The Ross of Mull (South West Mull )

Tormore Quarry and pier - photo courtesy of John Noddings, Seaview B&B

The Ross of Mull

South West Mull, known as the Ross of Mull

"Ros" is gaelic for "far reaching peninsula".

	The "Ross of Mull"
	This is the name given to the "leg" of land which extends to the South and West of Mull. It stretches from the Southern foot of Benmore to Fionnphort in the West and is approximately 20 miles long. The A849 is the main road and runs along its Northerly edge, next to Loch Scridain. The road is single track and quite "twisty" , however the scenery more than makes up for any frustrations caused by the lack of straight bits.

	Fionnphort
	The final village right at the end of the road is Fionnphort,(Click to see panorama) which is the place to catch the ferry to Iona. Fionnphort has bed and breakfasts and a small restaurant and cafe, the Columba Heritage Centre as well as a very well stocked general store/gift shop/hardware shop. If you go down the road to the left at Fionnphort you come to Fidden. Camping is allowed there at Fidden Farm - glorious sunsets over Iona!

	Columba Centre and Tormore Quarry
	No visitors cars are allowed onto Iona - you must park in Fionnphort. You have to pay and display at the parking area near the ferry, however, just a few meters up the Fidden road, next to the Columba Centre, the parking is free and plentiful. If you are staying in Fionnphort for a few days then the Granite quarry is worth a walk and a visit, as is the Columba centre. The Columba Centre is free and the kids (and you for that matter) can dress up as monks to walk around.

	Tireregan and Traigh Ghael
	If you continue on this road you pass the entrance to the Highland Renewal project. This project has very fine walks in a wildlife regenerating area, as well as a deserted ruined village at Tireregan. The jewel in the crown at the end of one of the longer walks is Traigh Ghael beach. Please go to the website for details or contact Mull Magic for a guided walk.

	Erraid
	At the end of the tarmac road is the footpath down to Erraid. This area has some of the most stunning beaches on Mull and on a sunny day with light winds, is the nearest thing that we have to the Caribbean, the only difference is the lack of crowds and pure peace and quiet. From this area at low water you can visit Erraid, with its small community, observatory, and David Balfour Bay (the bay where "Kidnapped" was filmed). Click here to go to our detailed web page on Erraid

	Kintra
	Taking the main road towards Bunessan the next significant turn is a few miles down the road to the right, and Kintra. (Click to see panorama) This is a very picturesque little hamlet and is worth a visit, just for its attractive bay an row of small cottages. Between Bunessan and this turn to Kintra it is possible to get fuel at one of two filling stations.

	Bunessan
	You have now reached the small village of Bunessan. (Click to see panorama). Bunessan has two general stores, a gift shop. If you happen to be in the hotel lounge during the evening you can witness one of its famous sunsets. No, this isn't a multi-coloured drink that places you in a recumbent position but the setting sun performing at its most colourful best. Bunessan has also recently opened a Historical Centre which has been sponsored by the extensive efforts of the local people to gather together family histories, events and stories from the area. The centre doesn't look very impressive from the outside, as it is housed in a "portacabin", but is an extremely good place to gain access to genealogical records and local stories and history. Its' main resource is its' very knowledgeable group of volunteers

	Uisken and Ardalanish
	Leaving Bunessan, you can fork left on the road to Uisken. Uisken, and its neighbour Ardalanish have two superb beaches. Ardalanish is also the home of the Isle of Mull Weavers - see details below. The southern coast of Mull has many fine beaches, but these two are probably the most accessible in this area.

	Isle of Mull Weavers, Ardalanish Farm, Bunessan, Isle of Mull, PA67 6DR
	Here at Ardalanish we produce a range of beautiful organic Tweeds, Throws, Shawls, Scarves and Gift Items from the wool of Native breed Hebridean, Shetland and Manx Sheep. All are now available to purchase from our online shop, shipped directly from our weaving looms in Mull to you. And now we also offer a stunning collection ladies coats and jackets made from our award winning Organic Tweeds.
	Tel: 01681 700265 E-mail info@ardalanish.com

	Kinloch and Pennyghael
	Several very picturesque villages lie along the Ross of Mull, starting at the eastern end the first you will come to are Kinloch (Click to see panorama) and Pennyghael (Click to see panorama) which have two Hotels and a shop/post office. Please remember to let following traffic pass by when you get to a passing place, not everyone has the patience to admire the quite stunning vistas.

	Carsaig
	Further down the road is a junction where, if you turn left, you can drive to the famous Carsaig (Click to see panorama). The reason for its fame is based on its location for the film "I know where I'm going" and also for its dramatic "Arches". Please be aware that the walk to the Arches is a full day, strenuous walk and we advise you take a guided walk - click here for further details.

	Fish Farming
	Back onto the main road again. Travelling along in a westerly direction, you will see various organised groups of objects in the water, these are fish farms and the one with rows of black cylindrical objects is a Mussel farm.

	Mary Macdonald
	On the outskirts of the village of Bunessan you will see at the junction to Lee and Ardtun, a memorial to Mary MacDonald, the poetess. Mary is best known , however, for a melody that she wrote for the carol "Child in a Manger". We know it today as "Morning has broken", or tune "Bunessan" in the Hymnal. Child in the manger, Infant of Mary, Outcast and stranger, Lord of all! Child who inherits, All our transgressions All our dements On him fall.

	MacCulloch's Fossil Tree
	Take the scenic route to Salen and 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. For further details please click here.

Click here to open the larger map and then click on the markers

Click here for the virtual tour of the Ross