Ben Hiant

Our last day on the peninsular and as luck would have it, a good forecast for being on the hills...so Ben Hiant, the highest point on the peninsular beckoned...and what stunning views! 

Towards Skye and Eigg.

Looking up Loch Sunart.

Yellow Club Fungus....and below.

Ardnamurchan lighthouse - in the cleft.

Panorama...

The top!

The highest 'puddle' on the peninsular.

Looking back to the campsite where we were staying at Kilchoan.

..and a last panorama on the way down, as the wind began to pick up.

Tobermory

A glorious calm day, so it was off to the Isle of Mull...and what a superb crossing it was, at speed, in beautiful light. As explained in the last blog, the Cal Mac ferry was out of action, so they had chartered another 'ferry' - which was basically a posh speed boat from Staffa Wildlife Tours. Rocky didn't enjoy the trip at all, bless him, as he doesn't like pontoons, planks or it turns out, speed boats! 

Looking back to Ben Hiant, the highest point on Ardnamurchan.

Tobermory - it really is rather pretty!

And very colourful!

A very pleasant path leads along the coast, through woodland, to the lighthouse.

The lighthouse with the car ferry in the background.

Rocky - glad to be back on dry land.

Mingary Pier

A brief stop off to catch a mackerel for tea and to check out the apparently world famous, cone rings ...

However, watching the car ferry come in from Mull was far more interesting! With a bit of a chop on the crossing looked as if it had been a bit 'iffy'. The Calmac ferry has broken down so Calmac have chartered replacement car and passenger ferries. 

We were thinking of going ot Mull the following day....but we found out that the passenger ferry was infact a rather posh Staffa seatours boat....hence back to plan A for the following day - a trip as footpassengers to Tobermory.
 

Along the coast ...Ardnamurchan Lighthouse

On the way to the lighthouse, just passed Grigadale and before the entrance to the caravan site there is a parking space near the footpath that runs behind the caravan site and down to the coast ... A very nice little walk, again with good views and a beach. 

We were being watched!

Highland Darter.

Descending to the beach...

...and zooming in, the Cuillins really do provide a spectacular backdrop.

Looking back to the lighthouse.

..and the beach....

 

Ardnamurchan Lighthouse

If you ever find yourself in these far flung parts, a tour of the lighthouse is a must. An informative tour and great views and well worth supporting as a community venture - as is the tea shop! 

The current light with its LEDs.

Cracking views ...

Inside the engine room...