Mull: Enjoy an island adventure discovering the sculptures and natural beauty in the woods at Calgary

Published on Monday 23 January 2012 00:00

MY husband and I spent a couple of days on Mull at the end of last year.

No children, no dog, just us. “You’ll have to behave like a nine-year-old boy,” I said to Calum as we were about to set off. He stamped his foot, shouted, “I am not your slave,” and locked himself in the bathroom for half an hour. I felt quite at home.

The problem with visiting the islands in autumn is that it’s not a popular time to go there. Even the residents seem to shut up shop and go away, which is a shame as the weather was absolutely fantastic and it was a beautiful place to drive around.

On the other side of the north tip of Mull from Tobermory (and yes, as I saw the line of coloured houses I did start to hum the theme tune to Balamory) we came across Calgary Art in Nature, which looked like a place where we could have a coffee and a bit of culture.

Of course the coffee shop was closed, but walking through the small gallery we came to the Sculpture in the Woods. Following a trail around we came across all sorts of artistic creations, most of which were fashioned out of wood, made by a variety of artists and craftsmen. I was taken by the willow arch by Trevor Leat, he of the Wickerman festival fame, and just beyond that, at the Caithness Standing Stones, you could look over to the stunning white sands of Calgary Bay.

Turning back to go up the hill there was a rope swing, and having calmed down and accepted his role, Calum climbed aboard and swung about quite happily.

As we headed up to the furthermost sculpture we passed a couple of men drystane dyking. “There’s a good Scottish craft,” said Calum, admiring their handiwork. “ ’ello mate” said one of the men in an accent straight from the set of EastEnders.

Up at the Phoenix Rising bronze statue we stared across at the hills and there, quite aptly, were several birds of prey – quite probably eagles as this is a twitchers’ paradise – but the silly boy had forgotten his binoculars so we couldn’t be quite sure.

I’m sure if the children had been with us they would have enjoyed the walk and their sharper eyesight might have identified the birds. As it was, we had to go. I was having severe caffeine withdrawal.

• Sculpture In The Wood at Calgary, Mull, www.calgaryartinnature.co.uk

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