There was mixed weather for our crossing to Mull at the start of the week.

Women made their way by bus and car to Ardachy Hotel, situated by beautiful Ardalanish Bay on the Ross of Mull.

The hotel is the perfect place to relax and chill.

Maggie and Cathy who run the hotel served us top class, freshly prepared, meals throughout the week, with organic ingredients where possible.

The first day's walk was a gentle introduction to the area starting with a walk on Ardalanish Bay where we checked out rock pools and sea life before heading in search of the Iron Fort.

Not much remains to be found but a great view across the bay and a sense of what it would have been like to keep a watch for boats appearing in the distance.

After a quick tea break we skirted past the organic Hebridean sheep in search of a bothy being done up. Inside birds were nesting and taking shelter form the elements.

Next we headed to the farm where we had a fascinating tour of the organic weaving barn. The team there were very passionate about their endeavours and we left full of admiration for their commitment to improving planet earth.

By now there were signs of rain so the hotel won out as the lunch stop - there were no hardy takers for the beach option.

During lunch it rained heavily, so it was very smugly we set off later, warm and dry, for the afternoon's outing.

Down to the beach but this time to explore the Baptists Cave and then off to Uisken Beach.

Some felt the call of the hotel at this point and returned.

Others came with me up to the Cairn - imagining we were carrying a coffin - as we followed the route villagers have taken in years gone by.

Then we too returned to the hotel for fabulous food.

As the weather looked uncertain for the week we headed for Iona.

The crossing is over in a few minutes but it transports us to a different land geologically and for some also spiritually.

We all headed to the west coast for the morning walk and whilst some returned to explore the Abbey, the rest continued down to visit the beach on which St. Columbus landed.

We then set off to look for the marble quarry and found it tucked away surround by large slabs of marble.

A cross country route took us back to the west coast from where we returned to meet the Abbey crew.

Most folk wanted time to explore the Abbey - including John Smith's grave.

Two hardy souls forewent the historical option and proceeded with an afternoon walk up Dun I.

We managed to get the ferry back without problems and returned with glowing faces from the combination of sun and wind.

Staffa called as the weather was calm and the ferry was available.

We saw shags a plenty as we left Mull and then a seal popped up to visit us when we reached Staffa.

The island itself is amazing with its basalt structures that dominate and a cave with incredible acoustics.

Our merry women restrained themselves and left the singing in the cave to the more talented American make-shift choir on our boat.

We had an hour on the island, then had to return to the boat.

Most of us managed to eat on the boat home (though for some it was too much and they needed a cup of tea before our afternoon walk).

With a beautiful afternoon beckoning we headed through stunning granite stones to the quarry.

From there we made our way down to the coast by Kintra and looked for sighting of seals.

We were in luck. They sat and basked for a while before disappearing into the icy sea.

We enjoyed exploring the coastline as we headed round to Kintra itself and admired the organic garden with rich picking despite the hostile environment.

Brambles ( blackberries) had been discovered by now and women were gorging themselves on these at every opportunity.

Some women got picked up by Cathy at this point whilst others headed across country to Fionnphort to retrieve the car. Then back for more great food.

We head in the opposite direction across to Scoor for this day of walking.

First stop is the medieval chapel at Kilvikeon before we head towards the beach.

An eagle passes close by looking for prey.

A detour to the top of the lookout point and sight of an iron age 'Dun' or fort which a few women go to explore - some spotting wild goats in the process.

Fabulous views. The beach that we head to is fab too.

Then we head up past Scoor house and within a short time we have crossed into a different world - Shiaba is our destination.

We explored some buildings surviving from the clearances, then some of us venture further to gain views of the dramatic cliffs.

On our way back an intrepid few decide to head for the distant cairn and see what they can see.

Highland coos on the beach and dramatic coastal features.

Then it is time for all to head back for yet more delicious food.

We head for the tidal island of Erraid - referred to in Kidnapped by R.L.Stevenson and the likely setting for 'Treasure Island'.

Weather is threatening but the tide was out so crossing was straight forward and we enjoyed some lovely scenes by the sea.

The island is leased by the Findhorn community and has visitors on retreat. We head up to an observation point ( freshly painted).

We looked out to sea and imagined where the lighthouses were whilst enjoying a cuppa and a break.

Some have headed back to explore the Findhorn Community as they have been invited to tea with them.

We then headed off to the highest point on the island and admired Balfour Beach from afar before taking a random route back to meet the others at the Findhorn Community.

They've gone. Never mind - we head off to walk further and explore Tireragan - an area being reafforested and regenerated for future generations.

Some bog asphodel told us that the area was boggy. Bogs are one of the integral parts of what makes Mull, Mull…..

First we climbed up Torr Fada a small hill normally with views of the south of Mull but the mist descended as we ascended - then we headed for the old settlement of Tireragan - last occupied around 1820 before the Highland Clearances replaced humans with sheep.

A good spot for a quick break. We then returned around the side of Torr Fada as the rain turns for the first time into rather more than a drizzle.

Our evening meal is followed by a sing song with local folk singers entertaining us with tales of Mull and beyond.

Our international group means that songs are attempted from various parts of the world.

Sadly the only song that everyone can sing with no problem is from the Sound of Music. Talk about the lowest common denominator.

We head to Loch Buie where the post office gives us a warm welcome. OK - its shut.

The views are stunning and the walking enjoyable as we set off in good spirits.

The first game is spotting Queen Victoria in the rocks.

Hard work, a tea break was ordered further on so that the views could be enjoyed and the latest game of beating the tide was played - obviously the women felt the paths were not wet enough today..

Next we explore some of the historical places about Loch Buie including Moy Castle and the stone circle.

Beating a retreat from the stone circle provides a chance to practice the now well honed skill of bog hopping. No-one gets too wet.

Then great excitement as we spot eagles - high above enjoying the wind lifting them up.

We all return contented with a day in a beautiful place and the delights of watching eagles.

The contented mood continues and we are treated to amazing mussels and other sea food - though it is not to everyone's taste.

Maggie and Cathy excel again. Thanks again to fantastic hospitality from Cathie and Maggie and the dogs.