Posted by Maris on 23rd Apr 2024
The Best Things to See and Do on the Isle of Mull
The second-largest island in the Inner Hebrides archipelago off the west coast of Scotland is the Isle of Mull, after the Isle of Skye. Many tourists take the ferry from Oban, although after a lengthy drive through breathtaking scenery, it's also feasible to take a boat from Kilchoan or Lochaline. What draws visitors to this island in Scotland? Here, we learn about the sights and activities available on Mull.
Tobermory
Those who have watched the children's television series Balamory will be able to quickly identify this as Mull's principal town. Here at the dock, on the ferry from Kilchoan, Tobermory is particularly charming. Tobermory is small, yet it packs a lot of attractions into its little town, starting with the charming painted homes that line the waterfront. This is home to the outstanding Mull Museum, and the town offers good dining alternatives such as Mishnish (which has rooms) and Café Fish.
Tobermory Distillery
As its name implies, Tobermory Distillery was founded in the town in 1798. The distillery, which was once known as Ledaig, has seen ups and downs and closures on several occasions, but in the last 20 years, it has prospered. Tobermory distillery offers three distinct tour levels for visitors to choose from, just as some other distilleries in Scotland.
Duart Castle
Built around a 13th-century keep with later additions, Duart Castle is the ancestral home of the Maclean Clan. It was eventually purchased and renovated in 1911 after being abandoned in 1751. Today, visitors can take a tour of the castle and dine at the tearoom, which serves delectable, in-season food made with materials grown in the castle garden. The region is breathtakingly gorgeous, and the castle has been used in several films, including as Entrapment, which starred Sean Connery and Catherine Zeta-Jones. The castle can also be rented out for a wedding. Mull features a number of castles, including Dun Ara, Aros, Moy, and Torosay, just as other parts of Scotland.
Lochbuie Standing Stones
Even though Duart Castle is ancient, Mull still has traces of an even earlier era. Lochbuie is one of the best sites to see signs of prehistoric activity. This is where you can locate a Bronze Age circle of standing stones. This is a serene location that can be paired with a wildlife trip because there is a lot to view in the vicinity of the circle. There are more standing stones to discover on Mull, as well as other prehistoric archeological relics such cairns and costs.
Tobermory Golf Club
The golf course above Tobermory is not the easiest, in part because of the spectacular but distracting view. This course should not be taken lightly, since it features nine difficult holes—and not just because of the vista. This course is an excellent illustration of how creative thought may result in a genuinely memorable game; although it is little, it is well-designed. You might be tempted to add a little extra cash to the honesty box because you will think the price is a real steal. Don't miss this if you're a golfer visiting Mull.
Ben More
There's only one Munro (mountain exceeding 3,000 feet) on Mull (914m). Ben More is its name, and it's the only Munro on an island in Scotland outside Skye. On a clear day, the views from the summit of this reasonably easy climb are fantastic, making the effort worthwhile. If it's unclear, be aware that the mountain contains magnetic rocks, which could cause your compass to give you erroneous directions.
Dolphin and whale watching
A wide variety of marine species can be found in the UK's richest seas, which surround Mull. Owing to its abundance, boat trips departing from the island visit some of Europe's greatest places to see cetaceans. Seals, dolphins, porpoises, orcas, minke whales, and basking sharks can all be found here. Tours depart from Iona as well as Tobermory.
Beaches
Mull's coastline is incredibly diverse, featuring rocky coves, pebble beaches, sand dunes, machair, and long miles of gorgeous beach. Because there are so many miles of shoreline and not many people, you can usually find a spot to relax or have a picnic by yourself (except from the occasional Highland cow or sheep). Also, be prepared to witness a lot of wildlife. It is hard to choose just one or two to highlight specifically when there are so many possibilities available. The most well-known beach is perhaps Calgary Beach, which is located in the island's north and has turquoise waters and white beaches. You can find a tiny beach on Duart Castle itself; just stroll beyond the tearoom.
Wildlife watching
Mull is teeming with fauna. There are natural world marvels to be discovered everywhere from the top of mountains to the ocean floor. Due to their size, white-tailed sea eagles are sometimes referred to as "flying barn doors," and here is one of the greatest sites in the UK to observe them. If you just sit on the coast and wait, you can find both of them on your own, but there are also walking tours guided by incredibly informed staff, or boat trips available with local experts who know just where to look. These up-close and intense interactions are Mull's main attraction for a lot of tourists.
Iona
This one may seem a little unfair because Iona is an island that is not part of Mull, but in order to get to Iona (unless you have your own boat), you must travel to Mull and then take the Fionnphort ferry from there. The ethereal quality of Iona is enhanced by its journey across Mull. This is the site of the renowned Iona Abbey, which is home to the tombs of numerous Scottish and foreign monarchs. There's something quite magical about this historic small island, so if you are ever in Mull, make sure to visit Iona.