5 Scenic Tobermory Walks to Explore from Mull’s Harbour Town
Visitors to Mull often have Tobermory, the island’s harbour capital, high on the list for places to visit. But once you’ve combed the Main Street and enjoyed a coffee, what to do next?
We’ve put together a guide to 5 stunning Tobermory walks, from coastal paths to waterfall trails, hill climbs to lochside ambles, to guide you.
Aros Park Lochan and Waterfalls
Aros Park makes a great destination whether you’ve got time for a quick leg stretch or a longer amble.
The easy-going trail around the lochan takes only 30 minutes to complete, with lovely views over the lily pads and plenty of birdlife to see. Extend the trail by climbing the steep steps up by the abandoned power house and waterfall, which once generated power for the now long-gone Aros House.
Extend your adventure yet further by also exploring the trails that lead along the lower falls, offering beautiful views at one end of the bay and back to Tobermory, and at the other to the dramatic upper falls as they thunder down the hillside.
Coastal Path from Tobermory Harbour to Aros Park
Starting from the Ledaig carpark at one end of Tobermory’s harbourfront, the path sets off along the coastline. Narrow in places and with steep drops down to the sea, the route hugs the coast and brings you all the way round to the beautiful Aros Park.
You’ll enjoy lovely views across the water to Tobermory’s brightly painted harbourfront. There are some very impressive old cedar trees along the way too, as well as gently cascading streams and bridges, before delivering you to the foot of the lower Aros falls. From here, you can easily extend the walk by picking up one of the many trails around Aros Park.
Tobermory Harbour to Rubh nan Gall Lighthouse
Rubh nan Gall Lighthouse is on most visitors’ to Tobermory’s to-visit list and for good reason. Fortunately, from the CalMac pier end of the harbourfront, a path leads you all the way there and back again. With woodland to either side, the path traces the edge of a steep hillside with views to the water below.
Keep an eye out for otters and seals along the coastline. For the botanists among us, this pathway is laden with wildflowers during the season too, from wild garlic and bluebells in early spring to water avens and more later in the year.
There are several benches from which to pause and soak up the views and, as you near the lighthouse, superb views over to the Ardnamurchan peninsula too.
Ardmore Point
Venturing a few minutes out of Tobermory on the road to Glengorm by car, you’ll reach the first of two parking areas signposted for Ardmore. Park at the first and then follow the main track as it leads seawards and gradually downhill.
As you descend, you’ll reach a signposted junction indicating footpaths to the shore, to Ardmore Point and onwards round to Glengorm.
You’ll arrive at the ruins of Penalbanach village, where you can follow the path to visit the point, the most north-easterly part of Mull, or continue down to loop around the shore of Ardmore Bay instead.
Crater Loch
Although not technically in the town, this route had to make it into our round-up of Tobermory walks and is very popular with locals and visitors alike.
Parking in the bays just off the road along the Mishnish Lochs, follow the signs to the gate that marks the start of the trodden path up to the Crater Loch, officially known as Lochan S’Airde Beinn.
This is a short, steep walk over often soggy ground, so bring your waterproofs and good boots. The reward for your efforts though are superb views across North Mull’s hills and out to sea. Not forgetting the ‘crater loch’ itself, which only comes into view as you reach the top.
The descent of this walk makes for beautiful viewing too, with views over the three Mishnish Lochs and on to Speinne Mor, North Mull’s highest point. There’s a great chance of seeing some fantastic wildlife in these parts too.
If you’re feeling inspired by these Tobermory walks, find plenty more inspiration in all corners of the island in our guide to walks on the Isle of Mull.