Balamory Loop

The Fidden camp site filled to overflowing by the Sunday of the Jubilee week end and so it was time to depart and find a more peaceful spot.


We travelled back along Loch Scridain looking for a shop to buy some essentials such as milk. Be aware if you travel to Mull, it closes on a Sunday.


After about an hours drive we arrived at the head of Loch na Keall at the campsite at Killiechronan. The facilities were basic as in no showers but it is a fantastic place to pitch a tent, and it was quiet.

Sunday was riding day so we set off NW along the shore of the loch on the B8073. A typical Mull single track road with lots of passing places.



There were a couple of small climbs to get us warmed up but nothing to worry about.


Across the loch we could see cliffs and the Island of Inch Kenneth. Behind us was Ben More the highest peak on Mull.


It was not long before we were passing Ulva Ferry which was the launch point for tomorrow.


The first real climb of the day started at Kilninian and took us away from Loch an Keall up into the hills through the village of Burg. There were a couple of black arrows on the map so we were anticipating this.


Once over the top we had sea views once more, this time over to the islands of Coll and Tiree.


The road followed the coast. The strong NE wind was still blowing and the ride into Calgary Bay was none too pleasant.



After Calgary you soon arrive at Dervaig and leave the coast once more. this inevitably involves more climbing. Nothing on an Alpine scale but enough to get me into bottom ring and the blood pumping.


We stopped for a bar break at Loch Torr before climbing once more.





After a little down hill stretch and a spell of twitching which incidently is a big pastime on Mull we arrived on the outskirts of Tobermory (Balamory to kids)


A steep decent down from the hills leads you to quayside at Tobermory which was instantly recognisable.


Being a Sunday it was Miss Hooleys day off and Pocket and Sweets shop was closed.


The cafe on the quayside was open so we had some well earned food before we headed back up the big hill ( Niice after a tuna baked potato) out on to the A848.


The A848 follows the Sound of Mull towards the ferry port at Craignure.

We stayed on it as far as Salen where we turned right back through Grueline and the campsite  at Killiechronan.

A ride of 44 miles with superb views and a couple of testing climbs.







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