Excursion Aros park coastal hike tour at Tobermory

The walk commences from the Harbour Building in Tobermory. The harbour is a vibrant hub of fishing vessels and yachts throughout the year, giving it a most attractive appearance.

The path leads off from the end of the marina and climbs gently through the woodland along the side of Tobermory Bay. There are fabulous views out to Calve Island, the Sound of Mull and the Scottish mainland beyond.

Follow the track to the old pier where timber was once shipped from the Aros Estate for building and repair in the town and learn about the Allan shipping family who gave the park to the people of Tobermory. Looking back from the old pier to Tobermory offers a breathtaking view of this picturesque and iconic Hebridean village.

The woodland area consists of many varieties of wildflowers, ferns, mosses, lichens, fungi and trees, promoting the atmosphere of a Celtic rainforest. A selection of songbirds breeds in the park, adding sound to the colours and textures of spring and summer. A spectacular display is created in May/June by the large number of Rhododendrons that were planted by the estate in the past.

Leaving the confines of Aros Park, stop briefly at the 'Welcome to Tobermory' sign that greets road users to the village for an impromptu Gaelic lesson. The road verges are full of wildflowers and pollinating insects during the early summer months. Several species of orchid can be a particularly eye-catching feature at this time.

If time allows, take a short detour to the Standing Stones at Baliscate, a Bronze Age location of particular significance in the pre-history of the Isle of Mull. Here, explore and speculate as to the origin and importance of such megalithic structures, as well as providing an overview into 60 million years of natural history and 8,000 years of social history on the island.

Please note: This tour involves an extensive amount of walking for approximately 3.75 miles (about 6 kilometres), at times over gravel surfaces and inclines. Guests are advised to wear warm, comfortable sportswear in layers with sturdy, flat, and closed-toe walking or hiking shoesand a weatherproof jacket from the ship. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. This tour is recommended for guests who are in good physical condition and experienced hikers.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Wildlife, wildflowers & standing stones