Ardmore Shore Walk, near Tobermory

Summary

This enjoyable walk visits the sites of two old settlements en route to and from a beautiful section of shoreline at Ardmore Bay where there is a hide for watching otters and other wildlife.

Grade

Bog Factor

3.5/5

Rating

Terrain

Good track, short section boggy paths near shoreline, burns to cross with no bridges (could be difficult after very heavy rain) can be overgrown in summer.

Getting there

Start

Ardmore Forestry and Land Scotland car park, west of Tobermory.

Public Transport

None to start.

Start Grid Ref

NM485558

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 7.25km / 4.5 miles
Time: 2 hours
Ascent: 198m (Profile)

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Explorer 374 - Mull North

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Walk Description

User reports (6)

Stage 1

To reach the car park leave Tobermory on the Dervaig Road and soon take the turning for Glengorm. A short way along this the Ardmore forestry car park is signed on the right, a track leads to the parking area on the left. From here walk along the straight track, passing through a gate. Ignore a track on the left and climb over a low bealach. Beyond this the track begins to descend with glimpses of the Ardnamurchan peninsula ahead.

Stage 2

Eventually a signed junction is reached. Keep on the left track here (signed 'Glengorm'), the right hand turn is used for the return route. Eventually there's another junction - this time turn right, signed for the Shore Walk. The passes the ruined settlement of Penalbanach, exposed as a result of tree felling.

Stage 3

Follow the path downhill towards Ardmore Bay. Just before the shore is reached, a wildlife hide can be accessed on the left. This is a good place to watch for otters which do frequent this bay, but they are elusive and patience and luck are required to get a good sighting.

Stage 4

From just before the hide follow the shore path to the right soon descending and crossing boggy ground. There are good views across to the Ardnamurchan Peninsula, the most westerly point of mainland Britain. On a very clear day Skye, Rum and Muck can be seen and further west, Coll and Tiree.

Stage 5

Continue along the shore walk before the path heads inland - becoming clearer and dry underfoot once more. The path climbs through an open area, passing the scattered ruins of Ardmore village. Cross the stream and follow the path as it swings right and left.

Stage 6

The now excellent path continues to climb, with great views looking back. The path eventually joins a track - keep ahead at the junction. Eventually the junction with the outward route is reached; Turn left to head back uphill to the parking area.

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