Taken 2005 June 27 from the waters offshore of MacDonalds Glen
GPS 46°08.6??'N 61°28.8??'W
The Cape Mabou Highlands are gorgeous from every vantage point, but none more so than when seen from the water. While this photo was taken during a boat trip organized by friends, this view is easily available to anyone who attends the Cèilidh on the Wharf in Mabou Coal Mines, held on the second Sunday of August each year. This concert features local musicians, and, since we're talking about Mabou here—home to the Beaton and Rankin families as well as a host of other talented and well-known artists—these are very fine musicians! But, in addition to the marvellous music, the local fishermen offer free rides on their boats from which you will certainly see this breath-taking panorama as well as other stunning views of these beautiful shores.
To arrive at Mabou Coal Mines, turn off the Cèilidh Trail (Route 19) in Mabou village and onto Mabou Harbour Road and drive 4.9 km (3 mi), past St Mary’s Church and on out a fair distance along the Mabou River until you see the sign for the Mabou Coal Mines road—if you arrive parallel with the lighthouse at Mabour Harbour Mouth or if the road turns to gravel, you’ve gone too far. Turn right onto the (gravel) Mabou Coal Mines road and follow it almost to its end and you will come to Finlay Point Harbour—if you keep going, you will be at the Mabou Post Road Trail Head of the Cape Mabou Highlands trail system. The views from the road at Mabou Coal Mines and the Finlay Point Harbour area alone justify making the drive and there is a good sand beach at the harbour on which to enjoy the summer sun as well. Even on stormy and foggy days, the views here are grand.