Near Craignure is Torosay Castle, a stately home with 12 acres of gardens open to the public. Being two miles from the ferry terminal, it was awkward for people visiting Mull on foot to get to, particularly the young and elderly. Furthermore, when the owners decided to open the castle to the public in 1975, the road was narrower so it was difficult to get a bus through.
It was decided to build a narrow guage railway from Craignure to Torosay which will not only improve access to the Castle, but be an attraction in it's own right.
Construction began in 1982 and after 23 tonnes of rail, 3,000 sleepers and 12,000 dog spikes and fishplates later the 10.5 inch (27cm) guage railway saw it's offial opening on the 22nd of July, 1984.
Small diesel and steam locomotives now haul passengers along the 1.25 mile (2km) track from near the ferry terminal to Torosay Castle offering great views of the sea and surrounding woodland.

Torosay Castle

A Victorian mansion rather than a castle, Torosay is a fine example of a Scottish country seat with gardens, well manicured lawns and treasures. Completed in 1858 by the eminent architect, David Bryce, it's rooms contain hunting trophies such as deer's heads and stag antlers. The library has a large collection of books and all the rooms contain family portraits and antique furniture.
Several rooms feature exhibitions of polar exploration and life in a Prisoner of War Camp.

There's a moose in the hoose!

www.torosay.com

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