The Whisky Cave

The Whisky Cave is a fascinating natural feature located on the Isle of Mull, accessible along the rugged shoreline, particularly in the context of the Treshnish area walks. This unique cave, rather than being a retail establishment, is a genuine geological formation with a rich and clandestine history. Its existence highlights a lesser-known aspect of Mull’s past, deeply rooted in the island’s remote and often illicit activities.

Accessing The Whisky Cave requires care, as it is reached via a fairly steep and small track leading down to the shoreline. Visitors are advised to exercise caution, especially when the path is wet, due to the challenging terrain. Part of its historical mystique stems from its deliberately difficult-to-find location, a characteristic that was essential for its original, secretive purpose.

The primary historical significance of The Whisky Cave lies in its past as the site of an illegal and highly productive whisky still. In an era when illicit distillation was common in remote Scottish areas, such hidden caves provided the perfect cover for producing whisky away from the prying eyes of authorities. This makes The Whisky Cave a compelling site for those interested in Mull’s social history, offering a tangible link to the island’s resourceful and often rebellious past related to whisky production.