Shore and Woodland Walk - Ulva

This varied circuit explores some of the deciduous woodlands, moors and shoreline of Ulva. NB usually no ferry on Saturdays

Terrain

Mostly a rough path, boggy and unclear at times but marked with white wooden posts.

Public Transport

None

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Start

Jetty from Ulva Ferry. Map and directions.

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Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

Walk Description

Stage 1

The Ulva ferry runs on demand when open and is summoned by sliding a board to reveal a red square above the jetty. The crossing is short and lands at a pier just below the excellent Boathouse cafe at the eastern end of the island. There are several waymarked walks on Ulva and a leaflet is available from the cafe; all begin by heading to the right along the track. A signpost indicates Sheila's house on the right - this old heather-thatched building is a tiny museum and also houses information about the island. Return to the signpost and follow the narrow track to the west.

Stage 2

Almost immediately a junction with many signs is reached; go straight on. At the next fork keep slightly left (signed Church) and continue with views over the creek on the right. When yet another signed junction is reached turn right and follow the good path which soon leads to Ulva church. This impressive building was designed by Thomas Telford in 1828; it can hold 300 and is a reminder of the former population of the island; in 1841 Ulva had 570 people whilst neighbouring Gometra was home to another 78 people. By 1851, three quarters of the population of the two islands had been cleared by the new owner of the island, Francis William Clark - whose memorial can be seen from later in the walk.

Stage 3

From the church take the narrow path that heads left up into the trees - signed as the wood and shore walk. The path climbs steeply to emerge from the trees and then swings left. When a signed junction is reached, turn left (Wood/Shore walk) - the right hand branch is the 'Minister's Path' that eventually joins the main track to Gometra. The path crosses a boardwalk amongst more trees before crossing a more open section, keeping to the left of a fence. In the next section of woodland, pass through the gate and follow the path as it leads down to reach the track to Ormaig, also used by the Livingstone Walk.

Stage 4

Go straight across this path - there is no signpost for this direction but the next marker post can be seen ahead towards the trees. This next section of the walk is muddy in places and indistict at times - keep an eye out for the marker posts. Once up clear of the trees it crosses more open moorland. The large Clark memorial is now seen on a hilltop over to the right. The path crosses a wooden boardwalk and then turns right at the fence. Soon it descends and meets the Livingstone Walk at a junction where the sign is propped up by old farm machinery. Turn left here and then follow a fence downhill and through a gate to another junction. The Livingstone walk heads left here, but to continue the shore and woodland walk turn right along the coastal fringe.

Stage 5

Continue round the coast, with excellent views across to Ben More and the Ardmeanach peninsula. At one point it is necessary to cross the soggy salt flats before the path becomes clearer once more. Eventually climb a ladder stile over a substantial drystone dyke and then follow the path left (to post '6') and then right, ascending some stone steps to reach post '5'. Now the route heads inland towards the woods; go through the gate into the trees, heading sharp right and then left, passing post '4' and some fine old oaks. Cross a brief open section to another gate and continue past a large barn to reach a junction. Turn right here to begin the walk back to the ferry, keeping on the main route and eventually between two large stone gateposts. The outward route is rejoined at a sign; turn right to head back to the Boathouse and the jetty.