Tostary Cottage is one of a group of four original stone buildings nestled on a south facing bluff by Loch Tuath, a sea loch in North West Mull. It enjoys a wonderful panorama that combines highland grandeur and hebridean subtlety, the centre piece being Ben More and its companion bens and cliffs rising from the waters of Loch na Keal to over 3000 feet. The view also takes in all of Loch Tuath and the isles of Ulva, Gometra, Staffa and, in the distance, Iona and its cathedral.
Directions from Craignure or Fishnish
Turn right onto the A849 towards Salen. At Salen turn left onto the B8035 and take the road to the head of Loch na Keal. Turn right onto the B8073 and follow the road along Loch na Keal. At Ulva Ferry go straight ahead with the road now following along the side of Loch Tuath. Go past the right turn to Dervaig and continue straight on. After a mile and half the road twists steeply up a hill and about 100 yards after the second sharp left hand bend is our driveway on the right. There is a post box named ‘Tostary’ at the foot of the drive that does contain a hairpin bend in the middle. The cottage is the first building on the right.
THE AREA
Tostary Cottage is located on the North Western side of Mull, and there are many lovely walks from the doorstep of the cottage taking you to romantic deserted villages, streams plunging through deep gorges, or the beautiful shoreline just 10 minutes walk below the cottage (see gallery)
The coastal walking in this whole area is particularly spectacular, notably the coastline stretching North West from Tostary right round to Calgary Bay. Calgary itself is famed for its pristine white shell-sand beach, and it regularly features in lists of the best beaches in the UK.
The island of Ulva, directly opposite the cottage, is well worth a day trip, offering more fantastic walking, particularly on the south side of the island.
Wildlife to be seen locally include buzzards, golden- & sea-eagles, otters, seals and there are a number of boat trips available which often see whale, dolphin, basking-shark & puffins. And of course you’ll enjoy the shaggy Highland cattle and black-faced sheep which are everywhere – sometimes just standing on the road!