Walking in and around Arduaine, Kilmelford and Kilninver

The Wishing Tree is a hawthorn tree on the track between Ardmaddy and Degnish. This description is for the walk from Degnish towards Ardmaddy; if you have two cars to shuttle, this makes a good linear walk; alternatively adventurous and capable walkers can make this into a satisfying circular walk. The rest of us simply walk out and back the same way.

The Wishing Tree is nearly covered in coins pushed into the bark. It's somewhere close to NM789152, and is marked on the O.S. 1:50,000 maps (both the old Pathfinder map (354) and the new Explorer (359)), but not on the 1:25,00 Landranger (55).

Drive down the Degnish road from just south of Kilmelford village (signposted Degnish, Melfort Village) for about 5 miles to the end of the public road. Note you pass through a couple of farm gates across the public road - be sure to leave them closed (or open) as you found them - but you are on public road until you reach the gates to Degnish Farm; the road is clearly marked as private beyond that point.

There is parking for two or three cars on the right - naturally, take care to block neither the farm road not the track. I've never actually seen another car there in maybe a dozen visits, so not much worry of being unable to park :-)

From here, you follow the track slightly East of North, up the side of the hill. The views as you climb are absolutely superb on a good day, as the views to the islands to the south opens out. The tree comes after the top of the pass, perhaps 3km from Degnish, and only 2km or so from Ardmaddy.

This walk is described in many guide books to the area (see list at end of page). One of them recommends the walk from Degnish, past the Wishing Tree and returning round the coast of the peninsula. No actual paths, but making your own way around the headlands, contouring well above the cliffs themselves - not recommended in bad weather or mist. This is rough going, and should only be attempted by experienced walkers used to making their own way over open country.

Note that you are walking over working farm country; sheep are common and cattle can also be expected. Please take care to avoid disturbing the animals, and be careful walking through herds of cattle.