Climb to the top of volcanic 'S Airde Beinn to walk round the rim of Crater Loch. On a clear day there are stunning views and the walk, although short, has a rugged mountain feel.
Rough and very wet moorland path, rocky in places
None to start
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Layby on B8073 near ruined house.. Map and directions.
The walk starts from the B8073 Tobermory to Dervaig road. There is a small layby at the start, just before a ruined house if travelling from Tobermory, just west of the edge of the forestry plantation. This can take 2 cars, if there is no room, park in an old quarry about 500 metres further down the road towards Tobermory, do not block any passing spaces. From the layby climb the stile (NB: stile is currently missing) and bear slightly left uphill through bracken in summer until the path becomes clearer. The path heads uphill from the back of the ruined cottage, keeping the plantation edge well to the right.
Soon the volcanic hill of 'S Airde Beinn can be seen looming ahead. 60 million years ago, Mull was at the height of a period of volcanic activity that also formed the columns at Staffa and elsewhere on the coast. Go through a gate and continue up the path. This section is often very boggy.
When the path forks keep straight ahead, the path to the right is the return route. Now the steepest section leads to the top of the hill. From the top keep left to follow the edge of the crater all the way round.
There are excellent views in all directions. At the dip before the final rise that would bring you back to the start of the circuit, cross the outflow of the lake and follow the faint path down to the right following the stream.
The path is rocky in places and keeps to the right of the stone wall. Eventually it curves right and rejoins the outward path down to the start.
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Walking can be dangerous and is done entirely at your own risk. Information is provided free of charge; it is each walkers' responsibility to check it and navigate using a map and compass.
