Woodland walk, Ulva

Summary

This varied circuit explores some of the deciduous woodlands, moors and shoreline of the small isle of Ulva. Particularly lovely when the many bluebells are in bloom, it is also a good walk for birdwatchers. NB usually no ferry on Saturdays.

Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

Rating

Terrain

Mostly a rough path, very boggy and unclear at times with occasional wooden post waymarkers.

Public Transport

Ferry to Ulva usually on demand 9-5 April to October; no ferries on Saturdays, Sunday ferries only June to August. From Salen, there is the Ulva Ferry Community Bus, which must be booked in advance.

Start

Ulva ferry jetty. Open in Google Maps.

Walk Statistics

Distance: 6km / 3.75 miles
Time: 2 - 3 hours
Ascent: 165m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NM443398

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Walk Description

User reports (1)

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 ferryman and cafe; all begin by heading to the right along the track past the Boathouse and curving left uphill. 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. Continue up the track.

Stage 2

Almost immediately a junction with many signs is reached. Turn left signed Woodland Walk and continue on the track, with a sea inlet visible to the left. The track continues towards Ulva House; at the large mature trees with stone wall behind you can detour to the right to visit the walled garden via a small gate. Currently being restored by volunteers, there are a number of flowering rhododendrons and azaleas. Continue along the track along the shore, ignore a small track to the right and when the track bears right turn left onto a signed grassy track. When this track bends right turn left onto a signed path marked with stones and follow this path through a gate and up into woodland.

Stage 3

The path meanders through the trees, crosses a boardwalk and then turns left through a farm gate and bears slightly right crossing a grassy field to reach the shore. Follow the coast west, the path dips to climb a stile over a gate and crosses a section of salt marsh and a bench. Keep hugging the shore and soon the path runs just inland of a line of bushes to reach a track. Keep straight on to go through the farm gate and climb the track.

Stage 4

Just beyond the small rise, turn right uphill at a signpost with old farm machinery behind it. Head up the path, over a small bluff and bear right to cross a stone wall before the path swings left and soon crosses a boardwalk. Soon the Clark memorial can be seen on a prominent hillock to the left (a faint path allows you to detour to it by heading left down into the dip and climbing directly up the slope to the platform and cross which is a great viewpoint). Otherwise continue on the boggy path keeping straight ahead on grassy ground through bracken passing a couple of waymarkers. At trees bear right to cross the remains of a stone wall and stay on the very wet path to reach the Gometra track. Go straight across this to climb the stile opposite.

Stage 5

The path soon heads into the trees and passes through a gate. It then continues through a mix of woodland and open sections, carpeted with bluebells in early summer. There are a couple of sections of wooden boardwalk. Eventually the path reaches a junction - keep ahead (slightly right) here, climbing gently and then descending through more woodland.

Stage 6

The path leads down to a track almost opposite 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. Today Ulva is community owned.

Stage 7

Turn right along the track, then take the next left (signed ferry). At the next junction, go left again. Soon there are views over to a sea inlet seen on your left. Go left again at the next junction and then follow the track back to the ferry jetty and the Boathouse Cafe.

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