The columnar basalt which is found on the south side of the Island of Ulva is reckoned to be second only to the Island of Staffa in terms of its impressiveness. The columns are relatively easy to find and give a very pleasant excursion in a quiet location. They are well signposted and it takes about 45 minutes to reach the location from the slipway.
The basalt columns seen from the cliffs nearby
The columns are simpler in form than those seen at Staffa. They occur as a "collonade" structure without the "entablature" twisted curving columns on top that is well seen in Staffa, especially near Fingals Cave. Also there is no obvious ash deposit at the base as is again clearly seen in Staffa.
Looking west along the main basalt column outcrop
The columns are also very well seen from the sea. Thanks go to the Morrison family of Penmore (Turus Mara) for the opportunity to see these in close up from their boat.
Ulva basalt columns seen from the sea on a beautiful summer's day (2015)