A Day in a Castle on the Isle of Mull

The castle was a long drive away from Urquhart, along roads not even on our map. We had to catch a ferry to the island and then drive from Tobermory to the end of the island.

We arrived late but the sun was still shining in the ocean stretched out from the rocky coastline below the castle.

It was gorgeous! No photograph can can very the space and beauty of the building and the grounds.

Indeed we were given permission to use the kitchen to make a snack, the laundry to wash and the library to enjoy the original paintings (including a Brett Whitely) and help ourselves to the large array of whiskies spread along the shelves.

We ate a modest dinner on the seat in the grounds of the castle looking at the sun still large on the horizon.

We took a long walk through the fields, beside the stone walls, along the coast and over the rough craggy hillside.

The sheep as always were inquisitive, then affronted, scampering off with indignant bleats and tails wagging. The fields were covered in luxurious grass interlaced with delicate yellow and white flowers sometimes with a woolly remnant snagged.

The stiles and gates allowed free access to all guests.

The rooms were spacious and tastefully decorated. The grounds were inviting and parts left unexplored. This was one mistake - we should have booked for a week, not a single night.

The sun set on a tranquil sea, very late, and very beautiful.