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Mull of Oa

132m Elevation
38m Prominence
Scotland Country
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Walks starting near this hill. Open a route to check its map, distance and full itinerary.

Goatfell from Cladach

10 km ~2h 30m Moderate

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Route planning notes

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American Monument Circular Route

This popular circular walk begins at the Mull of Oa car park and leads to the American Monument, a striking memorial overlooking the sea. The route follows a well-defined path, offering panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and rugged coastline before looping back through moorland.

6.5 km ~2 hours Moderate

Mull of Oa Coastal Walk

A stunning out-and-back route that explores the dramatic cliffs of the Mull of Oa. Starting at the Mull of Oa car park, this walk follows the coastline, passing steep sea cliffs and enjoying views of nesting seabirds. The route culminates at a high point overlooking the sea, with opportunities for wildlife spotting along the way.

8 km ~2.5 hours Moderate

Beinn Mhor and Mull of Oa Ridge Walk

This longer and more challenging route takes in Beinn Mhor, the highest point on the Mull of Oa. Starting at the Mull of Oa car park, the trail ascends through heather moorland to reach Beinn Mhor’s summit, offering expansive views of Islay and the surrounding islands. The route then follows the ridge down toward the coast, looping back to the starting point.

10 km ~4 hours Challenging

Short Walk to the American Monument

A straightforward and family-friendly route that leads directly to the American Monument. Starting at the Mull of Oa car park, this short walk follows a clear path to the monument, with minimal elevation and plenty of opportunity to enjoy the views.

3 km ~1 hours Easy

Mull of Oa Wildlife Trail

This route is designed for nature enthusiasts, offering a mix of coastal and inland habitats. Starting at the Mull of Oa car park, the trail takes walkers along cliffs, through moorland, and past small lochans. Look out for golden eagles, red deer, and a variety of seabirds. The route loops back to the car park after offering a rich wildlife experience.

7 km ~2.5 hours Moderate
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

100-199m hill

Elevation

132m

433 ft

Prominence

38m

Coordinates

55.5909, -6.3331

NR270415

OS Map

60

Explorer: 352

At the Summit

The summit features a dramatic cliff edge, giving panoramic views over the Atlantic, with several rock formations and heather-covered grounds.

Terrain & Geology

Rugged rocky and grassy terrain with some steep ascents.

The Mull of Oa is largely composed of Old Red Sandstone, characterized by striking cliffs and rugged terrain, shaped by glacial erosion and the relentless crashing of Atlantic waves.

Views & Scenery

From the summit, one can see the Paps of Jura, the distant Arran mountains, and the breathtaking coastlines of Islay.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name Mull of Oa derives from the Celtic 'Oa' which is believed to mean 'inner' or 'beautiful'.

Historical Significance

The area has a rich history, with ancient sites dating back to the Neolithic, and has been a stronghold for many generations.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

There is a small car park near the Mulindry farm which provides access to the starting point of the route.

Public Transport

Buses from Islay's main town, Bowmore, run intermittently; check schedules as they can vary.

Nearby Facilities

In Port Ellen, you can find cafes, restaurants, and public toilets, but facilities are limited on the Mull itself.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Beware of steep cliffs, especially in wet or windy conditions. Slippery rocks can be common along the coastal paths.

General Safety Tips

  • Check weather conditions before setting out
  • Carry appropriate clothing and equipment
  • Let someone know your planned route
  • Take a map, compass, and GPS device
  • Carry emergency supplies: food, water, first aid kit, torch

Hills

Some common questions about the hills answered

Are there group walks up Mull of Oa?

Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Mull of Oa through the maps

Are there other walkers around Mull of Oa?

Activity varies by location and time, but Walkmates lets you see whether others have shared walks or shown interest in this area. Find other people through the walking friends search walking friends for Mull of Oa search or of course create your own walk for Mull of Oa

Can I organise a walk to Mull of Oa?

Yes. If there aren’t any walks listed already, you can create a walk and make it available for others to join.

If you're signed up to Walkmates, you can create a walk to Mull of Oa.

How do I find a walk up this hill?

There are often multiple ways to walk this hill, depending on experience and route preference. Walkmates helps you explore walks and routes that others have shared.

Can I suggest a new route up Mull of Oa?

Yes. You can suggest or create routes to share with others. Walkmates focuses on the social side of walking, so routes are used to help people organise walks and explore areas together, rather than as detailed navigation tools or route libraries.

Other uses really appreciate knowledgeable walkers sharing their routes. Share your favourite route to Mull of Oa here

The is an error or something incorrect about this hill. How do I let you know?

We always strive to keep the information on Walkmates as accurate as possible. If you find an error, please let us know through the contact form and we'll aim to correct it as quickly as possible

Location

View the hill's mapped position and surrounding paths.

Grid reference: NR270415

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