Selection of Walks on Mull

Crater Loch

2 miles (approx 80 minutes)

Moderate – Rocky, rough and muddy

This is a highly recommended short walk but can be muddy in parts. Follow the B8073 to Tobermory to the Mishnish Lochs. You will come to a ruined cottage on your left where there is room to park (more room in the quarry just past the cottage). Go over the stile at the cottage and follow the track up behind it and head for the gate. Go through the gate and keep on the track where you are constantly in view of the summit of the volcanic hill, S’AirdeBeinn, with its hidden crater loch. Once on the top make a circuit of the rim of the crater to enjoy spectacular views over the North of Mull. To the east are views of Tobermory Bay and Movern and on a fine day you can see west to the Isle of Coll and the small isles. Return the same way.

Dun Ara Castle

2 miles (approx 80 minutes)

Easy – well-defined path and track

Take the B8073 to Tobermory. Just before you arrive there is a turning on the left signposted ‘Glengorm’. Drive down to the castle and park near the coffee shop. Walk over the bridge opposite the coffee shop and follow the farm track which goes out in front of the castle. The track goes to the right but a detour can be made down the bank to have a closer look at the standing stones. Continue on the track until it curves round to the left and Dun Ara can be seen on of the second crag near the shore. The ascent is easy from the south east side and the castles foundations are clearly visible. On a clear day there are views out to Coll and the Uists. Return the same way and please remember this is a working farm so keep all dogs on a lead at all times and close all gates.

Ardmore Shore

4 miles (approx 2 hours)

Easy – Forestry commission tracks

Just before Tobermory turn left along road marked ‘Glengorm’. There is a car park about 1 mile along this road on the right hand side (the first part of the walk is though spruce forest, later opening out to give beautiful views to Coll and Ardnamurchan.) Take the forestry road from the car park, go through the gate and keep on the track bearing left at the fork until you come to the ruined settlement of Penalbanach which was abandoned in the 1930s. Follow the waymarked shore path which will bring you down to the bird hide in Ardmore Bay. There are stunning views over to the village of Kilchoan and the mountains Ardnamurchan Peninsula. The path curves along the shore and then turns right into the forest. You will arrive at the ruined hamlet of Ardmore, the ruins of the old school lies a little further along the track. On reaching the forestry road take the right turn and then the next left to retrace your steps back to Ardmore car park. Look out for golden eagles and white-tailed sea eagles.

Calgary Beach

Inivea

(approx 20 minutes)

Moderate – Steep hill walk

From the car park at Calgary Beach take the road along the right side of the beach. Just before you reach the pier (the wall that goes up the hill from the pier is a natural volcanic dyke) there is a pathway up the hill on your right. A short walk uphill will take you to the village abandoned in the Highland Clearances’. There are 20 ruins dating from the 18th, early 19th century and the land around shows signs of rig cultivation. There is evidence of a corn drying kiln and a winnowing barn. (Trivia note: In the programme ‘Who do you think you are?” the Scottish actor David Tennant traced his ancestors back to Inivea where they had been crofters for several generations.)

Caliach Point

(approx 6km out to the point)

From the car park at the beach walk along the path on the right hand side and carry on right out to the point. You can return the same way or follow the track and road back to Calgary again.

Quinish Point

from Dervaig

This excellent walk heads out onto the Quinish peninsula.  Drive through the village of Dervaig and follow the road till you eventually come to a cattle grid.  Parking is on the right just before this. Walk from there to large gateposts saying ‘Quinish House Private Road’.    You can then follow the track through woods and pastures and passing a magnificent standing stone. The destination of this out-and-back excursion is Quinish Point – a headland offering superb seascapes on a clear day, taking in Coll, Rum, Skye and even the Outer Hebrides.

Tobermory Lighthouse

From the Lifeboat Shop behind the Calmac Pier take the path that passing the Gun Carriage on the left-hand side. The path commences through woodland with glimpses of the sea and shore and opens up with stunning vistas over to Kilchoan and Ardnamurchan, the most westerly point of mainland Great Britain. Just before the lighthouse there is a memorial on the right which identifies all the landmarks from Bloody Bay to Calve Island.

Aros Park

Just out of Tobermory on the Salen road.  The entrance is signposted on your left.  Drive in past the gatehouse and carry on along this road till signs for parking appear.  Be careful of the speed bumps.  There is a lovely walk around the loch but there are other parts to deviate off to or go in search of the waterfalls.