RUBHA NAN GALL
Lighthouse offers great views from Mull to the mainland
ITS NAME MEANS ‘Stranger’s Point’ in Scottish Gaelic. It was built in 1857 by David and Thomas Stevenson and the lighthouse offers great views across the water. The harbour can offer a variety of gulls, with both Glaucous and Iceland Gulls found most winters. As you reach the footpath, look over to Calve Island where a hunting Hen Harrier may be covering the island, or a herd of Red Deer which have crossed at low tide could be grazing. Woodland birds on Mull can vary from mixed tits to Lesser Redpoll or Bullfinch. Wood Warblers love the Beech and Sycamore in summer for their shade and food, while Redstarts can find some nice holes to nest in. Great Spotted Woodpeckers are very much the most common of their family, but the odd Green can turn up but very rarely breeds. Looking out through the trees, you can glance feeding Black Guillemot, Shag or Herring Gull; while breaking cover by the lighthouse you may bump into the local breeding White-tailed Eagle or Peregrine. There is always an assemblage of gulls at the end of the lighthouse. Once you reach the golf course, look out for the Ravens as they are noted for stealing golf balls! The views are breathtaking and you can add a few more birds to the list to see, with possible Crossbills, Buzzard, Short-eared Owl and even a Golden Eagle.