This excellent walk explores the coastline heading east from Tobermory, giving some fine views back across Mull's multi-coloured capital. It passes a waterfall and loops around a water lily-clad loch before returning the same way.
Bog Factor
Coastal and woodland paths, steep in places with steps. The route can be muddy at times.
Ledaig car park, Tobermory.
Tobermory is served by bus.
NM505550
Park in Ledaig car park, at the southern end of Tobermory's harbour front street, just past the distillery. There are excellent views of the picturesque and brightly painted houses curving round across the water, whilst at the far end of the car park is Taigh Solais which houses a small visitor centre, toilets, showers and laundry facilities. The walk begins between Taigh Solais and a pizzeria, and is signed for Aros park - with a caution about the steep terrain. Follow the path as it climbs up behind Taigh Solais and gives superb views over the town and harbour.
The path is a little muddy in places and there is a steep drop on the left. Soon it crosses a little bridge below the attractive cascade of the Sput Dubh - a waterfall. When a barrier blocks the path ahead follow the signed path which climbs to the right. This soon ascends a flight of steps and then levels off, with views of the Ardnamurchan peninsula between the scattered old Scots pine trees. When the path forks, take the left hand branch.
The path now descends a flight of steps and reaches a picnic table with more views over the water. The route continues level through the woods for a time - ignore a flight of steps up to the right - and crosses a small bridge by a pool. When it reaches a bench it bends sharp right and begins a steep, zig-zag descent, including more steps. This ends at a footbridge across the Aros burn with an impressive waterfall to the right. In spate conditions the water fairly thunders down before soon reaching the sea. A path off to the right on the far side leads close to the main fall, but to continue the walk go straight ahead.
At a second signed junction go straight ahead again - marked for the Pier. The path crosses another footbridge to reach a barn at a T-junction. The stone pier can be visited down to the left, whilst the walk continues to the right. When the track forks three ways, go left, then immediately right to begin the circular walk around Loch a'Ghurrabain, always keeping the loch just on your right. The first narrower section is covered with beautiful waterlilies in the summer, whilst there is some children's play equipment on the left.
At the head of the loch there is a path junction; keep right to begin the walk back on the south side (the other path leads eventually to the Apper Mòr forestry car park). After crossing a footbridge another path goes off to the left; continue ahead on the lochside path to eventually reach a bench before the route climbs up to the Aros car park and picnic area. A noticeboard here gives details of the various waymarked trails - one of which you have just followed round the loch. Continue to the far end and take the path which leads past the wooden toilet building (now closed).
When the path forks keep right; soon it rejoins the outward route. Turn left here, soon crossing the footbridge below the big waterfall. Retrace your steps back to Tobermory - unfortunately including the steep climb back up to the section with the Scots pines - though thankfully there are numerous benches on the way up.
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