Wild coastal walks: Ardmeanach peninsula, Mull

Think there are no wildernesses left on our coast? Here are seven walks that let you taste the cream of the wild coastlands - moody, offbeat and inspiring - and see why these islands are so satisfying to explore. Follow the narrow cliff path to see an enchanting fossil tree crystallised in the cliffs on the Isle of Mull

 
A peninsula scramble to the fossil tree

 
West along the Ardmeanach Peninsula of the Isle of Mull to the Fossil Tree

 
One of the wildest island walks in Britain: a narrow cliff path along the loneliest peninsula on the Isle of Mull, a vertiginous scramble down a ladder, and a rocky beach leading to a Fossil Tree crystallised into the cliffs during a volcanic explosion ten million years ago.

 
Wilderness rating: splendid solitude

Golden eagles soar over the cliffs, sea otters frolic in the shallows and there are stunning views out to Staffa.

 

Way to go: From The National Trust for Scotland (NTS) car park, follow a track for three-and-a-half miles to pass the NTS bothy. After another one-and-a-half miles, descend by ladder to the shore. The Fossil Tree is a third of a mile along the cliffs, beyond waterfalls. Return the same way.

 

Time and effort needed: It's 12 miles there and back, so give yourself a day. There are some strenuous sections.

 

Refuel at: The Fossil Tree to picnic. Pack your own - this walk is too wild for pubs.

 

Getting there: Take the A849 towards Kinloch, then the B8035. In four miles, turn left by the chapel (sign - ‘NTS Burg') for the car park (OS ref 477275).

 

Sleep at: Burg Bothy (www.nts.org.uk) - basic and magical.

 

OS Maps Landranger 48; Explorer 375. Click here for the Ordanance Survey Get a Map service.

 

For more info Craignure TIC (0870 720 0610, www.holidaymull.co.uk).

 

Click here for our next wild coastal walk... 

 

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