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Where Is the Isle of Mull?
Mull is one of the best places on the West coast of Scotland to explore. It’s a large island in the Inner Hebrides, accessed by ferry from either Oban or Lochaline. There are plenty of white sand beaches to visit, or go for walks in the rugged hills, the highest mountain is Ben More at 966 metres. If you’re lucky you may even see some wildlife, such as white tailed sea eagles, a golden eagle or minke whales and dolphins.
How Long To Spend On Mull?
When visiting Mull, most people choose to concentrate on either the North or South of Mull. You could easily spend a week in either location (we certainly have!). But it’s also possible to road trip around the whole island in a week. This itinerary starts in the North of the island and finishes back at Craignure. You can also add a few days over on the Isle of Iona if you have time too.
Is It Easy To Drive On Mull?
Do keep in mind that many roads on Mull are single track roads and can get quite busy over the summer months. So don’t forget to stay to the left at passing places and reverse if you’ve just passed a passing place on single-track roads. Although they are a scenic drive and seem the perfect place to stop to take photos, don’t stop in a passing place. Pull over at parking areas instead.
What Is There To Do On The Isle of Mull?
Mull is rich in outdoor activities and attractions, including an aquarium, museums, historic sites and a distillery. You can find out more about what to see in each area further down this post.
If you’re interested in local wildlife I definitely recommend a visit to Mull Eagle Watch and a boat trip from either Tobermory or Fionnphort to look for wildlife (Lunga is popular to visit the puffin colony).
You can also attempt the Mull and Iona Quest, a great family adventure challenge. There are clues all over the island and you can complete as many or as few as you would like. At £5 it’s definitely a bargain activity for the family! Buy a PDF online or physical copy from Tackle and Books in Tobermory, Craignure Info Centre or Fionnphort Ferry Shop.
How To Get To Mull
There are two easy ways to get to the Isle of Mull, either a ferry from Oban to Craignure or the ferry from Lochaline to Fishnish (just North of Craignure). The Oban ferry needs to be booked well in advance, as it sells out. However, the Lochaline ferry is a turn up and go, whoever’s first in the queue gets on the ferry and as it’s only a 20 minute journey across the Sound of Mull, it’s not long to wait for the next boat. So if you can’t find space on the Oban ferry, just head to Lochaline. Although it‘s best to spend several days exploring the island, you can do it in a day trip from either ferry port.
Most people choose to go from Oban to Craignure as they have the larger car ferries and both car and pedestrians can be booked onto the ferry months in advance. Oban is also only just over a 2 hour drive from the Central belt of Scotland. So you can easily fly into Glasgow, hire a car and drive to Oban to catch the ferry. If you prefer public transport the train terminal in Oban is right at the ferry terminal. So you can easily get a train from Glasgow to Oban to catch the ferry, It’s a pretty beautiful train journey by lochs and through forests too.
The Lochaline to Fishnish route is not bookable and a much smaller car ferry. It’s only a 40 minute wait for the next ferry if you can’t get on the first one. It tends to be busy when the Oban ferry is cancelled and people are trying to get home to Mull. At other times you don’t need to wait long at all. This ferry is best if you’re not sure exactly which day or time you want to travel to Mull or if you were exploring further North in the Highlands.
There is also the alternative route of Kilchoan to Tobermory, although Kilchoan is quite far out of the way by car. If you are visiting the area around Kilchoan (there is Ardnamurchan Lighthouse, beautiful beaches and an ancient supervolcano crater) and want to go to Mull afterward, then this would be the best route.
Tobermory and North Mull
The colourful houses of Tobermory were immortalised in the kids Television programme Balamory. You will most likely want to wander along the harbour front admiring the colourful houses and getting a few photos. There are plenty of gift shop and craft shops, plus cafe’s and the Mull museum. Adults may enjoy a trip to the Tobermory Distillery too. Also, don’t miss the Mull aquarium, it might be small, but it’s interesting for all ages! Nearby is Aros Park, which is worth taking a walk to from the main town.
From Tobermory you can take a boat tour to the Isles of Staffa and Lunga, it’s one of the best things to do on Mull. Try Staffa Tours for boat trips in the summer. The Isle of Staffa is the home of the famous Fingal’s Cave, rather awesome geological structures similar to the Northern Ireland Giant’s Causeway. Lunga is one of the Treshnish Isles off the West coast of Mull, you will find a puffin colony, alongside other seabirds, that are so used to humans you can be within a metre of them! It’s a great place to look out for dolphins and whales on the boat trip too.
There’s lot of fantastic things to do with kids on the Isle of Mull. From castles and beaches to islands and wildlife. It’s in the North of Mull that you will find some spectacular beaches, including Langamull and Calgary Bay. Langamull requires a little walk into the beach, around 2km, but it’s worth it for the lovely quiet beach. Calgary beach is a lot busier, but it’s huge so can fit many people in! Have a look at this post for more ideas of things to do with kids on Mull.
From Tobermory you head North West visiting Glengorm Castle (some lovely walks and standing stones) various beaches and of course the Calgary Art Trail. On the West coast you will look across to the isles of Ulva and Geometra. Hop on the Ulva ferry (a small pedestrian only boat) across to Ulva to explore the small island and find out where David Livingstone’s father’s family lived. The Boathouse is also renowned for it’s delicious seafood meals, definitely worth stopping after your walk before getting the ferry back to the mainland.
From Ulva journey South toward Loch Scridain, on the way stop off to look at the stunning views or walk along to the fossil tree for a refreshing hike.
South Mull
In South Mull continue West toward Fionnphort. There are many lovely small villages stop at as you progress along the road. Stop to walk along to the Carsaig Arches or Uisken to visit the nearby beach.
At Fionnphort you can book a boat tour to visit Staffa and Fingal’s Cave or across to Lunga. It’s also where you catch the ferry over to the Isle of Iona (park at the free car park by the Mull Makers building, just on the road to Fidden Bay. Fidden Bay has a great campsite right on the beach, which we love for families.
There are a few shops and a post office in Fionnphort, but the main highlight is for boat trips and access to Iona. From here head back East toward Craignure. On the way don’t forget to take a diversion down to Lochbuie, there’s a little café, public toilets and a short walk along the coast and up to the standing stones. It’s an interesting afternoon walk!
Before you get back to Craignure there is one more place to stop, Duart Castle. It’s in a perfect spot to admire the surrounding landscape, with plenty of history to learn about.
Take the ferry back to Oban or head over to Lochaline to travel further North in Scotland toward Fort William or further afield.
Isle of Iona
A stop on the Isle of Iona is definitely a must when visiting South Mull. You can just pop over for the day to visit Iona Abbey (famously founded by St Columba) or one of the beaches. However I personally think that they best way to visit, is to spend a few days on the island to really explore.
Check out this post for a complete guide to the Isle of Iona.
Here Are All My Guides To Visiting The Scottish Islands!
- Shetland Islands – The most Northernly islands in Scotland, but so much to see!
- Orkney Islands – Beautiful islands filled with history and wildlife.
- Isle of Skye – Popular with tourists, great to visit in the quieter shoulder season.
- Isle of Tiree – Popular for Watersports, it has plenty of beaches and hikes.
- Isle of Mull – Rugged island with amazing wildlife, beaches and hikes.
- Isle of Iona – Famous for St Columba, it has fab beaches and hikes.
- Isle of Islay – Often referred to as the whisky island, it also has fab wildlife.
- Isle of Gigha – A small island, but so much to offer, beaches, trails and views.
- Isle of Bute – Great island close to mainland, don’t miss Mount Stuart!
- Isle of Kerrera – A small island with excellent tea room, great for a day trip from Oban.
- Inchcolm Island – Tiny island in the Firth of Forth, great day trip from Edinburgh.
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