Calgary Bay & the Art in Nature Trail, Isle of Mull
Starting with a wander around the Art in Nature Woodland Sculpture Walk, you will then head down towards the iconic Calgary Bay. Walk along to the pier and back and then across the white sandy beach, returning to the start via field-edge paths.
Description
Start : Calgary Farmhouse Cafe. Postcode PA75 6QQ. Grid Ref. NM 378 516
(S/E) From Calgary Farmhouse Cafe, follow signs for the Sculpture Walk (in the woods behind the cafe).
(1) Ultimately you want to aim to exit the woods down by the standing stones (number 20 on their trail map). This is at the South-West end of the woods, right next to the B8073.
(2) When you reach the road turn right (West) to go through a gate and walk down towards Calgary Bay. There should be a dry stone wall and a car park on your right-hand side.
After going through the gate continue ahead (West) along a grass and gravel track. This will take you around the North side of Calgary Bay.
(3) You will reach the pier approx 800m along.
Turn around and retrace your steps back to Calgary Beach. Find an easy place to descend onto the sand and walk South along the beach to the far side.
(4) Turn left (East) at the end of the beach. You will reach a small camping ground, accessed by fording a burn.
Cross the camping ground and turn left (North) to walk along the B8073.
(5) Just beyond the toilet block turn right (North-East) through a wooden gate with a sign on it "Calgary Castle".
Continue along this pleasant track beside a field. You'll come to a stone ruin on your right (fenced off with a lock at time of my visit). Turn left here (North-West) to walk along a loose gravel path which crosses between the fields.
When you reach the road turn right (North). You can either continue on the road or go back into the Art in Nature trail to return to Calgary Farmhouse Cafe (S/E)
Waypoints
- S/E : km 0 - alt. 39 m - Calgary Farmhouse Cafe
- 1 : km 0.46 - alt. 13 m - Exit woods at standing stones
- 2 : km 0.56 - alt. 11 m - Gate
- 3 : km 1.54 - alt. 7 m - Pier
- 4 : km 2.97 - alt. 6 m - Ford next to camping ground
- 5 : km 3.1 - alt. 7 m - Gate to "Calgary Castle"
- S/E : km 4.08 - alt. 39 m - Calgary Farmhouse Cafe
Useful Information
Start : Calgary Farmhouse Cafe. Postcode PA75 6QQ. Grid Ref. NM 378 516
Note: Here is not prescribed the exact route you should follow around the trail because everyone will want to see different things - use the map provided at the entrance to choose what sculptures to visit or simply wander around the many paths. There are 24 to see in total, and it is a small area so there is lots packed in!
There is a suggested donation to use the Art in Nature Woodland Sculpture Walk (£2 at the time of writing - cash in the box at the start of the trail or pay by card in the art gallery)
Transport
Parking available at Calgary Farmhouse Cafe or down at Calgary Bay (the walk starts from the cafe)
Terrain
Uneven woodland trails, gravel footpaths, sandy beach, surfaced roads. Sometimes muddy. Mostly on the level.
Amenities
- Calgary Farmhouse Cafe has a good choice of hot and cold food/drinks and offers takeaway. It also sells local produce and gifts. There is a picnic bench outside.
- Toilets at the S end of Calgary Beach and in Calgary Farmhouse Cafe
For more information and a walk review visit Gillian's walks
Always stay careful and alert while following a route. Visorando and the author of this walk cannot be held responsible in the event of an accident during this route.
During the walk or to do/see around
