Isle of Mull
Scotland's Wildlife ParadiseThe Isle of Mull is a breathtaking Hebridean jewel where towering mountains meet pristine coastlines, ancient castles guard dramatic cliffs, and an abundance of wildlife thrives in unspoiled natural habitats.
Scotland's third-largest island is a brilliant destination for those seeking to explore off-the-beaten-path, whilst also enjoying welcoming Highland hospitality. From the colourful harbour town of Tobermory to mystical Iona Abbey and the geological wonder of Staffa, there's plenty to discover on and near Mull.
Whether you're searching for white-tailed eagles soaring overhead, puffins nesting on offshore islands or simply seeking tranquillity amidst spectacular scenery, a visit to Mull is guaranteed to stay with you for a long time.
Gaelic in Scotland
The indigenous language of Argyll contains a great richness of expression. Here we have shared a phrase from local Gaelic poetry about Mull.
'S bu deurach mo shùil nuair thug mi mo chùl (And teary was my eye when I turned my back)
Ri Muile nam fuar-bheann mór (On Mull of the great cold mountains)
With thanks to partners CHARTS
Why visit Mull?
Mull has it all: towering peaks, ancient castles, sparkling beaches and an abundance of wildlife.
The north west of the island feels remote and wild, with the chance of spotting whales or dolphins from the coastline. Picturesque Tobermory has specialist shops, excellent eateries and visitor attractions with the colourful houses circling the pretty harbour.
The rugged and mountainous centre of Mull has Ben More at its heart and the outstanding wilderness area of Burg peninsula. On the coast, the villages of Salen and Craignure provide hospitality for travellers, with nearby Duart Castle worth a visit.
Mull is a haven for wildlife watchers and nature lovers. Head to Loch Frisa to spot white-tailed eagles soaring in the skies or join a boat trip to enjoy spectacular views from the sea, visit neighbouring islands and spot marine wildlife. Must visits include the Isle of Iona, Staffa and Ulva.
Island Breaks for Wildlife and Wellbeing Experiences
A wild isle with towering peaks and soaring eagles, ancient castles and a rich cultural life.
Mull's Rich Island Heritage
Mull's strategic position along vital sea routes made it a prized possession throughout the centuries, with control shifting between powerful clans and kingdoms.
Clan Maclean & Duart Castle
Mull's history is dominated by the powerful story of Clan Maclean, who rose to prominence after the collapse of the Lordship of the Isles in 1493. The clan established their ancestral seat at Duart Castle, an imposing 13th-century fortress perched dramatically on clifftops guarding the Sound of Mull. After falling into ruin following the Jacobite uprisings, the castle was restored in 1911 by Colonel Sir Fitzroy Maclean, the 26th Chief. Today, Duart remains one of Scotland's last privately owned clan castles, welcoming visitors to explore over 800 years of clan history.
Today, Mull and its neighbouring islands have a total population of nearly 3000. Many of the population are Macleans, MacLaines, MacKinnons, Macquarries and MacDonalds, descendants of Mull’s ancient clans.
Explore Mull & Iona
Discover places to stay, eat & drink and things to do on the islands of Mull & Iona.Explore Eagle Island
Wildlife Watching on Mull
Mull is internationally known for its abundance of wildlife, including white-tailed eagles. Mull has the highest density of nesting golden eagles in Europe, and this spectacular predator, the UK’s second largest bird of prey, can often be seen soaring over the island’s remote glens, moorland and mountains.
Purpose-built viewing hides, such as those at Loch Frisa and on the Duart Estate's osprey platform, provide excellent vantage points whilst minimising disturbance to nesting birds. You can explore on your own or join one of the many wildlife tour operators offering expert-guided experiences to view white-tailed sea eagles, golden eagles, and ospreys.
Coastal areas offer exceptional otter spotting opportunities, with these playful mammals frequently visible hunting along shorelines, particularly during quieter morning and evening hours.
Boat Trips on Mull
To make the most of Mull, you need to get out on the water. Enjoy spectacular views from the sea, visit neighbouring islands such as Iona, Ulva or Staffa, and get up close and personal with a host of wildlife, including dolphins, seals, whales and sea eagles. Ferries run from Mull to a number of islands, and local operators offer specialised boat trips, from wildlife sea safaris to island adventures. A day trip to Staffa, including Fingal's Cave and Puffin spotting, is amongst the most popular trips.
Go for a Wander on Mull
Beach Walks on Mull
Mull's coastline is dotted with beautiful, sometimes hidden, bays and white-sand beaches. Popular walks include the walk to Rubh nan Gall Lighthouse near Tobermory, Knockvologan to Erraid (beautiful beaches) and Lochbuie to Laggan Sands. Discover more walks on our blog.
Hill Walks on Mull
More adventurous walkers can tackle Ben More (966m), this island's only Munro, which rewards the challenging ascent with panoramic views of neighbouring islands, the mainland mountains and, on clear days, even the coast of Ireland. Other fantastic hill walks include Beinn Talaidh, Ben Buie, Beinn na Drise and Dun da Ghaoithe.
Discover the Calgary Arts Trail
For a leisurely day out, head to the spectacular Calgary Bay. Stroll along its stunning white sand beach or even head for a swim in the chilly waters (for the brave only!). Calgary Bay also boasts its own arts hub: Calgary Arts features a gallery exhibiting work from local artists, a café and the ‘Art in Nature’ woodland walk adorned with sculptures that reimagine the landscape.
Explore Mull's Coastal Villages
Visiting Tobermory
Tobermory is the main town on the island of Mull, and its colourful harbour front is known for its appearance in the children's TV show Balamory. The town is home to a variety of independent shops, galleries, and the renowned Tobermory Distillery, which has been producing whisky since 1798. The Mull Museum provides fascinating insights into island life through the centuries, whilst An Tobar arts centre presents exhibitions, performances, and cultural events throughout the year. Excellent restaurants and cafes celebrate Mull's exceptional seafood, including langoustines, scallops, crab, and oysters landed at the harbour.
Fionnphort and Craignure
Fionnphort and Craignure are two villages on Mull not to be missed! Fionnphort (meaning white harbour) is located on the south-westernmost tip of the Isle of Mull. Its stunning sandy beach, featuring a large split granite boulder at its centre, makes for a beautiful photo opportunity. You can catch the ferry to Iona from here as well.
Craignure is the island's main ferry port. Pop by one of the local restaurants and watch the ferries come and go, whilst enjoying the views over Loch Linnhe and towards Ben Nevis. Duart Castle is only a short drive away from Craignure.
Further afield
Discover the Isle of Iona
Iona provides a profound contrast to Mull's wilder landscapes. This tiny island, known for being a cradle of Christianity in Scotland, exudes an atmosphere of peace and spirituality that touches visitors regardless of faith. It was here that St Columba established his monastery in 563 AD, making Iona a popular destination for pilgrims to this day. The beautifully restored Iona Abbey, with its medieval architecture and fascinating historical exhibitions, stands as one of Scotland's most significant religious sites. Wandering the island reveals stunning white-sand beaches at its northern tip, St Oran's Chapel housing ancient royal burials, and the ruins of an Augustinian nunnery. The island's wonderful flora and fauna, combined with its compact size, make it easily explorable on foot and a great day trip from Mull.
Staffa & Fingal's Cave
Heading on a boat trip to Staffa and Fingal's Cave is a must-do whilst visiting Mull. If you visit during Spring, you can enjoy puffin colonies nesting on the coast of Staffa. If you’re feeling adventurous, how about a wild swim in Fingal’s Cave? Basking Shark Scotland offers a bespoke ‘Swim Fingal’s Cave’ tour, where you can swim or snorkel into the cave. Whereas Wild Hebridean Swimming offers multi-day wild swimming retreats that take you on an odyssey across the Hebridean islands, including a swim in Fingal's Cave, depending on the experience.
Good to know!
Plan ahead to make the most of your visit.- Best time to visit: April to September offers peak wildlife activity, with puffins present April-August, whilst October brings the dramatic red deer rut. Winter is quieter but excellent for eagle watching and otter spotting.
- Ferry: Always check CalMac's service status before travelling, as weather can occasionally disrupt sailings. Book ferry tickets well in advance, especially when travelling by car or during the summer months.
- Local Facilities: Petrol stations are limited, found primarily in Craignure, Salen, Tobermory, and Fionnphort. Fill up regularly and carry supplies for remote areas. Tobermory has the island's main supermarket, banks, and medical centre.
- Toilets: There are limited public toilets on the islands, found at the ferry ports and in Tobermory.
- Eat & Drink: There is a selection of small shops, pubs and honesty boxes across the islands. Please take cash with you if you wish to support these.
- Stay: Book well in advance, especially for summer visits. Options range from luxury hotels and boutique B&Bs to self-catering cottages, camping, and glamping sites. Tobermory offers the widest selection.
- Camping regulations: Wild camping follows the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. Campervans and motorhomes must secure pitches in advance before travelling to Mull, as requested by Argyll & Bute Council.
- Respect wildlife: Always observe animals from a distance using binoculars or telephoto lenses. Never approach nesting birds or disturb wildlife. Consider joining guided tours led by experts for the best experiences.
How to get to Mull
Getting to Oban
To visit Mull & Iona, you first need to get to Oban. Oban is easily reached by taking the A82 which skirts the west side of Loch Lomond. Then either via Tyndrum or follow the A83 over the 'Rest and be Thankful' through Inveraray. Both journeys take between 2 and 3 hours.
A train service runs from Glasgow Queen Street station to Oban.
There is also a bus service that departs from Buchanan Bus Station in Glasgow and goes via Inveraray to Oban.
By ferry
There are three ferry routes from the mainland to the Isle of Mull. All ferries are run by Calendonian MacBrayne (‘Calmac’). All ferries that run from the mainland to Mull are passenger and vehicle services. Always check the Calmac website for service status and timetable before travelling.
Ferry Option 1: Oban to Craignure
Oban is the principal ferry port for Mull and (indirectly) Iona. Ferries run seven days a week, throughout the year.
Ferry Option 2: Lochaline to Fishnish
Lochaline ferry port is an unattended slipway. Tickets cannot be booked in advance for this sailing. Just turn up, wait for the next available sailing, and buy a ticket on board.
Ferry Option 3: Kilchoan to Tobermory
Kilchoan, located in western Ardnamurchan and the most westerly village in mainland Britain, has another unattended slipway. This service sails directly to Tobermory. Tickets cannot be booked in advance for this sailing. Just turn up, wait for the next available sailing, and buy a ticket on board.
IONA
This tiny island is famed for its serenity, tranquillity and beauty. The unique history of Saint Columba and Iona Abbey makes Iona a place of pilgrimage. The island also has a rich cultural heritage, which inspires creative people to live, work and visit. Despite its size, Iona is a thriving, welcoming community with shops, eateries, outdoor activities and events.
STAFFA
Staffa is an entirely volcanic island with dramatic basalt columns and caves. Regular boat trips bring visitors to experience the outstanding Fingal’s Cave, which Mendelssohn immortalised in his Hebrides Overture. Going ashore, it’s possible to view the many marine bird species nesting above the cave, including puffins!
ULVA
This community-owned island, with the tiny isle of Gometra attached by a small bridge, is an idyllic escape from modern life via a very short ferry crossing from Mull, where the Boathouse offers delicious home cooking. Ulva is a haven for wildlife and a peaceful walker's paradise with impressive archaeological and geological features.
TRESHNISH ISLES
Lunga is the largest of this evocative string of islands, easily accessible by regular boat trips, allowing you to experience its rare marine bird life up close during the nesting season, along with other fascinating flora and fauna.
Discover more inspiration on our blog
How to visit Fingal's Cave | Isle of Staffa | Wild About Argyll
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