Scallastle Forest Walk, near Craignure

Summary

This very attractive walk leads through regenerating woodland with good views to the hills and across the Sound of Mull. The loop at the end is steeper, rougher and boggier, leading up and down both sides of the Scallastle River past waterfalls; it could be omitted if you want to keep things easy.

Please read the WARNING below before setting out on this route.

Grade

Bog Factor

3.5/5

Rating

Terrain

Forest track and paths; loop section is steep and boggy.

Getting there

Start

Scallastle Forest car park, near Craignure.

Public Transport

Bus from Craignure.

Start Grid Ref

NM712375

Open in Google Maps

Walk Statistics

Distance: 4.75km / 3 miles
Time: 1.5 hours
Ascent: 161m (Profile)

Mapping and GPS

ROUTE MAP
View detailed map of walk

OS Paper map
Explorer 375 - Mull East

Get our App FREE
Full GPS mapping &
descriptions when offline

Export GPX

Export KMZ

Open on Big Map showing all our routes

Want to sponsor this route?

Walk Description

User reports (3)

WARNING

The car park described for this walk is now closed to the public. There is parking instead at Craignure, around 10 minutes walk from the start.

The information shown above is the latest we have. If you have an update then please email us.

Stage 1

Start from the Scallastle Forestry and Land Scotland car park, on the south side of the A849 just northwest of Craignure. If coming from the north it is not signed but is the next turning on the right after the Isle of Mull Hotel. A short way up the track, the car park is on the left and the track continues to the right. Start the walk by taking the main track. This area was once a dense plantation but has been removed, and is now hopefully regenerating as native woodland. The track passes a waterworks - continue ahead. There are views to Dun da Ghaoithe, the only Corbett (mountain between 2500' and 3000') on Mull.

Stage 2

After passing a picnic table the route follows alongside a section of remaining plantation (off to your right). The native trees soon crowd in and the route becomes very attractive. Where a steep path leaves to the left continue straight ahead (this is the return route on the optional loop).

Stage 3

Eventually the path leads to a bridge over the Scallastle River. If you don't want to tackle the steep loop next to the river head back now, otherwise turn left to follow the tumbling water with good mountain views ahead. The stony path soon reaches another bridge, cross this back to the original side of the river.

Stage 4

Climb the steep section of path on the far side of the river and soon the route bears left and then starts to head downhill with lovely views across the Sound of Mull ahead. The going can be wet in places. At the bottom of the hill turn right to retrace the outward route back to the car park.

Route Profile

Where to stay

Report error

Let us know if you've found an error in our route, or if it needs updating.

Write walk report

Share your story and photos from this route.
£150 of Highlander Outdoor gear to win every month.

Can you help support walkhighlands?

This website and app are run by 'Walkhighlands for All' - a not-for-profit set up to serve walkers' needs.
We rely on the generosity of our users - can you help?