Tobermory is renowned for its vibrant, painted harbour front, but just a short distance away lies a different kind of beauty: a tranquil, forested landscape waiting to be explored. A popular and well-marked coastal walk connects the bustling town to the serene Aros Park, offering a blend of coastal scenery, woodland trails, and historical landmarks.
This walk is a known route for visitors and locals, providing a direct link between the town and the park’s network of trails. It is a way to transition from the lively atmosphere of the harbour to the peaceful environment of a recreational woodland.
The Coastal Trail: A Route at a Glance
The primary route from Tobermory to Aros Park is a scenic Coastal Trail that starts at the southern end of the harbour.
- Distance: The walk is approximately 1.5 miles each way. A slightly longer route of 3 miles is also noted, and would take approximately 2 hours.
- Time: The average walking time for the shorter route is around 34 minutes to the park entrance, though this varies.
- Starting Point: The walk begins at the Ledaig car park, located at the southern end of Tobermory’s harbour front, near the Tobermory Distillery.
- Terrain: The path is a mix of surfaces, including gravel and earth. It is described as being a good path but can be muddy in places, especially after rain. Some sections of the trail are narrow with steep drops. The route includes some steep slopes and steps.
- Waymarking: The path is waymarked.
The Walk to the Park
The walk begins behind the Harbour Building and is signposted for Aros Park. The route follows the coastline, passing through what is described as a dramatic, wooded shoreline. The path is a well-trodden track through mixed woodland. Along the way, the path crosses a small bridge below the Sput Dubh, a waterfall that cascades to the shore. Further along the trail, it passes by other cascades and crosses another footbridge. The path eventually leads to the foot of the Aros waterfalls, marking the arrival at the park.
Aros Park: Features and History
Aros Park is a large woodland area that was once a private estate. The grounds were part of Aros House, which was built in 1825 and later owned by the Allan family. The estate house was demolished in 1962, but many of the original features remain. The stone from the demolished house was used to build the main car park.
The park is now managed by Forestry and Land Scotland and has been developed for recreational use. It features a network of trails with different lengths and levels of difficulty.
- Waterfalls: The park is known for its two main waterfalls on the Aros Burn: the Upper and Lower Falls.
- Lochan a Ghurrabain: This is an artificial loch that was created as a power source for a former mill on the estate. Today, it is a focal point of the park, known for its water lilies and birdlife, including heron, mallard, and goosander. A circular trail runs around the loch.
- The Pier: The historic pier, where supplies were once offloaded for Aros House, has been completely rebuilt as part of a community-led project to create an outdoor activity hub.
- Historical Features: Visitors can see the remains of a ruined power house that once generated electricity for Aros House.
Practical Information for Visitors
Aros Park offers several amenities for walkers and visitors.
- Facilities: The park provides picnic benches and free-to-use barbecue points. Please note that the public toilets are closed.
- Accessibility: Some trails, such as the one around Lochan a Ghurrabain, are described as being generally flat and suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs, though with some uneven sections.
- Other Activities: In addition to walking, the loch is leased by the Tobermory Angling Club and is stocked with rainbow trout. A play trail for children is also located within the park, as is a free-to-play disc golf course.
The walk from Tobermory to Aros Park offers a journey that links the town’s vibrant character to a landscape rich with history, natural beauty, and a variety of recreational activities.
