There is nothing quite like a day out on Ulva. Even summoning the ferry is an experience not like many others. It is a pleasant wait as Donald the ferryman comes over to collect us. Today we carry a tray of eggs. It is a day off for the Farmer, but also an excuse to give some more of our surplus eggs away.
We walk. It is lovely to walk through a woodland on a civilised track, with trees towering above us. Dappled light on shimmering new leaves. Bluebells and wood sorrel. We walk out on to open hill and over to the old fank. Dark rain clouds obscure Gribun rocks in a veil of blue, we shelter as the edge of the rain passes over but don’t get very wet.
From there we climb access steps over a deer fence and into a woodland recreation project. Areas of recently planted trees amongst the open space, and some wild dead wood sculpted by the wind.
We reach the other side of the enclosure, climb the access steps and follow an old path lined with stone walls, up and over the brow of a hill, with wonderful views back over to Mull. The woodland path is wet underfoot from recent heavy rains. We reach the church and follow the familiar path back to Lunch!
Sitting outside the Boathouse in the sun, even though it is still not warm, is bliss. Our lunch of soup and home made filled rolls is wonderful. We don’t choose shellfish today, I suppose because we know we can come back anytime during the season to enjoy the freshest prawns and crab you can imagine. The view is always so beautiful even when sudden rain clouds hide Ben More. It is not wet enough to go indoors and by the time we leave the sun is out again.
