Glen Gorm

Thursday May 9

I'd finished - and saved - all the writing and had only one more photo to add when.......the Blog vanished. I can understand the photos disappearing as they had not been saved. I am really not in the mood to re-do this to-night but I'll make a start anyway. 

Our latest start yet. It was mid-day before we left. Such a grey day after overnight rain. The moth trap was wetter than it's been before. Only 5 moths of 4 species, Nut-tree Tussock a new Mull species for us.

We started with a pair of preening Goosanders at Loch Cuin before taking the lane past the shop and along the northern shore of the loch. Deciduous woodland with occasional small cottages, very attractive water and moorland views.

Back for the DT from the shop before having a look at the reedbed. This Sedge Warbler sang and displayed its heart out without ever showing well.

A Whitethroat muttered and chirruped from deep in a bramble bush.

It's seven miles from Dervaig to Tobermory on a winding, frequently steep - in both directions - busy single track road. Even busier at the moment with the Salen road still being re-surfaced. Past the birdless Mishnish Lochs until the unclassified road to the cheese factory and Glen Gorm turns off north shortly before Tobermory.

The Water Treatment works and rubbish dump are on this road too. Tips are horrible places, a reminder of the profligacy of the human race. Mounds of plastic, paper, food and cans all mixed together like a giant nightmare recipe. Plenty of birds hanging around for an easy meal. All of them Gulls and Corvids, waiting on nearby perches, or squabbling amongst the humungous mess.

In contrast, elegant Barn Swallows swooped over the water treatment tank, delicately sipping at the surface.

As we were enjoying the deserted approach track through the moorland and pasture of the estate, getting occasional views of the sea and Skye, I looked up and saw a raptor. A Golden Eagle for the day, giving silhouette views only as it spiralled the thermals high above us.

We sampled the tearooms first, for a rather expensive lunch, it's a classy establishment a quarter of a mile before the castle. I wrapped half my substantial sandwich in a napkin and it was immediately taken away and put in a bag for me.

We've never taken the castle track. We did to-day. A Georgian, nineteenth century building which functions as a hotel, it sits on top of a sea cliff giving lovely views north to the Inner Hebridean islands.

Time to return to the cottage to start sorting and packing for to-morrow morning's early departure for Skye.
A group of six resting rams drew our attention. Such lovely horns. This fellow had an itch it found difficult to scratch as the horns were in the way.

Ever observant Pam had noticed that the viewpoint car park overlooking Dervaig could be seen from Witch's Cottage. Therefore, the opposite should be possible. It is.

Our cottage is clearly visible.
We've loved the cottage and the area but I still hanker for the delights of the south west and the Ross of Mull. Ten days here would be our chosen stay, I'll have to look at the possibilities next year.