Monday, 11 October 2021
Clach na Criche
Clach na Criche
Where we are
COVID-19 update
- Read our COVID-19 Information in advance of your visit.
- Most of our forests and facilities are open, but use our website to check before you travel.
- Do not light campfires or use disposable barbecues.
- Park considerately, taking care not to park on verges or block gates or roads.
- Take care on or around open water. Find out more on our Water Safety page.
About
An ancient 'wishing stone' and a peaceful picnic site
Relax and enjoy a scenic picnic looking across the sound to the Isle of Mull. Watch for the Mull Ferry ploughing back and forth between Lochaline and Fishnish and spot sea eagles fishing in summer.
You will find the remarkable arched Wishing Stone 200 yards farther along the lochside road. Can you make your wish come true? Clach na Criche means 'Boundary Stone' in Gaelic – and this remarkable formation did mark the boundary between two ancient parishes – but it’s the stone’s magical reputation that is more intriguing.
The stone was said to have the power to grant wishes. According to local folklore, all you had to do was fill your mouth with water from a nearby spring, then hold it in your mouth as you passed through the hole in Clach na Criche three times (without using your hands). If you were thinking hard enough about your heart’s desire while you were doing all that, your wish would be granted!
Facilities and access
Grab a bite to eat
You’ll find public toilets and places to eat, drink and buy basic supplies at Lochaline.
Getting to the Wishing Stone
You’ll find the Wishing Stone beside the road about 220 yards (200 m) west of the Clach na Criche picnic area. Take care walking along the road. There is no car parking at the stone.
Car parking information
There is no charge to park in this car park. Please park with care and consideration. In particular please park in designated parking areas only and do not block entrances or gates.
Getting here
From Lochaline take the B849 west. After about 4½ miles (7.5 km), you'll see the Clach na Criche car park on the left. The Wishing Stone is beside the road on the right about 220 yards (200m) farther on. There is no car parking at the stone.
Using SatNav?
PA80 5XU is the nearest postcode.
Nearby forests
Explore a historic graveyard or head into the hills
Facilities and activities
Distance from 'Clach na Criche': 2.29 miles
Watch for otters and porpoises in the Sound of Mull
Facilities and activities
Distance from 'Clach na Criche': 3.25 miles
Explore the history of a once-thriving croft settlement
Facilities and activities
Distance from 'Clach na Criche': 4.12 miles
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