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Columns of basalt along the rocky shore of the Ardmeanach peninsula.
Isle of Mull

Fossil Tree

The cast of a tree some twelve metres tall in the lava cliffs at the tip of the Ardmeanach peninsula, a long tidal walk.

Welcome

MacCulloch's Fossil Tree is the cast of a tree preserved in the lava cliffs at the western tip of the Ardmeanach peninsula, on the National Trust for Scotland's land at Burg.

The tree stood more than twelve metres high and a metre and a half across when lava flowed round it; the trunk has gone, but its shape remains in the basalt. It was found by the geologist John MacCulloch in 1819.

It is one of the hardest walks on Mull and takes the best part of a day, from the car park beyond Tiroran. Three quarters of it is easy going on a track along the south coast of the peninsula, past the farm at Burg and through woodland, with views over Loch Scridain and sometimes eagles overhead. The last stretch is rough sheep track on steep slopes, with waterfalls dropping to the sea, and ends down a steel ladder on the cliff face to a tidal beach. Check the tides and go as the tide falls.

A short drive awayThe Keel RowA traditional pub and restaurant in Fionnphort, by the Iona ferry, with views across the sound to Iona.17 min by roadSee itThe Keel Row in Fionnphort, low granite buildings with picnic benches behind a stone wall.
Before you go

Start from the car park beyond Tiroran; you cannot park at Tavool House.

It is a long walk on rough coastal and narrow cliff paths, ending down a steep metal ladder to a tidal beach: walk as the tide goes out, from half tide to low tide. Not for dogs or anyone with a fear of heights; a guided walk is recommended.

Getting there
CalMac ferry: Oban to Craignure (50 minutes), Lochaline to Fishnish, or Kilchoan to Tobermory.
Start
The car park beyond Tiroran.
Tide
From half tide to low tide, falling.
Take care
A steel ladder on the cliff; not for dogs.
Where it is

The western tip of the Ardmeanach peninsula, Burg, Isle of Mull.

Close byOn the Ardmeanach peninsula.
  1. A table laid with glasses and white napkins at Ninth Wave, a painting of pebbles on the wall behind.Ninth Wave RestaurantA croft restaurant near Fionnphort on Mull, where Carla Lamont cooks long lunches from John's catch and their garden.8 miles18 min by road
  2. Iona AbbeyIona AbbeyThe restored Benedictine abbey on the site of St Columba's monastery of 563, with its cloister, high crosses and museum of carved stones.8 miles17 min by road
  3. The Iona Community's Welcome Centre and Shop, a low white building with its sign on the grass in front.Iona Community ShopThe Iona Community's shop and welcome centre opposite the abbey, with books, local crafts and Iona Abbey bread.8 miles17 min by road
  4. St Oran’s Chapel & Reilig OdhráinThe small chapel and ancient graveyard beside Iona Abbey, where Scotland's early kings are said to lie.8 miles17 min by road
  5. Shelves of snacks, jars and treats inside the St Columba Larder.St Columba LarderA little whitewashed café and larder on Iona's main road, for coffee, home baking and picnic supplies.8 miles17 min by road
Directions
The Keel Row in Fionnphort, low granite buildings with picnic benches behind a stone wall.BarsThe Keel Row8.0 miles
Inside Oran Creative Crafts: shelves of candles, glass and gifts on a wooden counter.ShoppingOran Creative Crafts8.2 miles
The whitewashed front of the Iona Craft Shop with blue window frames, bicycles and chairs outside.ShoppingIona Craft Shop8.2 miles
Iona Nunnery Ruins, Isle of IonaAttractionsIona Nunnery Ruins8.2 miles
Scattered cottages and a stone church overlook a coastal bay from grassy hillsideAttractionsIsle of Iona8.2 miles
Iona's shore and the Sound under a pale sky.AttractionsIsle of Iona8.2 miles
The white sand and blue water of the bay, rocks beyond.AttractionsBay at the Back of the Ocean8.2 miles
Coastal garden with flower beds overlooking a sailing boat on the waterAttractionsTraigh Bhan nam Monach8.4 miles
The white sand and turquoise water of Iona's north end beaches from above, green machair behind.AttractionsNorth End Beaches8.4 miles
Stay nearby

Places to stay near the tree, and when each is next free.

A landscape view of the whitewashed cottage in low evening sun, its blue doors, lit lamps and teak chairs, smoke rising from the chimney.Fern Cottage
  • Sleeps 4
  • In Croggan
  • 19 miles from the Fossil Tree
Check datesPlaces to stayEvery stay on MullAll our places to stay nearby, to search by date and by who is coming.See them all
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