Volcanic
eruptions many millions of years ago formed the distinctive
stepped outline of the peninsula, as the molten lava cooled
to form the cliffs which can be seen today. The sea cliff
beyond Burg Farm retains the impression of a tree, known as
MacCulloch's Fossil Tree. This tree is over 12 metres high,
1.5 metres in diameter and was discovered by John MacCulloch
in 1819.
The Fossil Tree is a 14 mile linear walk, beginning at the Car Park beyond Tiroran. It is NOT possible to park at Tavool House. Due to the mileage and terrain (rocky coastal and narrow cliff paths) this is not a walk for the faint hearted and we always recommend you join a guided walk. Mull Magic conducts regular walks to the Fossil Tree - for further details please click here. If making the journey alone here are a few points of interest along the way but please heed our very important safety advice.
The walk involves a climb down a steep metal ladder which has been attached to the cliff face. Therefore the trip is not suitable for dogs or for anyone with a fear of heights or vertigo.
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Follow the track from the National Trust car park to Burg Farm. Not long after leaving the car park at Tiroran is Scobull School, originally built in 1898 and remaining a school until 1946. Four cairns about a mile and a half along the route mark the places where the coffins of past generations of the MacGillivray family were rested on the way to their burial. |
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The volcanic rocks of Burg have weathered to form rich soils suited to wildlife and agriculture. Grassy slopes support many varieties of wild flowers, such as Wild Thyme and Grass of Parnassus. Red Deer and wild goats forage on the hillsides of Burg, keeping the vegetation relatively short. This gives ideal habitat conditions for butterflies and moths, particularly the Slender Scotch Burnet. Mull Magic Wildlife specialises in walks to view these beautiful, rare day flying moths. |
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| On reaching Tavool take the path which goes in front of the house and gardens. Continue along this pleasant track until Burg Bothy is reached. This was once the home of Chrissie MacGillivary, known locally as Chrissie Burg. Chrissie considered herself to be 'warden' of the Fossil Tree and used to love entertaining visitors to the tree with tea and a blether! Ros Jones has written an excellent book on the life of the MacGillivary's, 'Tea With Chrissie'. Click here to purchase online from the NTS shop. |
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| It is thought that the Burg peninsula was home to around three hundred people during the 19th century and the ruins of their dwellings still remain, sometimes hidden in the bracken. Remnants of the old farm can be seen in front of the Bothy, including a fairly well preserved sheep fank. There is a well situated behind the Bothy where water would have been collected for everyday use. |
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| Just beyond Chrissie's Bothy one reaches Dun Bhuirg, an iron-age fortification, one of many situated along the rocky coastline of Mull. Take a detour to the top of the fort for a stunning view across Loch Scridain. Within the walls is a memorial to Daisy Cheape whose family owned estates at Tiroran and Carsaig. The family dinghy capsized in August 1896 and all were saved apart from Daisy. This fort was her favourite place to play, her beloved 'Castle Dare'. |
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| Once the narrow cliff path is reached some interesting rock formations begin to appear on the beach about 100 feet below the track. At two places the typical columnar structures of the basalt lavas have opened out like the sticks of a fan. Another is circular with columns radiating outwards like wheel spokes. It is not advisable to scramble down the cliff, the view is better from above. |
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| To reach the shore where the Fossil Tree is located one has to climb down a metal ladder which has been attached to the cliff face - beware if you have a fear of heights! The Fossil Tree is at least 50 million years old and when it was first discovered, the impression of the tree was lined with 4cm of charcoal. Unfortunately the popular past-time of fossil hunting means that today, all one can see is the hollow shape of the tree. |
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