Isle of Mull
Inner Hebrides
Loch na Keal © Mille19 | Dreamstime.com
Mull is a large, unspoilt island with a coastline of over 300 miles, yet its population is only about 2,800 (2011 figures). Much-visited for its scenery (hills, waterfalls, sea caves, forest walks and beaches), it is also very popular for fishing and is home to 2 golf courses (at Tobermory and Craignure).
The southern and western parts of the island are where you will find the mountains. The highest of them all at 3169 feet is Ben More whose scree slopes are the remnants of a volcano which exploded 60 million years ago.
Many tours of the island and its neighbours (Iona, Staffa and the Treshnish Isles) are available. Tour information is provided at the end of this webpage after the sightseeing section.
Those of you with young children will know of the BBC TV series called Balamory - much of which was filmed in Tobermory.
Tobermory photo © The Internet Guide to ScotlandHow to get to Mull
The official Caledonian Macbrayne website lists the current timetables in detail. Tel: 08705 650000. The summer timetable operates from end March - mid October. The ferries in winter are generally less frequent.
Vehicle ferry from Oban to Craignure:
The ferry between Oban (90 miles north of Glasgow) and Craignure goes up to 10 times daily during the summer (8 times on Sundays) and is usually very busy. The journey takes about 40 minutes. Vehicle reservation required.
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Vehicle ferry from Lochaline to Fishnish:
Vehicle ferry from Kilchoan to Tobermory:
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 Ferry at Tobermory © The Internet Guide to Scotland |
Travellers' Tips
You'll need to take your time driving on the narrow, twisting roads. It may only be 20 miles from Craignure to Tobermory, but it can take a good 45 minutes by car. And if you're driving from Craignure to catch the ferry over to Iona, you'll need about an hour.As for public transport, there are 3 regular bus services on Mull operated by West Coast Motors:
- Craignure to Tobermory
- Craignure to Fionnphort
- Tobermory to Calgary Bay
These operate in conjunction with the ferry arrivals/departures. You can buy day tickets which enable you to hop on and off as many times as you like. Telephone West Coast Motors 01586 552319 / 01680 812 313.
Tour information - including day trips from Oban, wildlife excursions, self drive tours, and hiking trips - click here.
Taxi Service:
- Tobermory Taxis - 5-seater black cab - tel: 07810 666222
- Mull Taxi Service - 7 seater VW Transporter available for island tours, ferry pick-ups, etc. Contact Alan Robson - 07760 426351
- Mull & Iona Taxi. Transport by 8-seater minibus. Airport collections. Private tours available. Member of the Argyll Islands Tourist Guides Association. Contact David Greenhalgh. Tel: 01681 700 507 / Mobile: 0788 777 4550.
Car hire:
- Mull Car Hire in Craignure - tel: 07425127900
- Harbour Garage in Tobermory - tel: 01688 302 103
Bike hire:
- Brown's shop, Main Street, Tobermory. Tel: 01688 302020.
- On Yer Bike at Inverinate, Salen near Aros (not far from Tobermory). Contact Babs Whyte. Telephone 01680 300501. Open Easter - October only.
- Mull Cycle Hire in Tobermory is on Eas Brae (just a short walk up the hill from the main street). Electric bikes and mountain bikes available. Booking required. Tel: 01688 302923 / Mobile: 07880362007.
Activities:
- Mull Pony Trekking is situated at the head of Loch na Keal 2 miles west of Salen on the Killiechronan estate. Contact Liz - tel: 07748807447.
- Isle of Mull Cycling Club - web site with details of bike routes.
- The Mull & Iona Ranger Service holds a variety of events from April to October. Tel:: 01680 300640.
Events on Mull for 2024:
- 9 - 11 February: Fèis Mhuile - traditional music tuition and entertainment at Bunessan
- 9 March: Mull Classic Rally - car rally
- 25 - 28 April: Mull Music Festival - various venues around the island
- 17 - 20 May: Scottish Island Peaks Race - starts in Oban, then Mull (Ben More), Jura (the Paps), Arran (Goat Fell), then Troon.
- 2 June: Mull Cyclosportive around the island
- 18 July: Isle of Mull Highland Games, Tobermory
- tbc July - August: Ross of Mull and Iona Gala Fortnight
- 27 July: Mull Half Marathon, 10k and Junior Races - start Craignure
- 27 July - 2 August: West Highland Yachting Week
- 2 August: Bunessan Agricultural Show
- tbc 8 August: Salen Agricultural Show
- tbc 11 August: Tobermory Lifeboat Day
- 17 August: Tobermory Horticultural Society Annual Flower Show - Aros Hall, Tobermory
- 13 - 14 September: Mull Mod (music festival)
- 8 - 12 September: Mendelssohn on Mull Festival
- 11 - 13 October: Beatson's Building Supplies Mull Rally
- tbc late October: West Over Sea - Tobermory Book Festival
Visit the Round About Mull independent newspaper to find out what's on locally.
My travellers' tips file may also be useful if you are planning a trip to Scotland. It covers airlines, national car hire, train information, maps, etc.
What to see on Mull
WILDLIFE
Mull has lots of opportunities for wildlife spotting from birds to marine mammals and over 4000 plant species.
Guided walks with local Wildlife Rangers operate throughout the year.
Explore the forests of Mull courtesy of the Foresty Commission free leaflet.MULL EAGLE WATCH
Watch a pair of nesting sea eagles with a wildlife ranger as your guide. From April to October 2018, this is hosted by Craignure Golf Club. 90-minute trips will run at 11am and 2pm (not Saturdays). The exact meeting point near Craignure will be given when you book. Booking is essential - contact the Visit Scotland tourist information centre at Craignure - tel: 01680 812556.
There's also ranger-led trips to the White Tailed Eagle hide at West Ardhu (north-west Mull) from Mondays to Fridays at 11am and 2pm. Booking is essential - contact the Visit Scotland tourist information centre at Craignure - tel: 01680 812556.
Follow the sea eagle blog or follow them on Facebook. Sea eagles and golden eagles can also be seen in other parts of Mull (especially around Loch na Keal, Glen More and Loch Scridain).Boat trips to see whales and dolphins are available from various places on Mull - please see links below.
TOBERMORY
With its shops and restaurants, Tobermory is the capital of Mull and is well known for the brightly painted buildings of its seafront.
Photo © The Internet Guide to ScotlandThere is a Youth Hostel here in the main street, together with a bank, post office, butcher, chemist, hairdresser, launderette, supermarket and garage. Shops include a chandlery, clothes shop, art gallery, book shop, Mull Pottery, and Isle of Mull Silvers & Goldsmiths.
Browns is an Aladdin's cave and features fishing gear, whisky, gifts and many useful items to be found in the ironmongery section.
Island Bakery Organics has a delicatessen and lots of quality foodstuffs.
See the bottom of this page for restaurants and places to eat.In the summer, daily trips for sea fishing or wildlife viewing are available from Tobermory - to book, go into Tackle and Books in the main street (telephone 01688 302336). They have some resources online about where to fish when you are visiting Mull.
The harbour is often full of boats and yachts. It's also popular with divers too, possibly searching for gold bullion from the Spanish galleon Florida which took refuge in Tobermory bay in 1588 and was blown up by the local clan.
 Photo © The Internet Guide to Scotland |
Check out Tobermory Chocolate on Main Street which includes a shop with handmade chocs and cafe. Another good place for a treat is the Isle of Mull Ice Cream shop. The Tobermory Distillery at the far end has a visitor centre and offers guided tours (tel: 01688 302645). Along from the distillery, and the nearby pub/restaurant, you will find Explore Mull which provides alsorts of visitor information and booking services in their new exhibition trailer. Tel: 07812 543190. Taigh Solais is the newly built visitor centre by the marina. The centre includes toilets, showers and laundry facilities for visitors, as well as the Mull Aquarium with touch pools, gift shop, etc. Tel: 01688 302876.
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At number 28 on the Main Street, you can visit the Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust which has a multimedia exhibition and gift shop. Open during the summer Monday-Friday 10am-5pm and weekends from 11am-5pm.
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The Mull museum on Main Street is open Easter - October, Monday - Saturday (10am - 4pm). Operated solely by volunteers. Donations welcome.
In 1997, the old Victorian Gothic primary school opened as the home of An Tobar Arts Centre with exhibition, cafe, plus performance and youth projects spaces. This can be found up the steep hill on Argyll Terrace (Tel: 01688 302 211 / Fax: 01688 302 218). The cafe and shop are open Tuesday - Saturday, 10am - 4pm. |
 Photo © The Internet Guide to Scotland |
The Mull Little Theatre has new premises at Druimfin, just outside Tobermory. The company also has many touring shows (01688 302828).
From Tobermory, you can walk to the nearby Rubha nan Gall lighthouse at Strangers' Point. Go down to the pier and take the wooded path along the hillside. It can be narrow and muddy in places, so not everybody might want to go - especially if you don't like heights. You can retrace your steps to Tobermory, or this can be turned into a circular walk with a bit of a scramble up the hill to the golf course.
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Another walk from Tobermory starts at the other end of town near the distillery. The footpath runs along the hillside heading northwards. On the way you will see foxgloves and rhododendrons. Make a detour to the two waterfalls and look over to the Ardnamurchan Peninsula. The path will lead you to Lochan a Ghurrabain where there are toilets and a lake. Aros Park is also accessible more directly by road and is cared for by Forestry and Land Scotland. |
 Photo © The Internet Guide to Scotland |
Just outside Tobermory village, you'll find the Gallery and Café/Bistro of Mull Pottery (which has WiFi access) and also Martin Guppy's shop - full of his postcards, calendars and photos.
Robert Pollock describes the standing stones south of Tobermory.
 Photo © Glengorm Castle |
GLENGORM CASTLE
Glengorm Castle was built in 1860 for James Forsyth, the laird of the
Dervaig Clearances which forced hundreds of people out of their
homes. It is said that the laird asked a local woman what she thought would
be a good name for the castle. She suggested Glengorm and he agreed.
Little did the laird realise that this was Gaelic for Blue Glen - a reference to
the blue smoke that filled the air when so many of the houses were
destroyed on his orders.
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DERVAIG (8 miles west of Tobermory)
Village resting in the bottom of the valley near Loch a'Chumhainn.
The Dervaig Producers' Market is frequently held in the summer on alternate Sunday afternoons in the village hall - local produce & crafts, tea, coffee & cakes. Contact Cath on 01688 400474.Dervaig is home to The Bellachroy - the oldest inn on Mull. Renowned for good food (including many local seafood specialities), this 6-bedroom hotel has a friendly pub with regular entertainment. Tel: 01688 400314.
Near Dervaig is the award-winning Old Byre Heritage Centre which recreates life on Mull during the 19th century. Tea room and gift shop. Tel: 01688 400229.
From Croig near Dervaig, you can take a full day cruise or whale watching trip (8 hours approx.). Contact Inter-Island Cruises (Tel/Fax: 01688 400264).
Before you reach Dervaig along the road from Tobermory, if you have a good map of the area, you might like to explore some of the nearby standing stones. You will see a couple marked on the map to the left of this road, then closer to the village are the Kilmore standing stones located just inside the forest on the right. From there you can go deeper into the forest and after around half a mile you will see another clearing containing yet more stones by Maol Mor. Robert Pollock has produced an excellent guide with diagrams covering some of these stones.
CALGARY BAY (13 miles west of Tobermory)
A popular sandy beach with toilets. You might spot buzzards here. The Calgary Beach Sailing Club offers dinghy hire and tuition from May to October (tel: 0777 6130224 / 01688 400 465).
Photo of Calgary Bay Copyright © 1994 Corel,
The Internet Guide to Scotland and its licensors.
All rights reserved. Not to be downloaded or reproduced.At the Carthouse Gallery & Tearoom you can see lots of local artwork. Light lunches and home baking available. Tel: 01688 400 256.
Calgary Art In Nature includes pieces of sculpture within the woods at Calgary.
Robert Pollock describes the nearby Cillchriosd standing stone.TRESHNISH POINT
If you are driving around the island, continue on southwards from Calgary and take a walk to Treshnish Point which has great views of the Treshnish Isles. Treshnish Farm offers a variety of eco-friendly self catering accommodation including cottages, a studio and blackhouses. Visit their web site for photos of this dramatic coastline. Take a look at their nature blog and farm blog. There's supposed to be a cave near here which was once used as an illicit still.ISLE OF ULVA (just off the west coast of Mull)
Continue on the B8073, past the Eas Fors waterfall and you will reach Ulva Ferry. A small boat takes passengers over the Isle of Ulva ('wolf island' in Norse) where the grandfather of the explorer David Livingstone was a crofter. On the south shore is the burial ground of the Macquaries who owned the island for 800 years. Once, 500 people lived here, but the Highland Clearances put paid to that.
The Boathouse offers home baking and meals with local seafood (open April - September). Nature trails have been set up on the island.
After 3 generations of the Howard family owning the island, in 2018 the North West Mull Community Woodland Company (NWMCWC) was able to buy Ulva in a publicly funded community buyout.
The Boathouse © Mille19 | Dreamstime.comPassenger ferry only for the short crossing from Ulva Ferry (operates on demand) - contact Donald Munro (tel: 01688 500226). April to October (Monday - Friday) and Sundays in June and August. No Saturday service.
Ulva Ferry Community Transport operates a local bus service.You can also take the bridge from Ulva to its neighbouring island of Gometra. Gometra is one of the small islands off the coast of Mull in the Staffa Archipelago.
Along the western coast of Mull, you are quite likely to see seals on the rocks if you look carefully for them.
Turus Mara boat trips operate from Ulva Ferry (opposite the island of Ulva). They offer day trips to Staffa, Treshnish Isles and Iona. Telephone 01688 400 242 or freephone 08000 85 87 86. A courtesy bus available from Tobermory. A full package of coach/ferry/cruise is available from Oban - contact the Caledonian Macbrayne Tourshop in the Ferry Terminal Building, Railway Pier, Oban (tel: 01631 562244).
The Hen House coffee shop at Fanmore by Ulva Ferry offers home baking, drinks, soups and snacks to take away, plus local gifts. Great views across to the islands from outdoor seats.
At Ballygown (near Ulla Ferry) Lip na Cloiche Garden and Nursery is a small garden overlooking Loch Tuath and the Isle of Ulva. Plants, herbs and fresh eggs for sale, as well as beachcoming crafts and cards. Open all year. No admission charge (donations welcome). Contact Lucy Mackenzie Panizzon. Tel: 01688 500 257.
Ballygown restaurant (3 miles from Ulla Ferry) is open for evening meals. Homemade haggis a speciality. Booking is advisable as there are only 4 tables. Bring your own alcohol. Tel: 01688500113 / 07748046289.
Photo © The Internet Guide to Scotland 2008DUART CASTLE (near Craignure) - Official web site at duartcastle.com
This castle dates from the 13th century and was probably built for the MacDougalls. In the late 14th century, it became the seat of the MacLean Clan when the tower house was added. The family left the castle in the latter part of the 17th century when they retreated to the Treshnish Isles. Subsequently, Government troops took the castle and held it for some years.For over a hundred years it lay in ruin until it was bought and restored in 1911/12 by Sir Fitzroy MacLean. Duart Castle now houses much MacLean memorabilia. You can visit the kitchen, Banqueting Hall, the Sea Room and various bedrooms. Upstairs via spiral staircase is the story of the MacLean chiefs and you can also walk out onto the battlements. Prisoners (models really) from the Spanish Armada are kept in the dungeon.
Artefacts have been found on the wreck of a Cromwellian warship which sank in Duart Bay in 1653. The Swan was lost (possibly in a storm) whilst on a mission to attack Duart Castle and the pro-Royalist Macleans. Identified 4 years ago, the wreck lies in 42 ft of water and changes in the silt have now made it possible for divers to recover various items. In August 1996 the binnacle (including the ship's compass) was sent to a laboratory at the National Museum of Scotland.
Duart Castle is usually open from Easter / April until mid October. Free parking and entry to the grounds. Limited disabled access. Telephone: 01680 812309
The castle was used as a location in the 1999 movie Entrapment starring Sean Connery and Catherine Zeta-Jones.
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TOROSAY CASTLE (near Craignure)
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 Photo © The Internet Guide to Scotland 2008 |
CRAIGNURE
The ferry arrives here from Oban. There is a tourist information centre, inn, filling station, cafe, grocers & post office, as well as a swimming pool and golf course. Cycle hire is available from Kells Gallery & Crafts (tel: 01680 812580).
The Craignure Producers' Market is usually held monthly on Sunday afternoons from April to September in Craignure Village Hall. There's also a Christmas market for crafts and local produce. Tel: 01680 812028.SALEN
The small village of Salen sits at the narrowest point of the island, approximately halfway between Craignure and Tobermory. A minor road cuts across the island from here on the east coast to Gruline on the west coast. It is also convenient for the Fishnish ferry to Lochaline.
Facilities in the village include shops, laundrette, filling station and post office. There are 2 hotels and a coffee shop. An Agricultural Show is held here each year in August. Glenforsa airfield is one of the most spectacular grass airstrips in the UK and is available for use by small private planes.
The ruins of Aros Castle stand on the north side of Salen Bay.
Pennygown Chapel is 2 miles to the south of the village. Although now in ruins, it is still worth a visit as its graveyard has some interesting carved grave slabs.
Southern Mull
The A849 road from Craignure which heads for the western coast of Mull is a very scenic route with many hills and lochs. It follows the route that pilgrims to Iona used to follow. Drive past Loch Don and you will come to the Old Mill Guest House. Next is Loch Spelve with its mussel farm, otters and hundreds of birds.
At Ardura you can take a track down to Lochbuie, home of the MacLaines and site of Moy Castle and a Bronze Age stone circle. Robert Pollock has produced an excellent guide with diagrams covering the stone circle and also a standing stone.
Ben Buie (2352 feet) near Lochbuie
Photo © Mille19 | Dreamstime.comBack on the main A849 road you soon enter the valley of Glen More, a 6-mile-diameter crater of an extinct volcano.
Some 15 miles after leaving Craignure, the road splits in two. Continue on westwards to Pennyghael and Bunessan where there's a shop, hotel and the Ross of Mull Historical Centre
Robert Pollock describes stone at Ardalanish Bay south of Bunessan.
2 miles from Bunessan, Ardalanish Farm is home to the Isle of Mull Weavers which creates scarves, shawls, wraps, throws and blankets. This organic farm has Highland cattle and Hebridean sheep. Meat is available to buy. Open daily in summer from 10am to 5pm. Open in winter weekdays only from 10am to 5pm. Telephone: 01681700265.
From Bunessan you can continue onto Fionnphort if you wish to reach Iona.Otherwise, take the B8035 road leading northwards. On the Ardmeanach Peninsula (west of Ben More) is MacKinnon's Cave, near Balmeanach Farm. It is deeper than Fingal's Cave on Staffa. Inside is a huge stone called Fingal's Table, believed to have been used as an altar. South of this spot is MacCulloch's Tree, which was fossilised 50 million years ago and sits trapped in lava. You will need to be good walkers to reach these places. You can only enter the cave at low tide - so take care to watch the level of the sea.
Back on the B8035, just before the turn to Salen, north of Knock, is the Macquarie Mausoleum which contains the remains of the man known as the Father of Australia, who was born on the island of Ulva.
CARSAIG ARCHES AND NUNS' CAVE
If you stay on the A849, heading towards Iona, you will see a turn to Carsaig. The Carsaig Arches are a group of sea-made tunnels on the southern coast. Nearby, the Nuns' Cave has strange carvings, said to be the work of the sisters chased out of Iona at the time of the Reformation. These places are not easy to get to. Access to them is only possible at low tide, so watch out you don't get trapped by the sea.FIONNPHORT
At the end of the A849 road, you reach this village where the ferry takes passengers over to Iona. There are several places to stay overnight, a restaurant, and the ferry office. Fingal Arts & Crafts has a good selection of gifts.
Look across to Iona and you will see the Abbey. The Saint Columba Welcome and Exhibition Centre and Iona Abbey Information Point in Fionnphort is open daily 11am - 5pm, April - September. Tel: 01681 706400.
 Beach at Fionnphort - photo © The Internet Guide to Scotland |
 Ferry to Iona - photo © The Internet Guide to Scotland |
ISLE OF ERRAID
This information was kindly contributed by Paul Johnson and Debbie Herron:
'Along with a rich history of lighthouse builders and keepers, it also offered home to R.L. Stephenson and his family when he wrote Kidnapped. Indeed, a small bay on the south of the island is still carries the name of Balfour Bay. Some have said that Treasure Island was inspired by this and the surrounding islands. Currently it is home to a small group of people from the Findhorn Foundation (click for info). They manage and farm the island as an almost self sustainable community. A true permaculture. Always open to visitors and guests, the community provide facilities and services for anyone wishing to 'try out' their simple but spiritual way of life. Not dominated by the constraints of formal religion, all are welcome to share in their very rich, and rewarding life.'
Erraid is a tidal island just south of Fionnphort. Visit the Erraid web site.CRANNOGS
Nine crannogs (ancient loch dwellings) on Mull have been surveyed by Mark Holley.Excursion to Ardnamurchan & Morven (on the mainland)
Why not make a day-trip over to this rugged part of the mainland opposite Mull. Take the ferry from Tobermory to Kilchoan or from Fishnish to Lochaline. Ardnamurchan Point is the most westerly place on the mainland.
View across Tobermory bay looking towards Ardnamurchan & Morven © The Internet Guide to Scotland
Tours and excursions of Mull, Iona, Staffa and the Treshnish Isles
For full details of combined boat and coach day-trips from Oban to Mull, Iona, Staffa and the Treshnish Isles click here
Other tours include:
- Mull & Iona Taxi is operated by David Greenhalgh who is a founder member of the Argyll Islands Tourist Guides Association. Transport by 8-seater minibus. Private day or half day tours. Airport collections possible from the mainland. Walking tours on Mull and Iona also available. Tel: 01681 700 507 / Mobile: 0788 777 4550.
- Mull Magic can offer day walks starting from Tobermory (with collection from Craignure if necessary), or 5-night walking holidays based on the island. Custom guided walks and self guided tours also available. Tel: 01688 301213 / 07923 153976.
Boat trips / cruises / diving:
- Gordon Grant Tours offer boat trips from Tobermory and Kilchoan (Ardnamurchan peninsula):
- Tobermory Bay & seal colony - 1 hour wildlife cruise
- Staffa and Treshnish Isles (including up to 2 hours ashore on Lunga) - 6 hours
- Whalewatching and Treshnish Isles (including up to 2 hours ashore on Lunga) - 6 hours
They also have a variety of coach & boat trips departing from Oban, and cruises from Fionnphort (Mull). Tel: 01681 700338 / 01631 571112 / 01631 562842. Online booking available.
- Sea Life Surveys have a choice of 2 different boat trips from Tobermory - whale watching or an 'Ecocruz'. Booking recommended. Tel: 01688 400 223 / fax: 01688 400 383. They established the Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust in 1992.
- St. Hilda Sea Adventures offers 5 to 11 night cruises for up to 6 people onboard St Hilda or 8 people on Seahorse II. Ideal for family holidays. Departing from Dunstaffnage Marina near Oban, there are scheduled cruises around Mull, Iona, Staffa, Treshnish Isles, Islay, Jura, Skye, Small Isles and the Outer Hebrides including an 11-night voyage to St Kilda. Private charters also available. This ex-tall ship, St Hilda, is a 54ft wooden ketch with 2 cabins (1 double and 1 with 4 berths) with a skipper and cook. Seahorse II is a small ship for 8 guests with 2 single cabins, 2 twins and 1 double cabin. Bed and Breakfast can be available when the vessel is moored in Tobermory Bay. Packed lunch or dinner can be added to the B&B package. Tel: 07745 550 988.
- Northern Light offers private charter, wildlife cruises, bird-watching and whale-watching cruises, dive charter, island cruising and research and survey services. 2 boats based in Oban. Tel: 01680 814260.
- New Horizon Sailing - sailing holidays onboard an 'Oyster' yacht around the west coast, including the Inner and Outer Hebrides. Holidays start from Tobermory.
- From Croig near Dervaig, you can take a full day cruise or whale watching trip (8 hours approx.). Contact Inter-Island Cruises (Tel/Fax: 01688 400264).
- Calgary Beach Sailing Club - dinghy hire and tuition (May-October) at Calgary beach. Skills workshops also available. Skippered cruises and day trips for 2 people from Tobermory can be booked onboard Ocean Minx, a 36-ft traditional wooden sailing vessel. Tel: 0777 6130224 / 01688 400 465.
Featured Accommodation
B&B Accommodation |
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Contact: Jane & John Noddings
Self catering caravan also available |
SEAVIEW B&B
The home of authentic Scottish island hospitality, delicious food, good craic
Just a minute's walk to the ferries to Iona and Staffa.
Scottish Tourist Board 4 Star Gold B&B.
B&B prices £80 - £105 per room per night (based on 2 sharing)
The owners are happy to help you plan your day
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Glengorm Castle
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GLENGORM CASTLE
Fairytale Baronial Castle built in 1860.
Family owned, tranquil retreat.
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Self Catering Accommodation |
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Contact: Jane & John Noddings
B&B also available nearby. |
THE BOTHY - CARAVAN
Spacious, luxury 36' x 12' Tudor Goodwood static caravan.
Fully equipped to a high standard with fridge,
Rental prices from £290 per week
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Additional accommodation listings:
There are lots of places to stay in Tobermory and all over the island of Mull.
Useful accommodation directories can be found on:Arle Lodge (5 miles from Tobermory) offers the comforts of a B&B with the convenience of self catering. 36 beds (twin / family rooms), hot showers, kitchen and a large sitting room which can double as a lecture room for groups. Children over 8 welcome. Suitable for individuals, couples or groups. B&B price includes self service continental breakfast, or you can exclusively hire the whole lodge for self catering. Contact the Morris Family. Tel: 01680 300299.
St Hilda, an ex-tall ship, is a 54ft wooden ketch with 2 cabins (1 double and 1 with 4 berths) with a skipper and cook. Bed and Breakfast onboard can be available when the vessel is moored in Tobermory Bay between cruises. Packed lunch or dinner can be added to the B&B package. Tel: 07745 550 988.
Bed and Breakfast:
- Achaban House is a 150-year old former manse overlooking Loch Pottie, on the western tip of the Ross of Mull. Less than 1 mile from Fionnphort. 3 Star Guest House with 6 bedrooms (1 family, 2 double, 2 twin, 1 single).
- Brockville is a 4 star B&B in Tobermory in an elevated location off Raeric Road. 2 spacious bed-sitting rooms with ensuite facilities. Wi-Fi access. Contact Helen Chalmers. Tel: 01688 302741.
- Craigrowan is a 4 star B&B with 3 ensuite bedrooms at Pennyghael overlooking Loch Scridain. Member of Scotland's Best B&Bs. Contact Reg & Sue Morgan. Tel: 01681 704230.
- Cuin Lodge offers 3 star B&B with double/twin/family bedrooms. Situated on the side of Loch Chumhainn (Cuin) 1 mile outside the village of Dervaig. Contact Philippa and Graham Dale. Tel: 01688 400346.
- Druimnacroish is a 3 star guest house with 6 double/twin bedrooms. Situated in 3 acres of gardens, 1.5 miles from Dervaig. 10 miles from Tobermory. Evening meals available by arrangement. Contact Neil & Margriet. Tel: 01688 400274.
- Harbour Guest House on the harbour front at Tobermory has a choice of rooms (single, double, twin, family). Contact Robin & Louise Harrowsmith. Tel: 01688 302 209
- High Oatfield is an organic B&B with 2 ensuite double rooms. Located near Lochdon (about 4 miles south of Craignure). Contact Mike and Jen Swift. Tel: 01680 812323
- Killoran House is situated 1.5 miles from Dervaig. 5 ensuite bedrooms (double & twin). Contact Natasha and Craig. Tel: 01688 400362.
- Linnhe View Bed & Breakfast is a former manse at Craignure and has 3 bedrooms (double/twin/single). A very warm welcome awaits you from owners Jim & Mary van Heerden. Tel: 01680 812007.
- The Argyll Arms at Bunessan is apparently a 'really nice genuine place with super sea views, lovely rooms and offers good value for money.'
- Situated in Dervaig The Bellachroy - the oldest inn on Mull - has 6 ensuite bedrooms. Renowned for good food (including many local seafood specialities), with a friendly pub with regular entertainment. Tel: 01688 400314.
- The Highland Cottage Hotel offers a 4 star B&B in Tobermory. Recommended by the AA and Johansens. Six luxurious bedrooms at different tariffs (including 2 rooms with a four-poster bed!) and excellent food (2 AA rosette restaurant). Personal service and friendly atmosphere. Contact David and Jo Currie. Tel: 01688 302030.
Self Catering:
- Achaban Cottage is a converted 150-year old stable overlooking Loch Pottie, on the western tip of the Ross of Mull. Less than 1 mile from Fionnphort. 2 bedrooms (double & twin). 3 stars.
- Ardnacross has 3 separate self-catering properties: Dairy cottage (sleeps 2), Cottage in the old farm square (sleeps 7) and the Farmhouse (sleeps 12). Scottish Tourist Board 3-4 Stars. Located between Salen and Tobermory on the east coast with views across the Sound of Mull.
- Ardachy House Hotel has a 1-bedroom self catering apartment for 2 - 4 people. Located on the Ross of Mull, 2 miles from Bunessan and 7 miles from ferry to Iona.
- Aros Mains is an 18th century Georgian house where a 3-bedroom apartment on the first floor sleeps and overlooks the ruins of Aros Castle. 2 adjacent cottages each sleep 4 - 5. Situated 2 miles north of the village of Salen in centre of Mull.
- Calgary Cottages - Lime Tree Cottage (2 bedrooms, sleeps 4) and Bramble Cottage (3 bedrooms, sleeps 6) are situated near the Calgary Farmhouse and Carthouse Gallery / Tearoom.
- The Carthouse Lofts are across the courtyard from the Calgary Farmhouse and situated above the Carthouse Gallery. Choice of two 1-bedroom lofts, each sleeping 2 - 4. Only 300 metres from the white sands of Calgary Beach.
- The Coach House and Studio Apartment are in a renovated 18th century property at Kilpatrick, close to Duart Castle. The Coach House sleeps 6 in 4 bedrooms. The Studio sleeps 2/3 in 2 bedrooms.
- The Coach House in the grounds of Ardfenaig House has 2 bedrooms and sleeps 4 - 6. Scottish Tourist Board 4 Stars.
- Cill-Mhoire Lodges offer 3-star self catering in 2 lodges (1 sleeping 4, 1 sleeping 6). Set in extensive gardens near Dervaig.
- Corrie Cottage sits on the edge of Fishnish Bay in 40 acres of private ground on the east coast of Mull between Craignure and Tobermory. Sleeps 4 + 2 with 2 bedrooms (1 double, 1 twin).
- Crannich Holiday Caravans - 3 self catering holiday caravans on a farm in Glen Aros, near loch Frisa and the White Tailed Eagle 'hide'. Each caravan sleeps 4 people (2 bedrooms, bathroom, kitchen / dining / living area). Available from April to end September.
- Druimnacroish has a self catering wing with 1 kingsize double room and 1 bedroom with full-size bunk beds, living/dining room, kitchen, bathroom. Located 1.5 miles from Dervaig. 10 miles from Tobermory.
- Eastcroft is a traditional crofters cottage with 1 bedroom which has 1 double bed & 2 single beds. Situated at Lochdon, about 3 miles from the ferry terminal at Craignure.
- Glenaros Holiday Cottages: 5 self catering holiday cottages on a working estate farm. Each cottage is individual in style, with open fires, cosy bedrooms, well equipped kitchens and have spectacular views. They are open all year and have STB 2 star grading.
- Glenfuran Cottage offers self catering accommodation for 5 + 1 in 3 bedrooms. Located on the outskirts of Tobermory. Scottish Tourist Board 4 Stars.
- Otter Holt in the village of Salen is a self-contained holiday apartment, sleeping 2 (+2).
- Sanna Cottage in Tobermory is a cedar chalet for up to 6 people (1 double bedroom, 1 twin bedroom, 2 sofa beds in the lounge). Views over Tobermory Bay and the Morvern peninsula. Short breaks also available at times.
- Seaview Cottage on the outskirts of Salen sleeps 5 - 7 in 2 bedrooms.
- Steading Holidays - variety of self catering accommodation on Mull and in Ardnamurchan
- The Bothy is a self catering static caravan in Fionnphort (Iona ferry & boat trips). Ideal for couples and families (up to 4 people). Cycle hire is also available.
- Dervaig Bunkrooms is a self-contained unit sleeping 6 people in 2 rooms (one sleeping 4, one sleeping 2). Contact Lucy - 07435656420. Dervaig is 7 miles north of Tobermory.
- The Puffer Aground - choice of two 1-bedroom self catering cottages in Aros near Salen.
- The Smithy is a large house with 4 bedrooms sleeping up to 8 people. Located on the west coast of Mull overlooking Loch Tuath, Ulva and Gometra.
- Traigh Mhor is a traditional crofter’s cottage near Bunessan in the south of Mull. 6 miles from the ferry to Iona. 3 bedrooms, sleeps 6.
- Treshnish Farm (near Calgary) has a variety of self catering properties including cottages, a studio and blackhouses.
Hostel / Bunkhouse:
- Tobermory Youth Hostel (Main Street) has 4-bed and 6-bed dorms as well as private rooms for 2 or 3 people. Online booking. Member of SYHA. Telephone: 01688 302481.
- Dervaig Village Hall Hostel (3 stars) has 10 beds for individual or group bookings. Open all year. Close to village pub and shop. Tel: 01688 400491 / 07919870664.
Designated campsites:
- Craignure - Shieling Holidays - from the Craignure ferry turn left on the A849 (towards Iona). After 400 metres turn left opposite the church, the site is just past the old pier. Views across the Sound of Mull and Loch Linnhe. Family run campsite with free hot showers and dishwashing facilities. Pitches for caravans, campers, trailer tents and tents. Also glamping in the Shielings (unique tiled and carpeted cottage tents). Free WiFi. Laundrette. Calor gas. Chemical disposal, motorhome/campervan waste disposal point. Common Room with multi-fuel stove, TV, kettle and microwave. Designated campfire and barbecue area. Games room with small pool table and full size ping-pong table. Dogs welcome. Tel: 01680 812496.
- Tobermory Campsite is 1.5 miles outside Tobermory (about 20 minutes' walk). Tent pitches. Hard-standing and grass pitches for caravans, camper vans, etc. Static caravans and shepherd's huts (glamping). Free Wifi. Toilets/showers. Dishwashing sink. Contact Angus and Catriona Williams. Tel: 01688 302615.
Other good spots to camp:
- Fionnphort - Fidden Farm - map ref. 303215 on Landranger 48 (on entering Fionnphort turn left past the car park, follow the road for 1.25 miles).
- Uisken - follow the road to Uisken from Bunessan for 3 miles.
- Loch Scridain - map. ref. 513295 on Landranger 48.
- Loch Beg - map ref. 532292 on Landranger 48.
- Loch Na Keal - map ref. 537412 on Landranger 48 (on flat grassy area between the road and river).
- Loch Tuath - map ref. 445424 on Landranger 48 (Eas Fors Waterfalls).
- Calgary Bay - map ref. 374509 on Landranger 48 (Next to the river just down from the public toilets). Caravans and Campervans are not permitted on the campsite at Calgary Bay.
Where to eat
In Tobermory you can get meals in numerous hotels. The Mishnish (food and live music) is particularly well known on the harbour front.
There are 2 Chinese restaurants and an Indian restaurant in the centre of Tobermory. The fish and chip van on the pier has a very good reputation. Also on the main street is The Gallery where you can eat in or out, and the Tobermory Chocolate shop & cafe. Look out for Posh Nosh Cafe too.At Fionnphort, the Ninth Wave Restaurant is open for evening meals and is highly recommended especially for seafood and island game. Tel: 01681 700757.
Mull Books and Maps
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If you are sightseeing and driving around the islands, then a very useful tool is the Official Tourist Map to Iona & Mull which pinpoints all the places to see on the islands or alternatively get the Oban and Mull Tourist Map.
If you intend to go hiking, particularly in the hills, you will need the scale of maps provided by the Landranger series. This area is covered by 3 of these maps, all produced by the Ordnance Survey which is the official map agency of the UK:
For suggested routes, get the book called Walk Oban, Mull and Lochaber. Written by Richard Hallewell it is a handy 64-page spiral bound book printed by Collins Cartographic.
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Mull and Iona
Lovely colour guide with over 100 pages of photos. Written by P.A. MacNab, it covers the local heritage and culture of the islands, wildlife and the landscape, history of habitation, the clearances, place names, places to visit, etc. Even if you don't get chance to buy it before you go, you will certainly want a copy for a souvenir when you have visited! Available to buy online via Amazon.co.uk (commission link). Very nice addition to my bookshelf. |
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Mull and Iona
Super photo book by Allan Wright of his travels from Oban to Craignure and then clockwise round Mull. Introduction by Bill Clegg (curator of the Mull Museum). Paperback. 120 pages. Published in April 2006. Order your copy from Amazon.co.uk (commission link) |
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The Isle of Mull
Another of those beautiful books which is far more than a mere guide book, but something to really treasure. Full of colour photos and information about Mull, it also covers the little islands around the coastline (Staffa, Ulva, the Treshnish Isles, etc.) and Iona. Dimensions: approx. 12 x 8 inches. Written by Alastair de Watteville who moved to the island in 1972. Amazon UK (commission link) |
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Mull & Iona: Highways & Byways
Written by Peter MacNab, this is one of the detailed b/w Luath Press guide books with maps. Excellent for discovering some off the beaten track places and historic sites not always mentioned in general Scottish guides. Includes info on where to find standing stones and wildlife. Also contains details of the main tourist attractions. Recommended if you really want to explore the island and understand its history. Paperback. 128 pages. Published in June 2000. Order your copy from Amazon.com or Amazon.co.uk (commission links) |
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Mull
An invaluable book if your ancestors came from Mull. This is the story of the people of Mull, as told through the stories of the landlords, tacksmen, cottars, ministers and others who actually lived on or visited the island. The story of those who became rich and those who were bankrupted. The story of the Campbells replacing the Macleans. The story of civil war, Jacobite rebellion and then harsh repression. The economic boom through the cattle trade and kelp, and then economic crisis when these industries collapsed. From medieval society to tourism in the 20th century. Author: Jo Currie. Paperback published in 2001. 400 pages. Includes sections of old b/w photos, colour photos and portraits. Order your copy from Amazon.co.uk (commission link) |
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Oban, Mull and Kintyre
Another useful colour guide book especially for walking in this area. By Brian Conduit and John Brooks. Amazon UK (commission link) |
Tourist Information Centres
The Pier, Craignure, Isle of Mull
Telephone: 01680 812377
Open all year.
Request a free brochure from the official tourist board.
Explore Oban & Mull downloadable PDF leaflet
Free Tourist map of Mull & Iona (courtesy of the Oban Times)
Links to External sites:
Holiday Mull web site
Explore Mull
Tobermory
Isle of Mull Family History pages
Robert Pollock's guide to standing stones and circles on Mull
mullbirds.com by Alan Spellman
mullart.com - paintings by Angus Stewart
Brown and Whittaker Publishing - books about Mull