Hebrides to Oban

14th to 16th July
Eriskay-Mull-Oban

The brisk sail eastwards from the Outer Hebrides was invigorating with ‘Misty’ well reefed and near top speed most of the way. An invigorated pod of dolphin joined us for a while. Interestingly most dolphin this year seem to have been more intent on feeding than playing with passing boats, so this pod made a delightful change.

Playful dolphin off the Hebrides

After usual indecision trying to fix whether to go round the top or bottom of Mull , we went north and ended up in a charming little spot near a rocky shore off northwest Mull, Loch a’Chumhainn. The water was as crystal clear as ever and George had a swim. He’s young and brave and clean!

A swim in icy Scottish sea (George, not me!)

All clean next day

The island of Mull is not as big as Skye but still more than twice the size of the Isle of Wight. It was a day’s sail to go round a large part of it, down through the Sound of Mull to Loch Spelve, at the southeast of the island. The Sound of Mull seemed very busy with sailing boats and ferries. Everyone was out enjoying bright sunshine and warmth. Alas! By the time we anchored at the end of Loch Spelve beneath the mountains of Mull, it was raining hard and pretty windy. Nothing stays the same for long!

Yesterday we came over to Oban through murky morning mist. Oban is photogenic in sunshine – less so in murk – and has many handsome houses and useful assets (washing machine, Tesco, trains and ferries, for example). We wandered up to McCaig’s Tower in the sweltering humid heat, a joy after so much sailing chill.

Late afternoon and clouds gather over Mull

Murky morning in Loch Spelve

And then, hot at McCaig's Tower, Oban