4 of the Best Walks in Dervaig

Dervaig is north Mull’s second largest village and hugs the shores of Loch Cuin, a sea loch in the north west of the island. Around 10 minutes from Calgary beach and about 20 to Tobermory, it makes a great base to immerse yourself in wildlife and beautiful views, yet be within easy reach of many great things to do and places to eat too.

In today’s blog, we bring you some of the best walks around Dervaig to enjoy during your stay, whether an easy-going amble, a stunning viewpoint, or an epic all-day adventure. Off we go!

1 Kilmore Standing Stones

For those happy to take on the uphill section along the single-track road (no pavement here, so take care), this walk can begin straight from the village. Otherwise, a quick drive up the tightly winding Tobermory road brings you to a carpark just above the village at the top of the hill.

Park here and you’ll immediately be taken by the views, with panoramas across the hills above Glen Bellart, the glittering water of Loch Cuin and out to sea. There’s a bit of everything in this westerly aspect, which is especially stunning come sunset. In clear conditions, you’ll see the outlying island of Coll and the Cairns of Coll in the distance too.

From this parking area, a short walk brings you to Kilmore, where the commercial spruce forest has long been felled. In what was once a clearing in the woods, the Kilmore standing stones remain – two upright and three now lying. Their towering size is impressive nonetheless.

2 Quinish Point

This one’s at the other end of the extreme for beautiful walks in Dervaig – an all-day hike with epic views to keep you going. Start by taking the Quinish road out of the village above the north shore of Loch Cuin and pass through the estate gates.

Initially, your route takes you through beautiful woodland, before passing the farm steading buildings, after which the views begin to widen as you enter more open, grassy landscapes, with open sea ahead.

The next point of interest are the Quinish standing stones, only one of which remains upright, which you’ll pass before bearing east for a climb towards Mingary. Continue following signs for Quinish Point as you enjoy the dramatic rocky headland views until you reach the point.

The perfect time for a well-earned picnic as you scan the seas before you, with views to Coll, Tiree and Ardnamurchan to inspire you, before making the return journey back to Dervaig.

3 Glen Bellart

One of the most straight-forward walks in Dervaig, this route follows gravel forestry tracks that head out of the village and through Glen Bellart, with many areas of forest now felled. Beginning from the old quarry, there’s plenty of interest from cascading burns to distinctive rocky outcrops and pleasing views to Speinne Mor, North Mull’s highest point.

Easily completed as a there-and-back walk, turning where the track meets the road and a great choice for drier conditions under foot!

4 Loch Torr

Starting from the community tree nursery in the village, this walk follows a forestry track that gently rises through the plantations. You can follow the network of forestry tracks here towards Mingary Burn.

Cross the bridge, follow the narrower gravel path uphill and then turn right at the junction with the wider forestry track. Follow this along, initially rising for a time, then as you descend, you’ll cross another bridge before nearing the dam and the waters of Loch Torr.

You can return the same way, but it would make for a very long walk, so you might prefer to leave a car ready at the Loch Torr wildlife hide carpark to make an easy drive back to the village in after reaching the loch. Alternatively, there are good loops on forestry tracks that you can walk from this carpark too.

Find more walks in Dervaig and beyond on Mull

We hope these walks in Dervaig have offered plenty of inspiration for your next holiday. If you’re keen to get out and explore, OS Explorer Maps 373, 374 and 375 cover Mull to help with your route-finding. You can also check out our guide to walks on the island, with routes marked on map excerpts as a handy guide for you too.