Carsaig Bay

Carsaig Bay lies on the Ross of Mull, the southern arm of the Isle of Mull off Scotland’s west coast. A small cove, it is bounded by steep cliffs that rise to nearly 300 metres at Rudha Fhaoilean. The bay’s eastern side is sheltered by the islet of Gamhnach Mhòr, where small boats can anchor. Three perches mark rocks near the shore to guide vessels to Carsaig Quay. The tidal streams along this stretch of coast are weak, making the bay calmer than neighbouring waters. The cliffs are lined with basalt columns up to two metres wide, some forming natural arches at Malcolm’s Point. A cave known as the Nun’s Cave recalls nuns from Iona who took refuge there during the Scottish Reformation. Monks from Iona Abbey once visited these shores to gather sea-worn stones for carving. An amphitheatre of basalt rises 215 metres above the shore, while further inland the columns reach 240 metres. Fossils are often found in the sedimentary rocks here, including Cretaceous sandstones and mudstones. Wild strawberries and scented woodbine grow along the road to the bay. At low tide oystercatchers and terns feed on the shore, while wild goats graze the slopes. Golden eagles and sea eagles soar above, and kittiwakes and fulmars nest on the cliffs. Carsaig Pier and its boathouses appear in the 1945 film I Know Where I’m Going!, alongside a lone telephone box beside a waterfall.