ISLE OF MULL
Coastal Route
Days 3 and 4
Craignure to Lochbuie
14 miles (22.5 km) approx 6 to 7 hrs
A good tip! - N.B.: When a car is approaching from behind, step onto the verge and LOOK at the approaching vehicle to show them that you have seen them.
This is the first leg of the Coastal Route which is quite straightforward but from Lochbuie onwards it becomes much more challenging (should only be used by experienced walkers). You will be rewarded with the most spectacular coastal scenery and a wonderful opportunity to observe wildlife – otters, porpoises, dolphins and on the land red deer and wild goats; and up above golden and sea eagles!
If you are relying on B&B facilities there are good facilities in Craignure and Lochdon which is a further 2.5 miles on but no more facilities until you reach Lochbuie some 14 miles away. The bunkhouse in Craignure is very good and there is camping, glamping, shielings and cottages available all year round at Shieling Holidays in Craignure.
Starting at Craignure take the A849 to the Lochbuie Crossroads (684308). You then turn left to take the 8 mile single track road to Lochbuie. This route at first starts to climb steeply and takes you through a beautiful wood down onto the shores of Loch Spelve.
Further along just off the road at the head of Loch Uisg on the ridge of land separating Loch Spelve from Loch Uisg, there is a war memorial and the former Loch Spelve Church (built in 1828), which is now a private dwelling. Continuing along the road to Lochbuie you will see the parking spot for Lochbuie Standing Stones which date back to the Neolithic or Bronze age. There is much to see in this small scattered village especially St Kilda's Episcopal church which is well worth a visit and all of which you can find online. As yet there is no B&B in the village but there is a campsite close to the tea room and small shop on the loch side.
Craignure to Lochbuie Crossroads – 6.4 miles (10.3 km)
Crossroads to Lochbuie – 8 miles (13 km)
Day 3 - (option 2) Craignure to Lochbuie map - link below
Craignure to Lochbuie route map