Seaview - Fionnphort - Images
Below are photographs taken by your hosts John and Jane - the photographs show you some of the beautiful views and scenery we enjoy here on the Ross of Mull (south west peninsula) and we would love to share these with you as our guests. If you love the outdoors, you will love it here.
Rush hour in Fionnphort
Welcome to Fionnphort and meet the locals!
Life at Seaview is never dull and this welcoming committee were particularly entertaining for guests over breakfast one morning. We're pretty sure they could smell our famous 'Fingal's Breakfast' being cooked and were queuing up at the door waiting to come in!
July sunset over Iona seen from Seaview.
The sunsets are amazing, the colours extraordinary. From dramatic blues and violets in spring time through to these gorgeous warm reds & golds, the sunsets in Fionnphort have to be seen to be believed.
Fingal's Cave and the isle of Staffa.
Visiting the isle of Staffa is one of the main attractions for the Ross of Mull; Mother Nature has created a unique and natural phenomenon here on Staffa which is pretty awesome. For wildlife enthusiasts, Staffa is home to many sea birds including the charming and friendly puffins. Mendelsohn's 'Hebridean Overture' was inspired by a trip to Staffa and it is easy to see why - the acoustics and cacophony of sound in Fingal's Cave is very impressive. This is well worth a visit.
Sea Eagle on the Isle of Mull
Mull is also known as 'Eagle Island' and this fine specimen of a sea eagle is just one of the reasons why. As well as the sea eagles, Mull is the home to a number of pairs of golden eagles along with kestrels, buzzards, peregrine falcons, hen harriers, sparrow hawks to name but a few. For wild life enthusiasts, Mull is the UK's number 1 wildlife hot spot and the Ross of Mull has them all.
Dining Breakfast room @ Seaview
Seaview's breakfast room is at the front of the house and offers guests superb panoramic seascapes of the Sound of Iona, the Abbey, hills and beaches. It's the best seat in the house with a view to salivate over. As well as our scrummilicious breakfasts, why not dine in style with a seafood dinner and watch the sun set over Iona?
Summer flowers @ Seaview
Our location on the south west tip of Mull means that during the winter, the prevailing westerly winds results in very little growth and the land really does slip into hibernation. However during the summer, with long days and mild 'Gulf Stream' weather, the flowers in the garden burst into life with fantastic colourful displays.
Summer scene on Iona
Iona is a beautiful tranquil island with fabulous white sandy beaches and a resident population of approximately 100 people. It is also home to the iconic Iona Abbey which is owned and maintained by Historic Scotland. The Abbey is an important historical site and the 'seat' of Christian learning from the 6th century throughout Europe and Scotland. The Abbey holds regular services and attracts pilgrims from all denominations around the globe.
Ardalanish Bay in autumn light, near Uisken on the Ross of Mull
This is one of our favourite beaches - ithe photo was taken in November 2006. The beach has a long expanse of white sand, is a geologists dream and during the summer has meadows of wild flowers. Ardalanish also offers standing stones, a hidden cave and a ruined fort; there is an organic farm and weaving mill to visit and fields of livestock, including organic hebridean black sheep and highland cattle. The short walk from the car park down the track to the beach includes a variety of environments - marsh, meadows, and sandy dunes, so the bird life is equally varied and abundant. It's a great place for a family picnic and a lazy day on the beach - if you are really lucky, you may just spot an otter or two.
The Wanderer - crystal clear blue waters off Ulva
This photo was taken in May 2006 off the Isle of Ulva. We were out on our boat The Wanderer at the time, enjoying some sun and visiting some of the many beautiful white sandy coves and beaches that litter the Ross of Mull. Many of the beaches are off the beaten track, accessible on foot, by boat or on cycle. One thing is for sure - you are never far away from a small corner of paradise here on the Ross. Who needs the carribbean with beaches like these?
Ben More and hills to the east
Ben More with it's snow capped summit is the only Munro on Mull. It is also the only Munro you can climb from sea level to the summit. A challenging walk it is accessible from both sides and the views at the top are stunning. You can see Ben More from the breakfast room at Seaview; it is only a 30 mile drive round to the beginning of the climb at sea level, along some wonderfully panoramic roads with amazing views. Look out for the sea eagles and the golden eagles as you drive round Loch Scridain and through the glen to Loch Na Keal where you wil also see Inch Kenneth, Ulva and other smaller isles. Breathtaking!
Walk to Tavool and the Burg along Loch Scridain
This photo was taken late September 2006. We walked along the track from the car park towards Burg. It was an amazing afternoon - the weather was perfect and the scenery stunning. The walk took 5 hours or so, there and back - but we did stop on the way to enjoy the views, explore the ruined townships, take photos (lots of) and soak up the peace and tranquility. We didn't quite make it to Burg where the fossil tree is but wow! the views, colours and clarity of the landscape was absolutely amazing. This is a great day's walking, even if you don't get to the fossil tree. Look out for the sea eagles, golden eagles and other birds of prey up on the ridges, and don't forget your binoculars and camera.
'Freya' a traditional wooden sailing boat sailing off the north end of Iona.
This photo was taken in the summer of 2006 whilst we were having a BBQ off the north end beach of Iona and shows 'Freya', a traditional wooden sail boat. Freya works out of Iona and is available for hire as well as running sailing trips in and around the coastal waters of Iona and Fionnphort. A wonderfully relaxing way to spend a sunny afternoon.
Ben Buie & Loch Buie from Moy Castle
This photograph was taken in June 2006 when the rhododenrons were in full bloom. The walk from Loch Buie to Moy Castle and beyond to Laggan Sands is an interesting one with standing stones, a castle, an ancient chapel and a stunning mountain backdrop overlooking the ocean. There are plenty of birds including waders along this stretch of coast and if you enjoy beach combing and rock pools, there are no end of spots for picking mussels and whelks.
Ben More & Burg from north end beach of Iona
Looking at this photograph which we took last summer, it is easy to assume that the colours have been enhanced because they are so vibrant. The sea is a hypnotic eye catching azure blue and it is almost hard to believe that the waters around the Scottish islands could be so brilliant and vivid. Well it is - you will need to come and see it for yourselves!
Winter scenes
This is the hunting lodge at Craig coming through Glen More - the photograph was taken in the winter of 2006 after an unexpected fall of snow. It is always exciting seeing snow as the landscape seems to change even more dramatically than usual.
Grading & Awards
