Calgary Beach

Beach in Isle of Mull

Calgary Bay Mull — CC BY-SA 2.5 / Traveler100

Calgary beach is located about 5 miles to the west of Dervaig. Today, it is a haven of white shell sand and blue sea, a picture perfect impression of what a beach in the Hebrides should look like. It is a safe environment where adults and children can relax and enjoy themselves in stunning surroundings.

It is backed by machair, found only on the west coasts of Scotland and Ireland, where calcium rich sandy soils create a unique habitat rich in flower species and grasses.

Robin’s Boat, distinctive by its roof, made out of an upturned boat hull, sells local Mull ice creams at the beach from a quirky shop built in part from the proprietor’s grandfather’s upturned boat.

Calgary Castle nestling in mature woodlands above the bay was built in the 1820s by Captain Alan MacAskill, the landowner of the time.

Up the hill from the beach lie the ruins of a small village left during the 19th Century Highland clearances. This is a very atmospheric site and a reminder of an important if sombre chapter in Mull’s history. And yes, the city of Calgary in Canada (province of Alberta) is named after Calgary on Mull, as a summer guest of the Calgary House Estate (an officer in the Mounties), took the idea back home with him.

On the south side of Calgary Bay the coast loop road continues on its precipitous meandering way round towards Treshnish and then on to Torloisk and Ulva Ferry. There is a footpath on the north side of the Bay to the old pier and also to the ruined township of Inevie on the hillside above. Further exploration beyond the point will bring an inquisitive wanderer to the various ruined houses of Arin and views across the Tiree Passage.

The Calgary Beach appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Isle of Mull!

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