Route: Calgary Bay
Area: Isle of Mull, Scotland
Date of walk: 12th September 2026
Walkers: Andrew and Gilly
Distance: 2.0 miles
Ascent: 100 feet
Weather: Mostly sunny
Calgary Bay is the largest and most accessible beach on the north of Mull. Calgary in Canada takes its name from here. This was a favourite summer home of Colonel James Macleod of the Canadian North West Mounted Police. In 1876, after he returned from staying in Calgary Castle (the imposing house overlooking the bay), he suggested its name for Fort Calgary which in turn gave its name to the city of Calgary, Alberta
We had planned include the ‘Art in Nature’ Trail which starts above the beach and follows a path through Calgary Wood, but on arrival it was raining heavily, so we decided to park at the beach and hope for an improvement in the weather
As we waited, the rain gradually stopped and we could see some blue skies in the distance, being propelled ever closer by strong winds. We decided to set off on a slightly shorter walk than planned and followed a track along the north (right hand side of the bay). There were lovely views across the bay to Tresnish Point. Eventually we reached an old harbour and pier. Further progress along the coast isn’t possible unless diverting uphill to the ruined houses of Arin and so we retraced our steps back to the beach. By now the weather was fine and the white sands, sculpted by the Atlantic Ocean, were shown in good light
We wandered to the far end of the beach and back again to return to the car park to end an enjoyable short walk
Click on the icon below for the route map (subscribers to OS Maps can view detailed maps of the route, visualise it in aerial 3D, and download the GPX file. Non-subscribers will see a base map)
Scroll down – or click on any photo to view as a slideshow
Stonechat as we waited in the car park for the rain to stop
An improvement in the weather - we ignore the very tempting path to the beach and follow a track to the right...
Treshnish Point on the far side of Calgary Bay
We pass by a distinctive rocky outcrop, the site of an iron age fort
Looking back
We continue along the easy path...
We approach the pier, all that remains of the old harbour which was once here
The far point of the walk as we arrive at the pier - further progress alonhg the coast isn't possible
Cormorant with a beakful of fish
We retrace our steps back to the beach at Calgary Bay
Looking across Calgary Bay as we walk along the beach
A few photos of the white sands as we walk from one end of the beach to the other and back...
Oystercatchers...
Heading back to the start...
A final look back over Calgary Bay as we leave the beach
Back to the start, where Robin’s Boat sells local Mull ice creams (but not today) from a quirky shop built from the owner’s grandfather’s upturned boat
