Island of Ulva - Basalt Columns

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)

 

 

 

Other photos of the location:

Click on an image to open a larger picture.

Columns seen from cliffs

Columns seen from cliffs
Close up of columns, like steps

Close up of columns, like steps
The main columns, curving at the base

The main columns, curving at the base
Columns from near the sea

Columns from near the sea
Looking down on columns

Looking down on columns
Columns seen from boat

Columns seen from boat
View from the sea

View from the sea
Another view from a boat

Another view from a boat
Columns seen from the sea

Columns seen from the sea
View of columns from sea.

View of columns from sea.
Looking up the columns
 
Looking up the columns
Columns from the beach
 
Columns from the beach.

Similar or related Geological Sites:

  • Staffa
  • Carsaig Arches
  • Ardtun
  • East of Carsaig
  • Glac Mhor
  • Ardmeanach - The Fossil Tree
  •  

References:

Bailey, E.B., Clough, C.T., Wright, W.B. et al. (1924) Tertiary and Post-Tertiary Geology of Mull, Loch Aline and Oban. Memoir of the Geological Survey of Great Britain, HMSO, Edinburgh.