Yurt Life

Having followed the main road on Mull, a single track road with passing places, for 50 minutes we turned off down a winding lane then turning onto a rough track. We arrived at the gate to the field where our accommodation for the next four nights could be found. The gate was a bit of a challenge as it was broken at the hinge end and rather heavy, but Summer managed to get it open and closed again behind the car. The field was very wet, but fortunately the ground was firm as we negotiated our way to the yurt in the far corner. It had been raining quite hard during our journey, but the rain had stopped in time for us to unload the car and settle in. From the outside the yurt look like a parcel bundled together with string, but inside it was cosy and warm with a very comfortable double bed, two fold out chair/single beds, a camp kitchen, table and chairs, rugs on the floor, a wardrobe and most importantly, a wood burner. The only light was from a Perspex disc in the roof and rechargeable torches. Outside were two sheds one housing the compostable toilet, the other a gas powered shower. We were looking forward to our glamping experience, despite the pouring rain that had started up again outside.

The first day we thought we would go to Tobermory, but we didn’t set off until late morning and were further delayed by cows in the road, so when I saw a sign post to the Old Post Office Tearooms I thought it would be a good lunch stop. What I hadn’t noticed in small letters at the bottom of the sign was ’ 8 miles’! The road was narrow twisting, over tiny humpback bridges and up and down some steep hills, but when we got there, it was well worth the journey. It was only a very small café and we were lucky to get the last table. Due to the length of time it had taken to get there and back, we decided to abandon our trip to Tobermory and just go to Craignure to fill up with fuel and stop at a launderette machine on the way back to the yurt to catch up with some much needed washing. Summer and Racheal then caught up with Racheal‘s logbook before enjoying some relaxation, Summer knitting her socks and Racheal with her string lights that we brought with us.

The second day we did make it to Tobermory, a nearly 2 hour journey due to a road being closed. There aren’t many alternatives on the small island. We stopped for a picnic at a beautiful spot on the way but had to sit in the car as the ground was so wet. In Tobermory, we walked around the bay popping in and out of shops and visiting the small, local museum, dodging the rain when necessary.

Ardtun, the village where we were staying, was only 20 minutes from the Iona ferry. We had saved this trip for our last day on the island, but unfortunately high winds were forecast for the afternoon. We set off to get the 10 o’clock ferry as foot passengers so that we could at least have a couple of hours exploring Iona. It was a shame that we had to come back again on the 12 o’clock ferry, but at least we got to see the abbey and the small village. It was particularly special to be there on a Sunday morning thinking about those who have worshipped God in this place for hundreds of years.

On the way to the Craignure to catch the ferry back to Oban, we just had time to detour to have a peek at Duart Castle.

We really enjoyed our our time on Mull, even the wind and the thunderstorms were fun! Maybe we will return one day.