I think autumnal Mull is one of my favourite times of year. This year summer has slowly given in to autumn as the heather on the hills fade, the montbretia is glowing orange against garden walls, and the bracken has turned. The last week has given us some stormy days which cancelled ferries, and then rewarded us with glorious sunshine! On Tuesday the weather was unexpectedly wonderful, so much so that we decided to steal away from the office, with a picnic and head for the hills!
It was so lovely to be away from the phone. We walked up through the dying heather still buzzing with bumble bees in the warm sunshine, up to Cruachan Treshnish. This hill is a mere 700 feet above sea level but it has wonderful views in all directions. It was sunny and slightly hazy, but even in the haze we could see the faint outlines of mountains to the right of the Red Cuillins on Skye. We think they may be Torridon? We have a chart in the cottages which shows you what you are seeing from Cruachan Treshnish, which is really useful.
The views!
To the north and looking west, we could see as far as, we think, Torridon. Then the Ardnamurchan lighthouse across the Sound of Mull, Rum, Eigg, Muck, Skye, Canna, Coll, Gunna and Tiree. To the south west of us we could see the Treshnish Isles snaking out away from us, and then to the south, Staffa and Iona with the Ross of Mull, shimmering in the brightness of the sunlight on the calm calm sea. We could see Gometra and Ulva. Ben More was in cloud but Ben Talla was clear.
Tea and cake
We had our picnic and even had a doze in the sun, before walking back down. We came back via the gate in the Haunn garden and were invited to have tea with our guests in West Cottage. It was lovely sitting in the sun outside their cottage, the air so warm and still – and the chocolate brownies were delicious. Thank you West! We are ready to go back to work now!
