Calgary Bay

Nestled in a deep bay on the west coast of the Isle of Mull is Calgary Bay, probably the best beach on the island. The name translates to “Bay of the meadow” and this refers to the expanse of machair behind the beach. This habitat rich in flower species and grasses that thrive on the sandy, calcium-rich soil.

The beach here consists of beautiful white shell sand and clear turquoise water, more reminiscent of a tropical paradise than western Scotland. Calgary Bay beach is generally quite sheltered from the waves, if not the wind, meaning it is often fine to swim here - although any illusions of being in the tropics will swiftly disappear once you dip your toes in!

Despite its seemingly remote location on the Mornish peninsula Calgary beach gets enough visitors in the summer to warrant an ice-cream stall. Situated just up the hill by Calgary Farmhouse it is run by a local family in a shack crafted from the owner’s grandfather’s boat.

Other amenities include a campsite which provides toilets for beach-goers.

Overlooking the bay is Calgary Castle, which is reputed to have given the Canadian city its name. The story is that back in 1876 a Colonel James McLeod of the Canadian Mounties fell in love with the owner’s daughter. On returning to Canada he changed the name of the fort he commanded from Fort Brisebois in Alberta to Fort Calgary.