Carsaig Arches

This fantastic coastal walk to the impressive sea arches at Carsaig is a tough route over very rocky ground and with some narrow sections of landslip-prone path most of which can be avoided by following the rocky shore. Extreme care must be taken if visiting the second arch.

Terrain

Very rocky coastal path, the optional climb to reach the second arch is very exposed and needs extreme care.

Public Transport

None to start.

Start

Parking area just above Carsaig pier. . Map and directions.

Hillwalking in Winter

Please note that hillwalking when there is snow lying requires an ice-axe, crampons and the knowledge, experience and skill to use them correctly. All route descriptions and difficulties given here are for summer conditions. See our Winter Essentials page for basic information on the skills, techniques and knowledge needed for winter hillwalking.

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Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

Walk Statistics

Distance: 13.25km / 8.25 miles
Time (summer conditions): 5 - 6 hours
Ascent: 84m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NM545213

Maps / GPS

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Accommodation

Walk Description

Stage 1

A trip out to the Carsaig Arches is one of the highlights of walking on Mull. However it is a much rougher walk than might be imagined by a quick look at the map. To reach Carsaig take the signed road just west of Pennyghael and follow the signs for Carsaig Pier. Just before the pier (which is a great spot to watch seals from) there is a parking area. Begin the walk by heading back up the road and turning left along a track marked No Through Road. The track heads along the shore, passing a caravan, at a junction bear left past a gate, towards the beach.

Stage 2

Follow the path at the back of the bay, and just before a gate head left onto the stony shore and cross a stream and continue to the far side of the bay. Pick up the path and go through a kissing gate in a stone wall. After a boggy section the path can be seen ahead rising steeply - do not follow this, it is dangerously eroded and has a precipitous drop on the seaward side. Instead step off the path to the left to follow the rocky shore and pick up the path again on the far side of the lump of stone and landslip debris.

Stage 3

The path continues around the coast, take care on any overhanging or narrow sections and if in doubt take to the shore. A pale cliff of rock reveals the Nun's Cave at the far end. The large gaping mouth of a cave was supposedly used as a refuge by nun's cast out from Iona. There are carved crosses on the left side as you look to the rear of the cave that may date from the 6th century. Nowadays the cave is used as shelter for feral goats hence the large amount of droppings.

Stage 4

From the cave continue along the coast soon passing a high waterfall. The path becomes easier for a while giving you the chance to admire the massive and dramatic cliffs towering above. Across the water the islands of Jura and Islay can be seen.

Stage 5

Eventually pass a ruin at Malcolm's Point and after a section of boulders, climb slightly to reach the first viewpoint for the first arch. Continue ahead, over rocks for the final section before a deep water filled inlet separates you from the first arch. This is a great spot for watching sea birds, guillimots and shags nest here and seals are also often seen in the water.

Stage 6

To visit the second arch requires a real head for heights, hillwalking experience, extreme care, and decent weather. Follow the narrow path heading up before the first arch is reached and climb up the narrow layer of basalt columns to reach a path which traverses the cliff above the first arch and allows a descent to the second arch - smaller but taller with a rock pinnacle like a chimney. The path is more of a sheep path and any slip would be fatal so only tackle this route if very confident and taking utmost care. After exploring the arches the return route is back along the shore retracing your steps to Carsaig.

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