free to be able to rate and comment on reports (as well as access 1:25000 mapping).
- Iona - honest
Weather forecasts earlier in the week had pointed to Wednesday being a washout as a front swept in from the Atlantic. A day mooching around Tobermory had been in the pipeline, but in the end the rain arrived a little earlier than expected. It was forecast to clear the west side of Mull by late morning, meaning Iona would get a better day, though often cloudy with heavy showers and strong winds.
The rain driving all the way across to Fionnphort was incessant and torrential, making driving quite interesting. It was still raining when we boarded the ferry across the Sound of Iona, but it stopped just as we arrived, with a little blue sky appearing on the horizon. Miracles do happen, perhaps especially on Iona...
The plan was to spend most of the day here exploring the Abbey and tourist attractions along with the beaches at the north end of the island.
The calm after the storm:
The sun even came out a little as we explored the old nunnery:
It was threatening to rain again so we paid the entrance charge for the abbey and starting exploring the beautiful grounds and various chapels. The shower didn't amount to much this time and, with the skies clearing again, we decided to set off on our walk now. The views of the island's high point, Dun I, were enough to cheer me up after having to part with £5 (!) for a sandwich from a chiller cabinet.
This sheep didn't seem to mind being used as a bed by this cheeky bird:
There's a clear path up to Dun I, though with a lot of surface water running down it after the rain. Excellent views from the windy summit:
We had the summit to ourselves, but passed quite a few people coming up as we were heading down, also taking advantage of the improving weather. Back to the track, and this time continuing left towards the north end of the island.
A grassy / sandy path continues to the beaches, which have stunning, perfectly white sand:
We had just enough time for a flying visit to the first two beaches before another shower rolled in - time to retreat back to the abbey!
Fortunately there's plenty to do indoors at the abbey, and the sun came out again later in the day for some photos:
Back waiting for the ferry after an enjoyable few hours:
Not really enough time to explore the south end of the island as well this time (another day perhaps?), but we did have time for a quick wander to Tormore Pier back on "mainland" Mull...
Mull 2017<< Previous day: Ben More>> Afternoon: Tormore Pier