Is this one of the best beaches in Scotland? I think so, but then I’m biased! As you come round a corner on Mull’s wild and rocky buysoma north-west coast, Calgary Bay opens up before your eyes in all its white and turquoise beauty.
Photo © Jo Woolf
Scottish islands: Mull
17 Comments
Stella Holmes
Calgary bay is magnificent, the scale of it isn’t easy to appreciate till you walk across it. There is a regular bus service from Tobermorey and the journey over the island is beautiful. ‘Cagary Arts’ overlooks the bay and they have a wonderful information board overlooking the bay. There are ancient Oak trees , stunted by the force of the Atlantic winds and an interesting graveyard who’s headstones bear the occupation of the occupant. To be at Calgary in sunshine, rain or blustery winds is a joy.
Jo Woolf
Quite agree, Stella! The whole of Mull is just one big paradise as far as I’m concerned. So much beauty, and history, and wildlife. Thank you for your comment!
davidoakesimages
Agree….but to be honest just one more in the great many spectacular beaches the Scottish isles (and mainland) have to offer. I guess we are spoilt for choice!
Jo Woolf
We are blessed, David – and I love them all!
http://vivinfrance.wordpress.com
Mull is gorgeous, but I’m glad you said “one of” – as nothing can surpass Sandwood Bay in my memory. https://vivinfrance.wordpress.com/2014/07/20/renaissance-camp/
Jo Woolf
How beautiful, Viv! I’ve never been there. Look at that sea stack! 🙂 Fantastic.
Norma Dowling
I agree Jo, but I live on Mull! It is a favourite place when our grown up son is with us at Christmas; we all regress to childhood and draw in the sand, collect seaweed and even set of our little rocket! In summer you could also visit Argyll & Bute’s Coronation Meadow at Treshnish Farm.
Jo Woolf
How lovely, to be able to go there at Christmas! The Coronation Meadow sounds wonderful. Love Mull so much! 🙂
Pat Webster
Any ideas about how Calgary bay got its name?
Jo Woolf
That’s an interesting question, Pat! Apparently it comes from the Gaelic words for ‘beach of the meadow’ (Cala ghearraidh) – there is a longer explanation here, plus an insight into its link with the Canadian version! http://www.smo.uhi.ac.uk/gaidhlig/aite/Canada/calgary.html
I’ve learned something myself now! 🙂
Caroline
I spent an afternoon at Calgary Bay earlier this month. It was a cloudy day, so the sea wasn’t quite so blue, but it was still breathtaking. I also enjoyed visiting the little graveyard not far from the beach.
Jo Woolf
Sounds wonderful, Caroline. I haven’t been to the graveyard, but will remember to look next time. Aagh, I want to go back to Mull! 🙂
Fife Photos and Art
I don’t know much of the west coast of Scotland Jo, but Calgary Bay certainly looks pretty amazing to me 🙂 It also reminds me of some of the beaches on the Scillies (Scilly Isles – off west Cornwall), except the highest point on the largest island, St Marys, is only 167ft above sea level!!
Jo Woolf
I’ve got friends who regularly go to the Scilly Isles, for birdwatching – I’ve never been myself, and it sounds wonderful. But yes, Mull is everything I love in an island! We’ve usually had Calgary beach pretty much to ourselves, even in summer.
Fife Photos and Art
Sounds like heaven!!! And yep, Scilly is also heaven if your a birder or twitcher, especially this time of the year.
Candia
Have just enjoyed some particularly tasty Isle of Mull cheddar!
Jo Woolf
Haha, very nice too! I think we also have some in the fridge! 🙂