The Trees - but no Rush

A terrible link I know, but I had a lovely autumnal weekend looking for birds (not many) and trees (blummin' loads).

 

First stop was a Saturday meeting with the RSPB group at Nosterfield, which was very empty, both of water and birds. But a nice time with chums and a sunny walk round the lakes. In the end I did see two new spots for 2025 - Golden Plover and Widgeon. Only one more to hit 100!

I was booked in for 2 nights at a stopover at the Castle Arms in a village called Snape - which I'd never heard of but was a revelation! A pretty village, with castle ruins, an interesting chapel and links to Katherine Parr. I had tea in the van, and the next day wandered round the village before a huge Sunday lunch at the pub and then some lolling around doing nothing listening to the rain.

On the Monday it was bright blue skies again, so perfect for Thorp Perrow arboretum and wildlife centre (mainly raptors and meercats). I'd stupidly decided to visit at half-term, during their Halloween trail. But thanks to some advice from the lady at the entrance it was easy enough to avoid the little horrors darlings and do some peaceful wandering. 

The bird centre was slightly depressing, seeing massive birds from hot countries in chilly cages looking glum. I could have cheated and added vultures, kookaburras, eagle owls and more to my bird tally for 2025, but not even I would cheat that badly. 

Isle of Mull - week 2

Monday 8th September

Hopped on the bus to Tobermory and joined Nature Scotland for a minibus trip wildlife spotting. There were seven of us on the bus, with leader Jack. He really knew his stuff, and within the hour we were looking at two white-tailed eagles. Then we were lucky enough to see a female otter with her pups. 

Watching the otters

Golden eagle

The roads were small and high, so again I was glad I wasn't driving! Some beautiful views. And we saw a golden eagle right overhead, very close. Towards the end of the trip we saw another golden eagle. 

We also saw an Irish hare, which was a gorgeous deep copper colour, hooded crows, linnet, fallow and roe deer, yellowhammer, pink footed goose.

The rain came in just as we were driving back to base, and we'd had a fabulous day.

Tuesday 9th

Left the island back to mainland Oban, and filled up with fuel and food. Then I took the back road route through logging territory, down the Kintyre peninsula to Tarbert. I did stop briefly at the Kilmartin museum but they wanted £16!! Too much for a quick visit. The Tarbert site is built in to the side of the hill, and mainly lodges. The cafe wasn't open but had great facilities otherwise. I was hoping for a quiet rest, as I was shattered, but it was like a flippin' racetrack! Vans, lorries and cars zooming up and down past me until 8pm. 

Wednesday 10th

Well the jackhammers started at 7.49. What the chuff? So I very grumpily threw my cable in the van and headed down to Tarbert for my next ferry hop. Excellent cooked breakfast at the Cafe Ca'Dora - beans and haggis on toast. I peered up at the castle briefly but it was cold and rainy so didn't clamber up - Robert the Bruce had stayed there (they think). 

I disembarked from the ferry at Portavadie, and drove through the lovely Kyles of Bute to Dunoon. 

Dunoon is a seaside resort on the Cowal peninsular, overlooking the Firth of Clyde, a bit faded now, but a long and complicated history - visit the Castle House Museum, which has the world's keenest guide, she was lovely. 

Highland Mary (the love of Robert Burns) and Holy Loch submarines are points of interest.

I carried on to Benmore Botanic Gardens, with a fern house and steep hillside planting from Japan, Tibet and Nepal. Also a cafe thank goodness. A red squirrel ran across the road as I left. 

After a tiring day I went off to my final campsite on this trip. It was called Secret Glen, and I approached it with some cynicism I have to say. it was AMAZING! They recommended a pitch near the feeding boxes, and I could park side-on, to watch the red squirrels flitting around for hours. At one point there were 6 of them gambolling about. What a finale to the tour.

Thursday 11th

A lazy day in the van, listening to the rain, doing chores, sewing my cross-stitch, and watching the reds. 

Friday 12th

In to Dunoon for the last ferry - this time a 'turn up and go' run by Western Ferries, a small vessel and a 20 minute hop to Gourlock, near Glasgow. Bought my ticket in the Co-op to save 50%. The Calmac alternative is out of order so there was a hefty queue but they fitted so many on I waited less than an hour. My last view of the holiday was the arse-end of a road truck.

Back in time for tea! 800 miles covered. Celebrated with the traditional pizza and bottle of red. Home is the traveller.

Isle of Mull - week 1

Tuesday 2nd September - Craignure

Off to Mull via Oban, long but scenic drive. Should visit Oban CCC site again as it was well placed for walks. The ferry to Craignure went smoothly, which is just as well as I was first on - eek! The campsite at the other end was right on the shoreline, and I stocked up at the shops and watched the ferries come and go.

Thursday 4th - Calgary

Quick visit to Tobermory before getting the bus to Calgary Bay and back - oh my word it was lovely. Glad I didn't drive and could gawp out of the window all the way. The campsite was high above the town, and a parade of classic cars passed by the entrance (eventually). 

The whisky was SO expensive! So just bought a little sampler, very nice.

Friday 5th - Staffa

I walked down to the harbour and boarded a boat trip to Staffa, and Fingal's cave. The sea was a bit rough going out but I was OK thankfully. Walked to the mouth of the cave - the geology was fascinating. On the return trip we saw seals, and dolphins with young. Also Manx Shearwaters. 

Got absolutely soaked on the walk back up to the campsite. Also found out that all the Islay ferries were booked up - so won't be able to get there on this trip. Never mind, another day perhaps. 

Saturday 6th - Iona

The long, long drive to Fionnphort, mostly single track. Much higher ground than I expected in the centre of the island. Having to pull over every quarter of a mile really extended the travel time. Great views but no-where to stop for photos. 

Had a crab sandwich for lunch at the harbour.  The weather was blowing up, and various ferries were posting yellow warnings, but was able to get on the Iona ferry as a foot passenger. Started with a migraine, so I must be relaxed (grrr). Iona was very peaceful and interesting - John Smith is buried there, it is the place that Scottish kings have been buried for generations. The main attraction is the Abbey, and I got in free with my English Heritage card - result!

The ferry back was busier as many people were leaving to avoid being stranded. Lovely tea and cake with the coach drivers in the cafe when I got back. There was some sort of kerfuffle on the beach, apparently a visit from Greta Thunberg and Climate Justice, although I can't find anything to substantiate this! 

I'd managed to grab the last spot at the Port nan Gael campsite, and joy of joys it had a laundromat! It texted me when my smalls were dry - there's progress. Masses of swallows and martins swooping around. 

Sunday 7th - Craignure again

Before leaving Port nan Gael I managed to blow the electrics with my cheap electric hob. A bang, flames, and everything. Now I know where the fuses are :-) so another learning experience courtesy of the Wildax Facebook group.  Just got away in time, and drove to Duart castle.

Picked up some elderly (and posh) gents who were hitchhiking - but should have been walking with their wives! The castle was mildly interesting, and bumped into the owner on the stairs. It's been the setting for several films.

Pitched up at the same place in Craignure, but had to abandon the planned walk as heavy rain set in.