Mackinnon’s Cave

The walk down to Mackinnon's Cave on the Isle of Mull takes you through proper rugged terrain - steep, occasionally boggy, and best tackled in decent weather. Once you've made the descent, you'll find yourself at a substantial sea cave carved into the basalt cliffs, the kind of place that genuinely feels remote despite being within reach of the main road.

Inside, the cave opens up into a cathedral-like space with a freshwater stream running through it. Local legend ties it to a Norse giant, and whether you buy the mythology or not, there's something undeniably atmospheric about standing in here with the sound of water echoing off the stone. The cave itself is free to visit - there's no visitor centre or barriers, just you and the landscape.

This works best for walkers and anyone who enjoys a bit of scrambling. Young children will find the descent tricky, and the cave itself demands sure footing. Allow a solid two hours for the round trip, including time to explore inside. Don't come expecting facilities - bring water and stick to daylight hours.

It pairs well with a longer Mull exploration from Port nan Gael Campsite, which sits just six miles away near Ulva. The cave feels like an earned experience rather than a quick tick-box stop, which appeals to people who actually want to get off the beaten track rather than just say they have.