Mull

"Out of all the islands I have visited, I have been to Mull the most. The island includes a few of the creature comforts that you would expect from the mainland such as good Hotels, and Restaurants, a supermarket, lively pubs and even a theatre. Which, if you have a family, can often be crucial in your choice of which island to visit. However, you are never too far away from remoteness and fabulous scenery and that is without mentioning the wildlife!

Mull is justifiably proud of it's Sea Eagles (also known as 'White-tailed Eagles'), which landed on Mull from the neighbouring island of Rum in 1980. Other Birds of Prey such as the Golden Eagle, Peregrine Falcon, Hen Harrier, Short Eared Owl, Buzzard, Kestrel and Sparrow Hawk are also seen around the island. I have seen Buzzards several times (usually on a minor road between Salen and Dervaig), sitting on top of Telegraph Poles. A truly majestic sight.

I have found Mull to be a great island to take the kids to. My children loved animal spotting and playing in the great outdoors. We visited the Castles and went to find where all the Balamory characters lived. It's also only 50 minutes away from the mainland on a regular daily ferry. My children are already longing to go back again ..."

How do I get to Mull?   There are two main ways to get to the Isle of Mull. Both are using Caledonian Macbrayne Car Ferries. The first and busiest route is from Oban on the mainland to Craignure on the east of Mull. Also, there is a Caledonian Macbrayne Car Ferry from Lochaline in Morvern to Fishnish in the north-east of Mull. It is also possible to get to Mull from Iona on the Caledonian Macbrayne passenger Ferry. To travel throughout Scotland and the UK, you can book your tickets through The Trainline.

How do I get around Mull?   There are three main bus routes on Mull. They are from Tobermory - Dervaig - Calgary, Craignure - Salen - Tobermory and also Craignure - Bunessan - Fionnphort. Taxi's are available from About Mull Tours and Taxi Service, based in Bunessan and from Mull Taxi Service in Tobermory. Also, there is Car hire available at MacKays of Tobermory Car and Van Hire. Most of the roads here are single-track but there are frequent passing places.

What's worth visiting on Mull?   Duart Castle can be seen on the approaching Caledonian Macbrayne Ferry and is a couple of miles drive from Craignure. there is also a bus that meets the ferry from Oban. Hebridean Adventures undertake daily Wildlife Cruises from Tobermory. The childrens television programme 'Balamory' was mainly filmed in Tobermory. Aros Park on the outskirts of Tobermory is also worth a visit. At the pretty village of Dervaig, which is famous for the local Church with it's pencil tower, it is possible to take a Boat trip to Staffa or the Treshnish Isles with Turus Mara. Finally, the Columba Centre in Fionnphort is a Museum dedicated to St Columba. Mull Magic offer wildlife walks and tours around several different parts of Mull, as well as Ulva and Iona.

Where can I stay on Mull?  There is a lot of accommodation on Mull. For example there is the Isle of Mull Hotel and Spa, near the ferry at Craignure, Tiroran House, towards the centre of the island and Park Lodge Hotel and Highland Cottage in Tobermory. Bed and Breakfast on Mull includes Brockville in Tobermory, Seaview in Fionnphort and An Caladh in Bunessan. There is also camping available at The Shielings in Craignure, Balmeanach Park near Fishnish and Tobermory Campsite. There is also a Hostel in Tobermory and at Glenaros Lodge near the shore of Loch Na Keal. Self-catering accommodation includes Cill-Mhoire Lodges in Dervaig, Falls Lodges in Tobermory, Aros Mains near Salen, Achnadrish near Dervaig and KIlliechronan House in Killiechronan. Also available is But n' Ben and Ardrura Cottage near Craignure, Craig Ben Cottage and Craig Ben Lodge in Kinlochspelve and Corry House in Fishnish.

Are there any books/DVD's about Mull?  Eagle Island - A Year On The Isle Of Mull [DVD], Isles of Mull, Iona and Staffa (Landmark Visitor Guide) by Hilary M. Peel, The Isle of Mull: Tranquillity and Spectacular Beauty in the Inner Hebrides (Island Tributes) by Alastair De Watteville, Yachtsman's Pilot to the Isle of Mull by Martin Lawrence, Island Voices: Traditions of North Mull by Anne Mackenzie,  Mull: The Island and Its People by Jo Currie 

Are there any E-Books about Mull? Walking on the Isle of Mull by Terry Marsh

Any other information on Mull?  If you need something to keep the kids amused try 'The Quest'. This is is a children's adventure project created by the people of Mull. It consists of a series of "Treasure Hunt" styled challenges
and involves Treasure Seekers finding hidden objects, identifying wildlife
and completing various other interesting tasks.

Other islands in Inner Hebrides: Arran, Bute, Coll, Colonsay, Cumbrae, Easdale, Gigha, Holy Isle, Iona, Islay, Jura, Lismore, Luing, Seil, Tiree, Ulva