Not far from the great slab of Leac nam Leum, there are even greater wonders of Mull's volcanic past.
The Carsaig Arches are now high above the sea but during the last Ice Age, when water levels were higher, Atlantic swells surged through the arches.
Hexagonal basalt columns teeter on top of layers of lava.
In turn the lava layers are interspersed with layers of volcanic ash. The ash is very soft and can be picked with a fingernail. As you can see, wave action is undercutting the basalt by wearing away the ash. One day, probably quite soon in geological terms, the whole lot will come toppling down.
Might I be presumptuous and recommend that you visit the Carsaig Arches sooner rather than later?
20/07/2007
