5 Beautiful Coastal Walks on the Isle of Mull
Join us as we navigate the north, south, east and west corners of the island with these five fantastic coastal walks on the Isle of Mull. With options for all abilities, from gentle strolls to sand bar crossings, find a route to add to your holiday itinerary this year.
1 Rubh nan Gall Lighthouse from Tobermory
One of Tobermory’s most popular walks, and it’s easy to see why! Commonly referred to as the ‘Tobermory lighthouse’, it’s name is actually Rubh nan Gall and this there-and-back walk makes a perfect addition to a day in the island capital.
Starting from the CalMac pier end of the Main Street, pass through the small gate and pick up the narrow path heading to the lighthouse. The path leads through steep-sided woodland with lovely views to the water below and there are a couple of benches along the way to pause and take in the view.
As you near the end of the path, the lighthouse will appear in front of you. Take your time enjoying the view and watching for seals that are often spotted in the area, before retracing your steps to the harbour.
2 Aros Castle and river estuary
This lovely walk lies along the island’s east coast and, being shorter in length, is easily squeezed into an action-packed day. Starting by the old stone bridge over the River Aros, follow the gravel track around past the traditional stone cottages and around the headland. There are superb views to enjoy at every tidal range and lots of visiting birdlife.
As you round the corner of the headland, look up to the towering remains of the 16th century ruin of Aros Castle. This area is covered in bluebells in the springtime.
You can either enjoy this as a short there-and-back stroll to the castle, or make it circular returning along the single-track road with care. To do so, as the track continues on, take a left turning into the woodland to climb uphill, passing a few more houses and follow the lane to rejoin the main road, turning left to return to your start at Aros bridge.
3 Lochbuie to Laggan Sands
Parking on the seafront in Lochbuie, pick up a coffee from the Lochbuie Larder and a piece of cake to enjoy on the beach. Then follow the track that leads east past the church and onwards along the coast.
You’ll pass rocky coastline, pockets of sandy beaches at different tides and the dramatic ruins of Moy Castle as you go. The track then hugs dramatic rockfaces as it rounds the final few bends to deliver you to the beach at Laggan Sands below.
There are often fallow deer to spot en route and Highland coos roaming the beach. At the far end, there is also an interesting mausoleum to visit too.
4 Knockvologan to Erraid
This walk is located in the island’s south west, just about as far as you can venture by car! Parking by the beach at Knockvologan – a beautiful shell-sand beach interspersed by pink granite outcrops – at a low tide a sandbar is exposed, connecting the beach to the tidal Isle of Erraid.
Adventurous souls will enjoy the walk across to explore this tiny island, with the old lighthouse keepers’ cottages still occupied today. Once on Erraid, a variety of tracks traverse the island, with points of interest including the old lighthouse observatory, which is no longer in use, and the beautiful Traigh Gheal sandy beach.
Just remember to pay attention to the tides and check tide times before you cross over, to ensure you have ample time to also make the crossing back before the high tide once again cuts Erraid off from Mull.
5 Calgary to Caliach Point
No guide to coastal walks on the Isle of Mull would be complete without a mention of Mull’s most popular beach – the beautiful horseshoe-shaped white sand of Calgary Bay. Aptly, this walk begins from this very beach, giving you the chance to enjoy the shell-sand from many vantage points en route.
Pick up the track that leads from the carpark end of the beach along the headland, which soon delivers you to an old stone pier. From here, the track cuts steeply uphill, climbing up onto the headland that you then follow round the coast. There are superb views back across Calgary Bay and for the adventurous, you can continue right out to the headland at Cailach Point.
Discover more route maps and walk ideas in our guide to walks on the island and book your cottage today.