The extremely exposed location of the Burg peninsula on the Isle of Mull gives it the name ‘The Wilderness’. Burg was bequeathed to the National Trust in 1932 and was one of the first properties to come into the care of The National Trust for Scotland.
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MacCulloch’s Fossil Tree
The outstanding natural history and geology of this 617 hectare property are recognised by its designation as a National Scenic Area and Environmentally Sensitive Area. It also falls within a Site of Special Scientific Interest. Volcanic eruptions many millions of years ago formed the distinctive stepped outline of the peninsula, as the molten lava cooled to form the cliffs which can be seen today. The sea cliff beyond Burg Farm retains the impression of a tree, known as MacCulloch’s Fossil Tree. This tree is over 12 metres high, 1.5 metres in diameter and was discovered by John MacCulloch in 1819.
The Fossil Tree is a 14 mile linear walk, beginning at the Car Park beyond Tiroran. It is NOT possible to park at Tavool House. Due to the mileage and terrain (rocky coastal and narrow cliff paths) this is not a walk for the faint hearted and we always recommend you join a guided walk. Mull Magic conducts regular walks to the Fossil Tree - for further details please click here.
The walk involves a climb down a steep metal ladder which has been attached to the cliff face. Therefore the trip is not suitable for dogs or for anyone with a fear of heights or vertigo.
Mull and Iona wildlife blog
- Return of the Whales May 2, 2012Despite frequent reports of sightings from fishing boats in the area, none of the trip boats from Tobermory had managed to get a view of one of our larger summer migrants yet, however today the skipper of Silver Swift took local Wildlife photographer Nic Davies out on a trip which resulted in 2 different Minke Whales being seen. Reports back from Nic was tha […]
- Dolphins occurring regularly off Mull May 1, 2012We are still to get our first Whale sighting of the year from any of the trip boats, but we are having sightings reported by the fishing boats so they are definitely out there somewhere! One of the main reasons is that the island seems much quieter than at the same time in recent years, which means there are less trips going out and recently all the interest […]