This was the longest walk we did while having a week on the ISLE of MULL in the INNER HEBRIDES just off the West coast of Scotland. A there and back walk, straight out of our rented cottage in the small village of DERVAIG. The start of the walk goes down the tarmac lane where it follows the shoreline of Loch a'Chumhainn, before heading through the woods on a forestry track, passing over a small bridge and some cottages & farms as you come out on to the Quinnish Estate with some fine views of Loch a'Chumhainn down to the left. The weather at the start was a bit overcast following some overnight and early morning rain but soon started to clear to more favorable conditions.
Our there and back route for the day
Down the lane
Looking back towards Dervaig at the end of Loch a'Chumhainn
On to the open land with views out to the coast
We made our way along the muddy, yet easy to follow path as we got onto open land with views out to the coast. We were making our way to some STANDING STONES, although only one remained standing, and from a certain angle, looks like an old woman in a dark cloak.
"a row of four stones aligned NNW-SSE of which only one remains upright
standing over 9 feet high. This stone is referred to locally as
‘Caliach’ which means old woman. Depending on which angle you view the
stone it can look like a woman dressed in a cloak"
Just behind the stones there is a good vantage point high up that gives some good views across the coast and back down onto the stones.
Quinish Standing Stone
Quinish Standing Stone
Along the muddy path again that led to another gate with a sign pointing the way to Quinnish Point following a feint path through the fields that led us up to the trig point on Mingary Ard, looking down on to Quinnish Point. From up here there was some good views all round and across to ARDAMURCHAN on the main land, where we stayed last year. The sun was now out and the sky was blue but the breeze took the temperature down a notch or two but at least it was dry and fairly clear. Hazy views out to the other islands dotted about on the horizon.
On the feint path towards Mingary Ard
Mingary Ard
Mingary Ard Trig Point
Looking down on to Quinish Point from Mingary Ard
We took the "straight down" approach to get us back on the main path to the point. It was a pleasant surprise to see some Highland Cattle down here and they seemed friendly enough, not bothering us as they got on with eating the grass and minding there own business. On to Quinnish Point and down to the beach below that could of been mistaken for some exotic beach in the tropics as the sea was turning a nice shade of turquoise blue in the changing light. We did keep a lookout for and marine life, Otters, Seals but didn't spot any. It was though, a perfect place for a spot of lunch as we had the place to ourselves. Our own private romantic beach for half an hour, perfect :-)
View across to Ben Haint on Ardamurchan, mainland Scotland
The way down to Quinish Point
Quinish Point Highland Cattle
Quinish Point Highland Cattle
Quinish Point Beach
Quinish Point
Quinish Point Beach
Crab/Lobster pots on Quinish Beach
We made our way back along the path passing under Mingary Ard and saying goodbye to the Highland Cattle. It was now quite warm and we had a few stops along the way back taking in the quietness of the area and looking out for Golden & Sea Eagles along the way. Always a great joy to see these majestic birds soaring on the thermals and we were lucky enough to see them everyday that we were on Mull. It's only really when they get mobbed by the Crows and Seagulls that you really appreciate the size of them with there two metre plus wingspan. Awesome sight indeed.
Blue skies above Mingary Ard
Old Woman of Quinish
Blue skies above Dervaig & Loch a'Chumhainn
Back at base after another great day
A great few hours straight from the front door of the cottage and with the weather improving all the while, made for a great day in this fantastic part of the world. :-)
Cheers
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