5 Short walks on Mull – part four
In this blog, 5 Short walks on Mull – part four, I am going to write about a short walk at Loch Buie along the coast to Glenbyre. Loch Buie is quite a drive from Treshnish, but it is worth it as the scenery is more than rewarding whichever route you take.
Getting to Loch Buie
I suggest driving to Craignure via Dervaig, Aros Bridge and Salen. From Craignure you continue as if going to Iona and take the left turn to Loch Buie and Croggan at Ardura. Watch out for the Peacocks on the road here – an unusual cause of traffic holdup! It is 8 miles from here to Loch Buie.
The Old Post Office
The tarmac road ends just beyond the Old Post Office so it is best to stop there, rather than continuing and having to turn round. There is parking beside the Old Post Office, and this is definitely the place to have lunch or tea and cake at the end of your walk! You can get locally made oven ready meals to bring back and heat up for supper too.
The walk
There is a farm track all the way to Glenbyre, it winds its way along the coast and is easy to follow. It takes about an hour each way. It can be wet in places, with some big puddles if the weather has been wet.
Look out for the cave where fishermen hung their nets to dry. And the rock which looks like Queen Victoria (more easily seen on the way back!)
Glenbyre farmhouse
In a stunning location right by the shore, with amazing views up, down and across the sea loch, Glenbyre looks idyllic on a sunny day, but must have been a pretty wild place to live through winter storms. It has been uninhabited for over 50 years. The Fank (sheep handling system) is still used regularly when the hills behind are gathered to bring in the sheep.
Don’t forget to call in at the Old Post Office on your way back for tea or lunch or both!
Driving back to Treshnish
If I am not in a hurry I like to drive home via Kilfinichen, Gribun and Ulva Ferry. When you meet the Craignure to Fionnphort road, turn left towards Pennyghael and Fionnphort. Follow the Scenic Route road sign at the top of Loch Scridain signposted to Salen. It is a stunning drive and lovely to stop off at Gribun beach to look for Cowrie shells.
Keep your eyes peeling for Otters along the shore of Loch na Keal. When you get to Gruline take the left turn to Ulva Ferry. At Ulva Ferry you keep going through Torloisk and over the hill at Burg. There is a fantastic view from the top and after about a mile you turn left onto the Treshnish Farm track.
