Isle of Mull, Scotland

Isle of Mull Scotland

The island of Mull is the second largest island in the Inner Hebrides (after Skye) and the most accessible of the archipelago. Of all the Hebrides, it has some of the most diverse scenery and magnificent flora and fauna. For lovers of the outdoors, it is a paradise with its verdant hills, gorgeous coastline and endless hiking opportunities. One of the best wildlife-watching destinations in Scotland, you might catch sight of basking sharks, dolphins, otters or seals as you walk along one of the island‘s many beautiful beaches. No matter your interest, Mull is sure to be an adventure.

Many people travel to Mull from the picturesque seaside town of Oban on the west coast of Scotland (just forty minutes by ferry) from Glasgow by train, but it is also possible to come from Kilchoan and catch the ferry to the captital of Mull, Tobermory. From Edinburgh, the journey to Oban takes around 3 hours.

What to See in Mull

Tobermory is the Scottish island Mull‘s capital and one of its most attractive towns in the Hebridean island network off the West coast away from mainland Scotland. With its pretty coloured houses set against the Tobermory harbour provide the stunning views seen on postcards, it makes a great base for exploring the island. complete with lively restaurants, cosy pubs including the Mull hotel coloured cottage, the mull railway and an interesting museum and arts centre. The museum, Mull Museum , records the history of the island and houses important artefacts including objects salvaged from San Juan, a Spanish Armada ship that sank in Tobermory Bay in 1588 . Given that the isle of Mull Scotland is one of the wetter islands of the Hebrides, this is a great rainy day activity. Tobermory Distillery, the island‘s only whisky distillery, was established in 1798 and is one of the oldest commercial distilleries in Scotland. The visitor centre is open every day with tasting tours available so you can sample the unique Tobermory whisky.

Duart Castle

One of Mull’s most famous attractions is Duart Castle, there are other castles such as Aros castle to visit. This is the ancestral seat of the Maclean clan. Set in a spectacular location, on the sea cliffs overlooking Duart Bay, the 13th-century fortress was abandoned for almost two centuries until it was restored in 1912 by Sir Fitzroy Maclean. Today, you can visit the magnificent castle and explore the 14th century keep, the dungeons, the Edwardian dressing rooms and the impressive Banqueting Hall. There is an exhibition on the turbulent history of the Clan, including stories of murder and betrayal.

Ben More is Mull’s highest peak with an elevation of 966 metres. From a summit on a clear day, there are spectacular views. One can see the Sound of Mull, the uninhabited island of Staffa, Ulva and the Isle of Iona. From the shores of the nearby Loch na Keal, the ascent up Ben More takes approximately four hours.

Mull is home to many Mull is home to many white sandy beaches but Calgary Beach (after which Calgary in Canada is named) is the best of the lot with a wide stretch of silver-white sand and turquoise-blue waters. It is a popular destination amongst wild swimmers and snorkellers but is also a great picnic spot for those too cold to enter the water.

Mull is also a wonderful destination to see some of your favourite marine wildlife. It is one of the best places in the British Isles for wildlife enthusiasts to see otters, a range of sea birds including puffins and the white-tailed sea eagle, short eared owls as well as whales and dolphins. Many people enjoy taking boat tours with local guides to increase their chance of spotting dolphins and minke whales and basking sharks splashing amongst waves. A wildlife cruise is also a great way to see the island‘s colourful scenery. Mature and senior travellers to any of the Hebridean island network within the inner Hebrides should plan to include a boat trip to Fingal’s cave and Calgary bay. If you would be interested in seeing some of these spectacular sights for yourself, please take a look at our Tracing 5,000 Years of Scottish History tour, our Scotland Islands and Shetland Islands small group tour or our Scottish Whisky and Other Wonders of Scotland Tour. All these tours visit Mull, often staying overnight in Tobermory, and visiting places such as Ben More and Duart Castle.

Articles about the Scottish Isles published by Odyssey Traveller.

The following list of articles published by odyssey Traveller for mature aged and senior travellers to maximise their knowledge and enjoyment of Scotland when visiting:

• The Scottish Isles
• Shetland Islands Discovered
• Questions about the Outer Hebrides
• How the Atlantic Ocean shaped early life in Europe
• Skara Brae

For all the articles Odyssey Traveller has published for mature aged and senior travellers, click through on this link.

External articles to assist you on your visit to Scotland

• A Long Love Affair With the Scottish Isles, in Pictures
• The hidden history of Scotland’s Small Isles
• 10 things you (probably) didn’t know about Scottish history

Refreshed January 2021