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

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

The hotel is the perfect setting to relax and chill. Freshly prepared food with some organic ingredients made for top class meals throughout the week.

The first day ended with beautiful sunshine but started with a little rain…

The walk was a gentle introduction to the area starting with a walk on Ardalanish Bay where we skirted slippery rocks before heading in search of the Iron Fort.

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

We skirted past the organic Hebridean sheep in search of a bothy being done up.

Watertight but not possible to enter - hopes of tea under cover were dashed so we headed to the viewpoint instead then descended cross country and then headed to the farm where we had a fascinating tour of the organic weaving barn.

The team there are very passionate about their endeavours and we left full of admiration for their commitment to improving planet earth.

By now there the rain was a little heavier so the hotel won out as the lunch stop - no hardy takers for the beach option. After a lunch when it chucked it down outside we smugly set off warm and dry for the afternoons outing.

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

From here we walked up to the Cairn with the rain showing itself again as we imagined we were carrying a coffin - as we followed the route villagers took in years gone by to the nearest cemetry.

Then we returned to the hotel for fabulous food as the sun broke through.

The sun is shining as we head in the opposite direction across to Scoor for this day of walking.

We head towards the beach taking a detour to the top of the lookout point and sight of an iron age 'Dun' or fort which a few women go on to explore.

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

Then we head cross-country past Scoor House and lapwings anxious that we are not too close to their nests.

Within a short time have crossed into a different world and stop for lunch one with a view of Carsaig cliffs and Shiaba our destination.

As we head once more cross country we spot some feral goats in the distance.

Once we arrive in Shiaba - we are about to explore the old settlement when the sighting of a whale on the beach distracts us.

As we get closer we realise the heat is deceiving us and it is merely waves on the rocks. Still the beach is inviting and women are tempted to paddle.

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

A view of yet another stunning beach and dramatic coastal features.

The bad news is that the power has been off so showers are at a premium - the good news is that fresh prawns and squat lobsters replace the predicted menu items.

Cathie demonstrates how to handle this delicious food and we rehydrate as the sun was stronger than expected. We are all glowing this evening.

Staffa called as the weather was calm, the sun shining and the ferry was available.

Everyone took the trip and by keeping fixed on he horizon we avoided the worst feelings of sea-sickness almost.

We saw seals and shearwaters on the way out.

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

Our merry women restrained themselves and hummed quietly to themselves before taking to the tops to look for puffins.

We were not disappointed - patience paid off.

Initially they circled below, then one by one started to come ashore. Real posers - just waiting to be photographed.

They came so close that you could almost touch them. Cameras were going ten to the dozen to capture each move.

After a very fast hour we have to return to the boat for the trip back. A leisurely lunch and cuppa in Finnaphort was demanded before starting our afternoon walk.

With a beautiful afternoon beckoning we headed through stunning granite stones hewn from a quarry, then made our way down to the coast by Kintra and did some seal spotting.

We were in luck. They sat and basked for a while as some of the women took rest themselves in the afternoon sun.

The sun was unexpectedly hot for some of the women and they took measures to abate the worst of the heat resembling peoples from other lands……

We enjoyed exploring the coastline as we headed round to Kintra itself then headed cross country to Fionnphort to retrieve the car. Then back for more great food.

An adventurous day as we tackle Ben Charsaig and the coast.

It is uphill for a while and the top is just around the corner.

Deer a plenty were spotted en route up. It is windy but deceptively warm as we sit at the top for lunch.

The descent is long and a little boggy but nothing is too much for this group of hardy women!

Just at the end eagles or maybe sea eagles are spotted.

We finally reach the coast and have a delightful walk along a path that winds in and out of dappled shade past a sea stack.

We are able to splash water on our faces at a delicious waterfall.

Above deer stand proud - watching to ensure we depart their territory. The rock formations before us are fascinating.

We finally reach our journeys end with a little bog hopping, in time to rest on the dilapidated pier at Carsaig and do some seal spotting - some get lucky - others spy deer close by on the journey back.

Everyone is pretty tired by the end of the day as they tuck into yet more delicious food.

The weather continues to hold as we head for Iona for another day of wall to wall sunshine.

The crossing is over in a few minutes but it transports us to a different land geologically. Most of us headed to the west coast for the morning walk whilst some set off to explore the beaches to the north and the Abbey.

On the west coast we spot eider duck and birds eggs as well as orchids and listened to the elusive corncrake on the way.

We then continued down to visit the beach on which St. Columbus landed and took a lunch break.

Next we 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 appropriately in the Nunnery for lunch two - however they were still on walk about…..

Most folk either wanted more time to look around the Abbey as they had been walking.

One hardy soul forewent the historical option and proceeded with an afternoon walk up Dun I and a quick but select tour of the Abbey at the end.

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

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

Todays destination is the nature reserve being developed by Highland Renewal.

First we climbed up Torr Fada a small hill normally with views of the south of Mull but the cloud descended as we we headed for the old settlement of Tireragan.

Tieragan was last occupied around 1820 before the Highland Clearances replaced humans with sheep.

A good spot for a quick break before a few drops of rain caught us unawares.

We then walked down to the isolated beach of Traigh Gael - marvelling at how villagers must have spent their days.

Seals and Canadian geese entertained us before we returned around the side of Torr Fada as the rain continues to drizzle.

No up hills on the way back so that makes for an easy journey - amazing how much energy a lunch break provides as the terrain is easily walked over and the bogs become minor obstacles.

We then 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 to Erraid 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 break.

Thanks again to fantastic hospitality from Cathie and Maggie and the dogs. They even organised the best weather ever or this year!