Haunting ruined settlements, iron-age forts and the amazing white shell sand beach make this one of the most photographed places on the Isle of Mull. The beach is located a mere 5 miles from the village of Dervaig and is very safe for the youngsters. There is a Coffee Shop and Gallery located 10 minutes walk from the beach, through the Calgary Art in Nature Woodland.  A broad area of machair, a fertile low-lying grassy plain, lies between the land and the beach. There is parking, public toilets and also a Wild Camping area, no caravans or motor homes allowed. Grid Reference NM 372 513.

This beach is not as accessible as Calgary and will involve carrying your picnic 2 miles down the track. Don't let this deter you, it really is the most fabulous expanse of glistening white shell sand and there are a couple of hidden coves too. The views out to Rum are spectacular on a clear day. Park in the Forestry Enterprise car-park between Dervaig and Calgary Bay. Grid Reference NM 383 540

Another stunning beach with pink granite outcrops and a large white sandy bay. The setting is absolutely wonderful, amazing sunsets, and lots of wildlife around, including seals basking on the rocks.  Have a quick dip in the icy cold, crystal clear water (it might look like the Carribean but it isn't!) and just soak up the scenery, the wildlife, and the peace and quiet. Camping available at Fidden Farm. Fidden is 2 miles from Fionnphort, turn left up past the Columba Centre.  Grid Reference NM 300 215

There is a beautiful beach at Croig but parking is very limited. Croig is accessed by taking the Calgary road beyond Dervaig and taking the first right turn after a couple of miles (there is a post-box on the corner) There is space for 3 or 4 cars at Croig Harbour, it's then about 20 minutes walk to the beach.   Grid Reference NM 407 535. 

Port na Ba Beach has to be one of the most attractive beaches on Mull and probably our best kept secret. Take the directions to Croig Beach (above) and then Port na Ba is located about a miles walk north-west of Croig Harbour, well worth making the extra effort to see the most breath-taking views out to Rum. Grid Reference NM 390 547

From Craignure, take the A849 south for 7 miles and then take the left turn sign-posted Lochbuie and Croggan. The road follows Loch Spelve to it's head and then the road branches left to Croggan.  Park just before the old School House and from here it's about a mile and a half coastal walk on a well defined track to the beach. Grid Reference NM 720 265

Traigh Ghael (Gaelic for white beach) is a quiet hidden beach on the south of Mull.  From Fionnphort take the road to Fidden and park a couple of miles beyond at Knockvologan Farm. Go through the gate at the side of the farm buildings, maps are available from an honesty box on the gate. It's a 2 - 3 hour hike through the Tireragan Nature Reserve to get to the beach and detours can be made to see some of the abandoned settlements on the reserve. If you would like a guided walk please contact Mull Magic Tel: 01688 301213 Grid Reference NM 339 173

Knockvologan beach is approached from Fionnphort by taking the road to Knockvologan Farm which is a couple of miles beyond Fidden. Park your car here and walk for about 10mins down the track that leads to the sea. The island of Erraid can be accessed at low tide and was the inspiration for Robert Louis Stevenson's Kidnapped. Grid Reference NM 307 198
 

Tobermory Beach may not be a huge expanse of glistening white shell sand but it's a very attractive harbour and bay. When the tide is out there is a decent size beach of the darker volcanic sand - great for playing ball games and building sandcastles. Tobermory Beach is also a great place for spotting wildlife, otter, seals and harbour porpoises can often be seen. Grid Reference NM 505 552

Uisken Beach is easily accessible by car, take the signposted road to Uisken which is just beyond Bunessan. Follow the signs down to the beach -  there is a parking area directly by the sands. Uisken is famous for it's Beach Games day in August, there are assorted races on the sand and a raft race around the bay on home-made rafts. It's great fun for all the family. The views out to Colonsay and the Paps of Jura are stunning. Grid Reference NM 390 187

Turn off the Craignure to Fionnphort road just before Bunessan, signposted to Scoor. Keep going along a very rough road at the end of which is parking space, just opposite Kilvickeon Old Parish Church and Cemetery. Take the right turn on the track and it's about a 10 minute walk down to Kilvickeon beach. Here, there are lots of sandy coves to explore and the chance to see seals and numerous sea birds. Garbh Eilean is a tidal island on this stunning beach. Grid Reference NM 410 187

From Craignure, take the A849 south for 7 miles and then take the left turn sign-posted Lochbuie. It is then a half hour's drive along Loch Spelve and Loch Uisg.  Park on the small car parking area opposite the Post Office in Lochbuie. Laggan Sands was voted the 9th best beach in the UK for wildlife spotting in The Guardian travel section -July 2006. Seals can often be seen offshore and don't forget to scan the cliffs around the beach for Mull's Birds of Prey. Click here for a map with directions to the beach. Grid Reference NM 621 244.

Yet another of Mull's white sand gems. Absolutely gorgeous and really, on a sunny day, you could be forgiven for thinking you were in Barbados. The beach can only be accessed on foot but the small parking area is only about half a mile above the beach. From Bunessan, take the left turn up the hill, signposted Uisken. After about a mile and a half there's a sign pointing to the right to Ardalanish Weavers.  This takes you to the tiny community of Ardalanish and the parking is off to the left.

This is a lovely small stretch of sandy beach on the shore of Loch na Keal.  It's very easy to get to as it is situated alongside the road. Take the road from Salen which is signposted to Gruline and Kinloch. When the road forks, bear left and follow the coastal road along the south shore of Loch na Keal. The beach is immediately opposite the island of Inch Kenneth. Park on the grassy area, never park in the passing places.  Grid Reference NM 453 352.