Ulva
Start. Ulva Ferry.
Route. Ulva Ferry - Heritage Centre - Ulva House - Standing Stones - Ormaig - Cragaig - Standing Stones - Cille Mibo Eaghainn - Standing Stones - Cragaig - Ormaig - Standing Stones - Ardalum House - Heritage Centre.
Notes. Off the west coast of Mull a short ferry ride over the waters of Loch Tuath can be found the lovely privately owned island of Ulva, Ulva boasts many short way marked trails, we opted to attempt a slightly longer one, west along the south shore, as it happened we ran out of time, as we didn't fancy a swim back to the car we were forced to cut the walk short.
Ulva's history can be traced back to 5,650BC, standing stones have been dated to 1,500BC, more recently the crofters of Ormaig and Cragaig farmed the land and collected Kelp, before the croft's were broke up in the clearances of the late nineteenth century, at the height of crofting the population on Ulva reached a staggering 604, the ghosts still remain in the form of standing stones, deserted croft's, a mill, burial grounds and kelp ovens all waiting to be discovered if you make time.
Our route from the Boathouse followed a way-marked path, "all routes" then the signs directing us to the south shore, after passing a dam we climbed steeply leaving the forestry behind passing a standing stone before descending to the ruins of Ormaig. The next building along our route, a ruined mill on the edge of the Glen Glass Burn, from the mill it was a shot stroll to Cragaig. Time was ruining out, to avoid a swim back we decided to have lunch before heading back the way we'd come, if time permitted we would attempt one of the shorter walks before returning to the Boathouse for tea, coffee and cakes.
No modern technology here, if you require the ferry slide the panel across, don't stand in front of it and hope the boatman has his binoculars out.
Looking to the Boathouse, cafe, restaurant and inn.
Sheila's Cottage worth a visit, a stark reminder of times gone by.
The big mountains of Mull, Ben More under cloud, seen across the Sound of Ulva.
As we climbed higher the views opened up, here we have a stunning view to Iona.
Across Loch Tuath to the island of Mull.
The mountains of Ardmeanach as seen over the islands at the mouth of Loch na Keal, the largest being Inch Kenneth.
Looking to the rugged south coast of Ulva.
As we descend to Ormaig we're gifted with extensive views to the Treshnish Isles or to be more precise, Bac Mor more commonly known as The Dutchman's Cap.
Descending to the sad remains of Ormaig, once the home of an important cadet branch of the Clan MacQuarrie from whom may have sprang Major General Lachlan Macguarie Govenor of New South Wales.
The remains of one of many ruined Crofts at Ormaig.
The name Ormaig (old Norse Orm-Vica) meaning "Bay of the Serpents" or Bay of the Long Ships", imagine this small bay full of long boats.
As seen from Ormaig a distant Iona.
On the edge of the Glen Glass Burn stands this ruined mill.
On the small rocky beach at Cragaig looking to the imposing cliffs of Creach Bheinn.
From our return route, seen across Loch na Keal Creach Bheinn.
The view back to Ormaig.
Still under cloud Ben More.
Yet another view across Loch na Keal
The Church and Manse, designed by Tomas Telford and built in 1827-8 at a total cost of £1,500.