Tarbert To Tobermory (Via Ireland!)

The original plan was to go round the Mull to Ghia then up to Mull , but once we set off ( under engine as no wind ) we had a change of plan and thought we would go and visit our friends in NI. David and Hillary.

Very calm motor down to Campbelltown then a sail across the North Channel. Gave us a chance to get to grips with Jenny’s new cameral lens ( so yes, no shortage of pictures).

At Campbelltown we were met by the usual cheery harbour master. He recognises the boat now! We decided to stay a night then get the tide round the Mull. It never ceases to amaze me, how there are so many nice and well kept big houses there. We had a walk round in the morning as no point in going too early as need to get the tide right.

Then off round the Mull. The Mull of Kintyre ( yes that is an ear worm well and truly planted), is on the main flight path for Gannets, Puffins, and Guillemots, flying from Ailsa Craig out to the fishing grounds off the north coast of Ireland . Here is a selection.

Despite the calm, it was not that warm

This time, unlike last time, we arrived at Ballycastle just at the correct state of tide. Last time we did this I got it out by 90 mins ( and that is the difference between the perfect state of the tide and the worst state of the tide) and was welcomed by 6 ft high standing waves.

Ballycastle is a bonnie wee port

We spent a couple of days visiting David and Hillary

In the village they stay in they have this community garden where you can come and help yourself – what a brilliant use of a small space.

On the final day we took the ferry out to Rathlin Island ( another place where Robert the Bruce saw the spider – there must have been an infestation in Scotland and Ireland at that time as he appears to have seen one in every square mile of both countries)

Came across these canvas and tar boats on the slip. I think I will stick to Fiberglass thanks

Rathlin

Little known fact , but Rathlin was where the first commercial wireless telegraphy link in the world was introduced between the main house and the light house.

Just before we left Ireland, this boat came into the marina . Robin ( my brother ) used to sail on her 30 years ago, and she was old then.

The Long Trip North

We decided that we should do a bit of a mammoth day to get us up to the Sound of Mull as the forecast for the next few days was not that good. I estimated the journey as 90 miles (turns out I was about 3 miles out). One of the longest runs Jen and I have done in a day with just the 2 of us.

Again tide is the key to this one. Luckily it did not require a 2 AM start or anything stupid like that. No wind so it was a day under engine. First we had to sail past Rathlin, past Islay, then up the sound of Jura, through the sound of Luing and up into the sound of Mull, stopping at Lochaline.

We even found some Bottlenose Dolphins ( I spotted one while taking a photo going through the Sound of Luing)

Some nice views of open sky

Arrival at Lochalien

Run down To Tobermory

The Run down to Tobermory was excellent the next day, 25 Knots of wind on the tail and sun was out. Before we left Lochaline I took a few photos of the local wildlife.

So that is it for now . Sorry if it is a bit of a mammoth blog. We will now be on Mull for a few days and with luck we will get some good weather to head out.