Clach na Criche

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Step into magical Clach na Criche

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.

Find the remarkable arched Wishing Stone 200 yards farther along the lochside road. Can you make your wish come true?

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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.

Walking trails

Cycling trails

Mountain biking trails

Make a wish

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!

Contact: Lochaber Forest District

Address: Torlundy, Fort William

Postcode: PH33 6SW

Telephone: 0300 067 6870

Email: lochaber@forestry.gsi.gov.uk

How to get 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. Clach na Criche car park is at grid reference NM 606 485. The Wishing Stone is at grid reference NM 604 467.

Using SatNav?

PA80 5XU is the nearest postcode.

Nearby places

Looking for trails locally? Enjoy some tranquil woodland walks and discover more of Morvern's remarkable history at Aoineadh Mor. Explore the ruins of this crofting settlement and find out about the dramatic eviction of the families here in 1824.

For classic Highland views and wonderful wildlife, head for Ariundle, the forest next to Strontian. Trails here wind through iconic Atlantic Oakwoods and alongside a rushing river.