The Isle of Mull and its neighbouring islands are rightly famous for their geology. These islands have a richness and complexity in their geological make-up that is quite remarkable, and features the grand phenomenon of columnar basalt. When the Survey officers were carrying out the geological survey of Mull and surrounding islands, in the early part of the 20th century, they quickly realised how complex an area it was that they were studying.

The rocks of Mull have played an enormous part in the advancement of the science of Igneous Petrology. Earth Scientists from all over the world come to study the amazing geology of this place. But you do not need to be a scientist to appreciate one of the truly remarkable geological wonders – the rock known as Columnar Basalt, which is on display in several places in these islands.

Most people will be familiar with pictures of Fingals Cave on Staffa or the Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland. These are both excellent examples of this strange rock formation which almost does not look ‘natural’.  The mainly six-sided columns have a symmetry which is fascinating. So what is columnar basalt and where can it be seen on Mull?

Basalt is a type of lava that is very common throughout the world. Look at pictures of Hawaii and you will see lava pouring into the sea and forming great clouds of steam. That is basalt. The volcanoes in Iceland that caused such disruption to air traffic a few years ago were mainly basaltic. In fact Iceland today is very like how Mull would have looked 60 million years ago!

Not all basalt lava forms columns however – much of it is massive and uniform, lacking the pillar-like structure. There is a lot of variation in the basalt lava seen on Mull and the other islands. Some of it is very crumbly, a lot of it contains white crystals of a group of minerals called zeolites, and sometimes it can appear reddish in colour. The columnar form, which is easily the most visually spectacular, can be seen in lots of locations on Mull. Here are five areas for you to see some impressive examples of it during a visit.

1. Staffa

The Island of Staffa is the prime location for seeing basalt columns. No other location really matches it for grandeur. Whether seen from the boat or from the shore, it looks spectacular. The name Staffa comes from Norse and means “Pillar Island”. Very well named! Staffa is easy to access on foot but requires a boat trip to get to it. Find out more about how you can visit Staffa here.

Basalt columns on Staffa

2. Ulva

Ulva is an island just to the west of Mull and is accessible from Ulva Ferry by a small, regular boat service. The columns are on the south coast of the island, approximately 45 minutes from the slipway. The walking is easy and the columns are well sign-posted.

Columnar basalt on Ulva

3. Macculloch’s Tree (The Fossil Tree)

The famous Fossil Tree lies at the very western extremity of the Ardmeanach peninsula. It involves a long walk over rough terrain and the descent of a ladder to reach the shore. The scenery is spectacular and basalt columns can be seen near the tree and on the shore leading up to it. This is wild country where the rewards for the effort are great scenery and spectacular coastal views. Beyond the headland of Rubha na h-Uamha (Point of the Cave, and well-named so), there is more columnar basalt to be seen. Great care is needed as it can only be easily accessed when the tide is out.

The Fossil Tree

4. Carsaig Arches

This is another difficult to reach location, with a lot of rough walking and a need for a steady gait and a good head for heights. The Arches are at Malcolm’s Point, west of Carsaig itself. One of them forms a sea-stack. The other is a cave. Both are spectacular.

Carsaig Arches

5. Ardtun

Ardtun, near Bunessan, is famous for another geological find – fossil leaves, dating back 60 million years. The leaves are found in between lava flows, some of which are beautifully columnar. This is dramatic coastal scenery with ravines, a sea stack, caves and other delights. Many of the columns are curved or even horizontal. The approach is over extremely boggy ground, straightforward to walk but very wet underfoot. Care is required at the gorge of Slochd nan Uruisg (the defile of the goblin) where the leaf beds and the basalt columns are best seen.

Columnar basalt at Ardtun

There is lots of further reading available on the subject, should you wish to find out more about Mull’s geology.  Mull in the Making by Ros Jones offers a great introduction.

Author: James Westland

All images copyright James Westland, 2016

If you’re intrigued by Mull’s magnificent landscapes, don’t miss our guide to visiting MacKinnon’s Cave.

If you’ve been to see the columnar basalt on Mull, what did you think?

Removing yourself from the hustle and bustle of the mainland, and boarding a boat to get to your holiday destination, makes staying on a Scottish island that little bit more of an adventure.   The excitement of disembarking and setting off on single track roads that wind their way along the coastline adds to the excitement and enchanting nature of this part of the world and makes it an ideal location, we think, for a romantic break.

Enjoy a romantic break surrounded by the stunning Isle of Mull landscape

The islands of the Hebrides all have something a little bit different to offer.  Mull has a small population, little in the way of infrastructure, much in the way of wildlife and retains that olde world charm that somehow lends itself to a good place to retreat to and spend a week cosied up, soaking up the environment and re-charging your batteries. If you want somewhere with peace and quiet on tap, the Isle of Mull should be top of your list for a romantic break for two.

Glenraille at Lochdon

The landscape is varied and the geology is so unique that some of the structures here are found nowhere else in the world.  There are stepped tablelands in the north, a rugged range of mountains in the central and southern parts of the island, and the outcrops of pink granite give the south western peninsula a flavour of its own.

At Isle of Mull Cottages, we give you a select range of properties, many of which have special features that are ideal for those looking for that elusive, luxurious ‘somewhere special to stay’.   Want a balcony leading off your bedroom with views of a beautiful loch?  Yes, we can tick that box.  Looking for a picture postcard cottage for two, a stone’s throw from the sea?  Check.  Or how about an artist’s retreat with sauna and steam room in the master suite?  Again, we have it covered.

So if you are looking to add romance to your holiday tick list, pick one of our beautiful holiday cottages, mix it in with the white sandy beaches, fantastic local produce to sample and amazing sunsets and wildlife, and you can’t go wrong with our recipe for a romantic break.

One of the beautiful stretches of coastline

Where on Mull would you choose for the ultimate romantic break?

‘I’d like a cottage by the sea please.’  A simple request you might think?  But actually, how many houses are really beside the sea?  A sea view, yes. That we can accommodate in lots of properties, but a stone’s throw is a different matter.  Luckily, we’re as obsessed with cottages by the sea as you are. Here are some cracking options to get you excited for your next Mull getaway…

1. Grasspoint Cottage

If you want to smell the sea air when you step out the door and be able to take less than two dozen steps before you are submersed in sea water, Grasspoint Cottage is what you are looking for.  On top of that, the furnishings give it a lovely, quirky, rustic vibe.  The cosy accommodation with wood burning stove and bed in the the living room add to the ambience in the evenings.  It might not be five-star accommodation, but it is a five-star experience. We’d highly recommend booking Grasspoint Cottage for those wanting to get cosy by the sea.

Grasspoint Cottage on Mull

2.  The Old Church

How does a historical building, converted into a luxurious pad, with sea views and a path to the water’s edge sound? Quite good?  The Old Church is even better than you imagine! The interior is fabulous, the views are amazing and you can sit on the garden bench and watch for seals, otters or even dolphins. It’s really is that good.

The Old Church at Pennyghael

3. The Old School House

Again, we’re not messing around here. The sea is literally a stone’s throw away from the Old School House, making it an ideal options for cottages by the sea. Surrounded by beautiful countryside, there is a gravel track that leads around the coastline through mature woodland, past pebble and sandy beaches. It’s idyllic (and that word gets used a lot, but it really is). The Old School House has an olde world charm and the sort of stunning, mountainous scenery surrounding it that makes you want to come back again and again.

The Old School House at Croggan

4. The Bothy

You’d have thought by now we would be getting onto lesser options for cottages by the sea, but we haven’t. The Bothy is ultra special. If you want to feel like you have reached the end of the earth and to have your mind blown by a huge, sweeping expanse of beach in front of your cosy cottage for two, then The Bothy is for you. This little area of Mull is divine with a capital ‘D’; you will not want to leave. You will also love more of our remote holiday cottages – take a look for some wild inspiration for your next stay.

The Bothy at Lochbuie

5. Sands Cottage

If you want to stay in Sands Cottage, heed this word of warning: you have to book well in advance. Take one of the best known beaches on the island (because it is truly beautiful), add a lovely stone built cottage with a stylish interior and buckets of character, and you get a hot cake of a property that everyone wants to stay in. Sandy toes in the ocean can be achieved just across the road from Sands Cottage.

Sands Cottage at Calgary

For more tips for booking the perfect holiday cottage on Mull, use this guide.

Have you got a favourite of our cottages by the sea on Mull?