The forecast for the weekend had been consistently good so after a reassuring late check on Friday evening we decided to get out of Glasgow and head to the islands again.It`s a hard life but somebody has to do it :) We weren`t 100% sure exactly where we were going, either Rum or Canna.As the forecast was for rain coming in on the Monday we decided on Canna.We rolled into downtown Mallaig ( ahem.! ) under a glorious sky that even managed to gladden the heart of the grumpier of the two Blue Sky boys.
Grabbed one of the few remaining spaces in the long term car park on the left as you hit Mallaig and shouldered our rucksacks for the walk into the ferry terminal where our ferry was just reversing into the harbour.
Out of the harbour and turn left...oopsy...I mean hard a port...
....and we were on our way to our first port of call,Eigg.We had some great views of the Cuillin on the way over...
A yacht passes under Marsco on the left and Bla Bheinn on the right...
Coming into the harbour on the Isle of Eigg with the mountains of Rum perched behind the headland...
A ten minute stop to offload a few passengers and the cargo which was probably a desperately awaited delivery of booze given our experience there in June :) ....and we were on our way to the Isle of Muck passing An Sgurr on the way...
It`s only a short hop of about half an hour or so to Muck which is by far the smallest of the these islands.The harbour at Muck....
The journey over to Canna was enlivened by various basking sharks and dolphins never mind stunning views towards the Rum Cuillin.The Rum hills from this side are a bit like the dark side of the moon in that not a lot of people see them from this angle.You only get to see this particular view if you are on a boat or live on Canna :)Some pics of Rum while we passed by...
Thankfully it wasn`t far to Canna now as we were getting a bit fed up with the views and all the basking sharks and what not :)
Approaching Canna after four hours sailing past the lighthouse on Sanday....
As we disembarked we met the National Trust warden for the island, Winnie MacKinnon. Winnie was loading supplies into her land rover and she very kindly offered to give us a lift up to their preferred camping spot.This is a woman who has her priorities right.We passed our rucksacks into the back and squeezed in beside her daughter on the floor whilst Mollie the Collie sat in regal splendour on the only passenger seat.....
She dropped us off at a delightful spot near Coroghon Castle where we pitched our tents 30 feet above the beach....
...before setting off to look for some driftwood for a fire...
What a backdrop,eh ?
A lobster fisherman and a couple of seals were close offshore arguing the toss as to who exactly was responsible for overfishing....
Lovely peaceful spot but there wasn`t a breath of wind and the midges were out to play so we retired over the field to the Gille Brighde where Aart served up a few bottles of Glenfinnan Gold which is now my favourite beer :) It`s hard to imagine anyone starting up a business like this on an island with a population of around 20 but they seem to be making a go of it with overnighting yachts and the odd holidaymaker.Bit out of the Blue Sky pockets pricewise but it may be one for you Ken ?
A wee video of some other shots set to appropriate music so turn down your speakers if you are meant to be working.Not that I expect you would do that sort of thing :)
To be continued.....
8 comments:
Fantastic views. I really must get further afield...
Absolutely stunning scenery.Alex and Bob
You boys certainly get about! The (irrational) pursuit of the Munros has meant that I have seriously neglected the islands, something that I must rectify soon. Look forward to part 2 of your report!
Cheers, Neil
Looks like a brilliant trip and we haven't even got past the first night's camp! Pity about all that scenery spoiling the view though.
I'm keyed-up with anticipation for the next post. Good work Alex and Bob.
P.S. The weather forecast for the following week on the Outer Hebrides seems mysteriously to be improving...
Thank you for your comments :)
Anne,by the time you reach our age your kids will have been long gone and the time will be your own to do as you wish..!
It is indeed a stunning island for it`s size Jim.
Ah Neil,I can see you paying a visit sometime in the future to tick off Carn a` Ghaill. :)
Aye Peter the scenery was a bit of a bugbear I must admit.Still, we soldiered on :)
I too have been looking ahead to next weeks forecast with a view towards another visit in that direction.It`s looking good for your cycling trip to the Hebrides at the moment :)
Beyond words BEAUTIFUL! De magnifiques photos! I love the geological glory of these isles -- you captured them so artistically. Hurry up with that Part 2!!!!!
You've kept me laughing, Fester -- TN will have to move over and share the seat for the best unknown writer in Caledonia. :o)
Hi Alex, it didn't occur to me that I knew you, but bells are ringing now...... I had a heart attack in 2005 which really slowed down my hill walking activities. It was when I was recovering that I discovered Marilyns and most of the hills that I have done since then have been of the smaller Marilyn variety. I have gradually added some Munro trips so a good variety of hills now, albeit at a bit of a slow pace!! Enjoy Rum, another Island that I need to visit sometime. The forecast for next week is great; I have made a late decision to go to Skye. Cheers, Neil
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