A trip with Turus Mara
Because we were a bit later in the year, we were able to book a trip with Turus Mara to Staffa and the Treshnish Islands.
NB This is PART 3 of N and F’s blog about coming to Mull by public transport. Part 1 is here, and part 2 is here.
You can see these islands when you follow the path downhill after the cottages at Haunn. Not only because one of the islands is called Dutchman’s Cap, but mainly because islands intrigue us But also because puffins nest on Lunga, we had always been curious about these islands.
NB Treshnish guests are eligible for a 10% discount for a trip with Turus Mara, contact us for the discount code.
Using Community Transport
We took the Community bus to Ulva Ferry and visited Staffa and Lunga. The captain told us a lot about the surrounding islands and gave everyone plenty of opportunity to see the sights. We had only just set off when we encountered dolphins. At Staffa, an otter swam alongside the boat and at Lunga we went ashore to see the puffins. Next time, they can leave us there overnight.
Puffin Therapy
What birds, what a beautiful island and how special to be able to get so close to the birds. We were able to capture some truly spectacular footage of Lunga!
Of course, during our wanderings we also found some nice things, such as no fewer than three antlers, a hedgehog skull (added to the Treshnish collection) and a dead dolphin in Calgary Bay.
Treshnish is a good base for exploring Mull, but in our case we are very dependent on the Community bus. Without them, we wouldn’t have been able to do a lot of things, so it’s a really important service for guests and islanders alike. On the way back home, the bus had a flat tyre, but this was sorted out so well that we didn’t experience any stress whatsoever, and the Community Bus staff are, without exception, friendly and helpful. Big compliments to this group of enthusiastic volunteers.
Meeting people
Due to the train delay at the start of our trip, we got in touch with a very nice Spanish man from Tobermory, with whom we arranged to meet for coffee and who also took us to the Spar in Salen. We are gradually getting to know more and more locals, and it was also nice to meet Ewan Miles (a guide from Nature Scotland with whom we went on two fantastic excursions) again.
The welcome at Treshnish was once again very heartfelt, and we also had a very nice interaction with the neighbours in the cottage next to us. For the return journey, we planned to spend the night in Dumfermline, and it just so happened that those people live there!
Isle of Mull is a beautiful island and the people we meet there are extremely friendly. We will return as soon as possible. As a Scotsman once wrote to us: Haste ye Back!
Thanks again so much to N and F for sharing their story, and for their wonderful photographs. Haste ye back!
