After our meeting and lunch we headed back via the Old Post Office honesty shop. Even in December you can make yourselves a cup of tea or even some organic pot noodles!
The Castle of Moy sits on the edge of the sea loch, with a commanding view straight out to sea. Colonsay hovers on the distant horizon bathed in light as the sun sinks below the clouds, casting a yellow glow on the world. Reluctantly we turned our backs to that beautiful sky and headed back up the road. The autumn colours were looking so rich in the winter afternoon sun, and soon we were away from Loch Buie and driving towards Loch Spelve. The December day out was nearly over!
