Lochbuie Explorer

Lochbuie is at the very end of a tiny winding road and must enjoy one of the most stunning locations on Mull. This straightforward walk explores its environs, taking in a tiny church, a grand house, a medieval castle, a sandy beach, a mausoleum and even a prehistoric stone circle - all backed by beautiful scenery.

Terrain

Mostly rough tracks and minor road. The (optional) detour to the stone circle crosses a very boggy field.

Public Transport

None

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Start

Parking area at the shore in Lochbuie.. Map and directions.

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Bog Factor (key)

Walk Statistics

Distance: 8km/5 miles
Time: 2 hours
Ascent: 38m (Profile)
Grid Ref: NM608249

Maps / GPS

View / Print route map
Buy Explorer 375 - Mull East
GPS Waypoints - QUO 2
GPS Waypoints - GPX
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Download walk to Google Earth (KMZ file)

Accommodation

Walk Description

Stage 1

Park at the end of the public road in Lochbuie; there is space where it meets a track at the shore by a pyramidal memorial. The monument commemorates the coronation of Edward VII; turn left (as you face the sea) to begin the walk. The track passes a sturdy stone built house with a picturesque little church next door. St Kilda's is worth a quick visit; in the porch look at the wall on the right which has incorporated a Celtic cross which was unearthed when digging the foundations.

Stage 2

Continue along the track with great views over the sea. Pass between two orb-topped gateposts that lead onto a bridge and then turn immediately right through a gate - marked as a footpath. Through the gate head left to continue alongside the fence. The path now gives great views of the amazingly grand Lochbuie House. This was built in 1752 as the home of the Chief of Clan MacLaine and replaced the medieval Moy Castle which is seen ahead. As at 2010 the castle is still undergoing repairs and cannot be entered. Keep left at the fork just before the castle - signed Laggan Sands - to go through a gate onto the drive of Lochbuie House, and turn right over the bridge, passing alongside the castle.

Stage 3

At a cross-tracks, turn right - signed 'Footpath'. This soon leads to a t-junction; you will return to this point later, but first turn right. The rough track leads round the path to reach the spacious Laggan Sands. The sand itself is a little grey in colour but very fine and the bay has wonderful views back across the water to Lochbuie and the mountains behind it. The beach itself can be visited by heading to the right off the track; otherwise continue to a junction and take the right fork.

Stage 4

This leads on to an old medieval chapel which was converted into a mausoleum for the MacLaines in 1701 and has twice been restored. Inside it are grave slabs and memorials but the most unusual feature is the roof which has several glass slates of different colours, making the light inside striking. After visiting both the mausoleum and beach retrace your steps along the track to the junction mentioned earlier, and continue straight ahead.

Stage 5

The track leads past several attractive cottages and through fine woodland before reaching the tarmac public road; turn left along this. Pass the impressive old school house and continue ahead, reaching a small parking area just before a bridge, with a gate on the left signed for the stone circle. Visiting the circle is a detour from this point and crosses a very boggy field - so is best omitted unless you have the boots! To find it, go through the gate and follow the white stone markers across the field. Some of the worst bits of bog have metal bridges - but others unforunately do not!

Stage 6

The route passes to the right of a copse to reach a line of trees by a fence. Turn left here, following the fence; the route becomes a track. When it reaches a gate do not pass through but instead turn left and go through a gate further along. The stone circle is now seen on the left, together with a couple of other standing stones, one of which is over 2m tall. After visiting the circle, return the same way back to the road and turn left over the bridge. It eventually leads back to the parking area on the shore.

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Route Profile

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.