A ramble on a new island for us.....Ulva

 Walk: Ulva Ramble

I had my hill walk the other day so time for something gentler as the good lady was in tow. I had been meaning to visit Ulva for some time so a good opportunity for a relatively low walk ramble.

As you know I love a ferry trip to start a ramble and today was only a couple of minutes long on a small boat taking 8 people at most, but I was happy.

Landed on Ulva and paid the ferryman the tariff of £6 a head. It was dry when we landed but forecast was not so good. Ferryman said it had been constant grim since last September and this year the poorest weather he could remember, I concurred.

On an island I always feel that this is different and today was no exception. There is a variety of marked trails around the island well waymarked, small map given by the Ferryman. On most routes you can mix and max as appropriate.

Inside Sheila's cottage

From the Boathouse we visited Sheila's Cottage where there is a good display of the history of the island. Next the church built by Thomas Telford, can seat 300 people. A sign of the times, current population 5!!

Telford's Church

Golden Eagle jusi in snap. The smaller speck on left is a Raven so good perspective of size

We were heading for the Ormaig trail but first headed through the wood trail, wet and muddy. As we entered a clearing near the church Ravens flew over and decided to have some fun annoying a buzzard. As a studied this through the binos a shape much higher up came into view, ya beauty a Golden Eagle rising with the thermals. A cracking start.

Island hydro system

Good lady was not expecting off road stuff

Through more woods before breaking out of the trees, now views of the islands highest point, the Sub2k of Beinn Chreagach. One to do at a later date without the good lady in tow. The number of Ravens flying about was quite amazing. At one point I counted 14 in the sky at the same time. They were quite happy to do close fly pasts their wings so loud.

One of the many Ravens came for a look

A sign warning of livestock ahead concerned her a bit but although there were heaps of dung on the track, we never spotted them or better still they never spotted us.

If you want to visit the standing stone suggest you visit in winter

The track was good but old school, rough and muddy, with which, at times, the Good Lady was not quite so happy.

Super views opened up particularly seaward over the Treshnish Isles, the Dutchman’s Cap quite breathtaking. prominent.

The splash ahead of the boat was all I got of the dolphins on camera

Buzzard before it got mobbed by Ravens

I was looking through the binos at a yacht when I realised that a dolphin pod was leaping either side of the boat, superb. I gave the binos to the good lady, but they stopped showing. A few minutes later I spotted splashes in the water, so they were still around but well away from the yacht. I saw another boat heading towards them and as it slowed to a crawl they reappeared. Sadly, the good lady could not see them even through the binos so a sad spot for her but excitement for me.

Ominous changing sky

Ben More showing well

There is always a ruined boat somewhere

Storm clouds were gathering, the wind had picked up, so we headed back. The views dominated by Ben More and surrounding hills, good on the eye even with the poorer light.

As we passed a ridge a fast-flying bird got my attention. No doubt a Peregrine clear through the binos but no chance of a snap. As it headed away the speed picked up considerably, but it never flushed any prey.

Back at the Boathouse it was time for lunch. For me Langoustines cannot get much fresher than this, caught this morning and for the good lady Spanish Omelette both superb. A fitting end to a good ramble.

Ascent: 211m

Distance: 8.11km

Time: 3.48

Wildlife: Dolphin; Golden Eagle; Peregrine Falcon; Buzzard: Raven; Common Darter; Speckled Wood; Blackbird;