Best Things to do on the Isle of Mull
Hike amongst sweeping untouched landscapes, explore vast lochs, swim in turquoise ocean, admire diverse wildlife, discover rugged mountains, walk along craggy coastline, taste fresh seafood and visit quaint villages. These are just some of the best things to do on the Isle of Mull, continue reading our guide for more.
The Isle of Mull is a stunning island offering a unique blend of vast sweeping landscapes, charming villages, picture-perfect beaches, rich wildlife, delicious and fresh local cuisine, historic sites and endless peace and tranquillity.
Mull feels remote and wild and is a haven for lovers of nature and the great outdoors.
Hike Ben More Mountain or in the shaded woodland of Aros Park, explore one of the endless lochs on a kayak, if you’re feeling brave take a dip in the turquoise ocean and keep your eyes peeled for the diverse wildlife the island is home to.
In this guide, we’ll share the best things to do on the Isle of Mull as well as everything you need to know including how to get there, how to get around, where to stay, how long we’d recommend and the best time to visit the Isle of Mull.
But first, where is the Isle of Mull?
Mull is located off Scotland’s West Coast in the Inner Hebrides archipelago. It’s the second-largest island in the inner Hebrides after the Isle of Skye. The map below shows the exact location.
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Contents
Best Things to do on the Isle of Mull
Explore Tobermory
Exploring the colourful and picturesque Tobermory is one of the best things to do on the Isle of Mull.
Tobermory is the island’s main town and largest settlement with a population of around 1,000. It was made famous in the UK as the setting for the popular kids’ TV series Balamory.
The brightly-coloured buildings along the harbourfront are home to shops, cafes, restaurants and hotels and look out across the Sound of Mull to Calve Island.
Some of the top things to do in Tobermory are:
- Tobermory Distillery: a Scotch whisky and gin distillery started in the 1790s and is one of Scotland’s oldest commercial distilleries. You can take guided tours to learn how they produce their spirits and enjoy a tasting.
- Dining: one of the top things to do on the Isle of Mull is enjoy local food and Tobermory has a fantastic range of pubs and restaurants specialising in fresh seafood (more on this later).
- Mull Museum: close to the harbour is this small museum dedicated to the history, culture, heritage and geology of the island.
- Boat trips: Tobermory is the starting point for boat trips to nearby islands. See the puffin colonies at Treshnies Isles or explore Fingal’s Cave on Staffa Island.
- Shopping: Tobermory has several independent shops and galleries dedicated to the work of local artists and craftspeople. Perfect for something to take home as a reminder of your stay.
- Tobermory Lighthouse: Rubha nan Gall Lighthouse offers amazing views of the Sound of Mull and lovely coastal walks.
- Aros Park: for shaded woodland walks, impressive waterfalls and wonderful views, enjoy a walk around Aros Park (see more below).
Tobermory is a great base on the Isle of Mull as you’ll find the most dining and drinking options and shopping. If you’re only here for a couple of nights, we’d recommend staying here.
Hike in Aros Park; one of the most beautiful places to visit on Mull
Located near Tobermory is Aros Park; a beautiful woodland home to a tranquil loch, numerous hiking trails, several waterfalls, magnificent views and a range of wildlife.
You can walk to Aros Park from Tobermory along a scenic footpath offering beautiful views back to the town and bay through the trees and across the Sound of Mull.
Aros Park is home to Lochan a Ghurrabain; an artificial loch created to power an old mill and now provides a lovely place to relax, stroll around and spot diverse wildlife.
There are also two waterfalls in the park, Lower Falls and Upper Falls; a couple of the most spectacular things to see on the Isle of Mull.
We’d recommend combining the Waterfalls Trail and Lochan Trail to see the best of Aros Park. This route is approximately 3 kilometres and fairly easy.
Our top tip: one of the best times to visit the Isle of Mull is in the autumn for the gorgeous gold and red colours of the trees.
Take a Trip to the Isle of Iona
Located off the southwest of Mull is the Isle of Iona.
Known for its gorgeous raw natural beauty and history, visiting the Isle of Iona is one of the top things to do on Mull.
Untouched and wild white-sand beaches, spectacular wildlife and impressive historic ruins, the Isle of Iona is one of Scotland’s best-kept secrets.
Some of the top things to do on the Isle of Iona are:
- Explore the beaches: North End Beach, Traigh Ban nam Monach and Traigh an t-Suidh are the most well-known beaches on Iona. With pristine fine-white sand and turquoise waters, you may think you’re on a Caribbean Island (although the weather may bring you back to reality).
- Wildlife spotting: one of the best places for wildlife spotting is the beaches. As you can see from the photo above, we were lucky enough to see a seal.
- Hike Dun I: the highest point on the Isle of Iona with spectacular views over the island and across to Mull.
- Iona Abbey: this is one of the oldest and most important religious centres in Western Europe.
- Iona Nunnery: these historic ruins were once a Benedictine nunnery founded in the 13th century.
Although there are hotels on the Isle of Iona, we’d recommend staying in Fionnphort in the south of Mull as unless you have a permit, you can’t take vehicles on the ferry. Ferries run all day and the schedules change depending on the season so check online before you travel.
You can book tickets online before you travel which we’d recommend if you’re travelling during the summer as the ferries aren’t huge. We travelled on a windy rainy day in October so could easily buy tickets on the day.
Our top tip: ferries between the Isle of Mull and Iona aren’t very big so if the weather is really bad they don’t run. Bear this in mind as you don’t want to be stuck on the island.
Visit Langamull Beach; one of the best things to do on the Isle of Mull
Langamull Beach is one of the most beautiful places to visit on the Isle of Mull.
Located on the northwest coast, Langamull Beach has remained a hidden gem. This may be because it’s a bit of an adventure to reach.
You’ll walk through countryside and woodland to reach the rugged and remote beach, which just adds to the sense of adventure.
On a clear day, you may be able to spot some of the surrounding islands.
Walk Along Calgary Beach
Calgary Beach was one of our favourite places to visit on the Isle of Mull.
A vast expanse of fine white sand surrounded by incredible natural beauty. Dramatic cliffs, rolling countryside, coastal paths, turquoise ocean and rich wildlife make Calgary Beach one of the most beautiful things to see on the Isle of Mull.
As you can see from our pictures, we had a bit of every weather. These pictures were taken 5 minutes apart!
Calgary Beach is one of the most popular places to visit on the Isle of Mull. It’s very easily accessible unlike Langamull Beach so on a sunny summer’s day the car park will fill up quickly and it’ll be very busy.
Say Hello to the Highland Cows
You can’t visit the Isle of Mull and not see the Highland Cows; they’re everywhere!
Driving around the island you’ll see cows in fields, on farms and sometimes even on the road so be careful!
The Highland Cows really contribute to the island’s charm and you can’t help but smile everytime you see one.
Enjoy the Views of Loch Na Keal
The views of Loch Na Keal with a mountainous backdrop are some of the best views on the Isle of Mull.
Loch Na Keal is a sea loch located on the West Coast of Mull. It rewards visitors with magnificent mountain views, an abundance of wildlife, endless rolling green countryside, waterfalls and rivers.
For one of the best things to do on the Isle of Mull, take a kayak or boat out and experience the loch from a unique perspective.
Hike Ben More Mountain
Ben More is Mull’s only Munro and a prominent feature on the island’s landscapes.
Around Ben More is a hotspot for golden eagles so keep your eyes peeled and towards the sky.
From the summit of Ben More, you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views of the surrounding islands and, if it’s a clear day, you may be able to see the Scottish mainland.
Ben More is 966 metres tall. The hike to the summit is around 10.5 kilometres and should take around 6 hours depending on your route.
If you don’t have a full day, there are a range of other hikes varying in difficulty and length.
Visit Loch Scridain
On the southwest coast is Loch Scridain; one of the most beautiful places to visit on the Isle of Mull.
Loch Scridain is surrounded by rugged natural scenery, diverse wildlife, dramatic cliffs and a mix of sandy and rocky beaches along its shoreline.
There are a range of walking trails nearby that offer beautiful views of the loch and untouched landscapes.
Relax at Knockvologan
Visiting the remote white sandy beach of Knockvologan is one of the best things to do on the Isle of Mull.
Knockvologan is a gorgeous fine white sand beach lapped at by turquoise water. It’s the perfect place to relax in complete tranquillity on a sunny day (which as you can see from our photo, we didn’t have).
Around Knockvologan there are beautiful coastal paths and moorland with hiking trails and you can even walk across to the Isle of Erraid when the tide is low.
It’s also rich in wildlife so keep your eyes peeled for seals, otters and seabirds.
Be Fascinated by Carsaig; one of the most unique things to do on Mull
Carsaig is one of the most spectacular things to see on the Isle of Mull.
Unfortunately, when we visited the weather wasn’t on our side so we could barely see anything, however, this is one of the most geologically fascinating places to visit on Mull.
Huge cliffs plunge dramatically into the ocean at Carsaig Bay; a great spot for a picnic when it’s sunny.
Visit the Carsaig Arches for dramatic cylindric rock faces that were formed around 60 million years ago. During a period of volcanic activity, lava flowed for at least 5 million years and cooled and contracted and pentagonal and hexagonal columns have formed.
The cliffs at Carsaig Bay are home to golden eagles, buzzards, kestrels, ravens and feral goats.
The road to Carsaig winds through thick woodland where waterfalls suddenly appear out of nowhere alongside a red telephone box; one of the most surprising things to see on our Isle of Mull itinerary.
Enjoy Three Lochs Viewpoint
Offering incredible views over Loch an Eilein, Loch an Ellen and Loch Airde Glais, the Three Lochs Viewpoint is a must-visit.
Immersed in unspoiled rugged natural scenery, the Three Lochs Viewpoint is also one of the best places to visit on the Isle of Mull to see golden eagles.
See the Old Post Office at Lochbuie
At the head of Loch Buie is Lochbuie; a remote village that used to have its own post office. Today, the post office has been turned into a charming cafe serving a range of meals, snacks and drinks and there’s a small shop with local souvenirs and art. Perfect for souvenirs.
Lochbuie is a walker’s paradise with numerous trails around the loch, surrounding mountains, coast, and beautiful woodland (probably quite hard to picture from the photos of our rainy and foggy day).
Explore Duart Castle
Exploring the historic Duart Castle is one of the best things to do on the Isle of Mull.
Duart Castle is steeped in 800 years of history of The Macleans; one of Scotland’s oldest Clans and is one of the last privately owned Clan Castles in Scotland.
The castle is one of the best places to visit on the Isle of Mull for spectacular views over the Sound of Mull from its rocky peninsula.
It’s a 10-minute drive south of Craignure so it’s the perfect first or last stop on your Isle of Mull itinerary.
Visit Loch Frisa
At approximately 7 kilometres long, Loch Frisa is the largest loch on the Isle of Mull.
A well-worn forestry track runs its entire eastern length so walks can be started from either end. The track is also great for cycling if you have a bike.
You’ll pass through dense forestry and clearings with spectacular views over the vast loch and surrounding hills.
Eagles are often spotted flying over Loch Frisa so keep your eyes out!
Eat Fresh Local Food
To round off our list of the best things to do on the Isle of Mull is eat fresh local (and delicious) food.
Mull’s local produce is typical of the Hebrides. You can enjoy beef, venison and lamb raised on the hills on Mull and lobster, crab, langoustines, mussels, oysters and various fish hand-caught in the surrounding waters.
Some of the best eateries on Mull are:
- The Keel Row, Fionnphort – with a restaurant and a traditional pub, this cosy spot serves great local produce with amazing views over the sea to the Isle of Iona.
- The Creel Seafood Bar, Fionnphort – a seafood bar located next to the ferry port in Fionnphort serving some of the freshest seafood on the island either caught by the owner or brought in by local divers.
- Cafe Fish, Tobermory – with a fantastic location on Calmac Pier boasting incredible views over Tobermory Bay to Calve Island and the Sound of Mull. This cafe has its own fishing boat so langoustines, lobster and squat lobster land daily at 4pm and local boats deliver other seafood.
- Hebridean Lodge, Tobermory – this cafe/bistro has a reputation for delicious homemade soup and baking and in the evening enjoy traditional and adventurous meals, local seafood, game and farm produce.
- Macgochan’s, Tobermory – an award-winning vibrant pub renowned for live music and a popular social hub of the town. The pub specialises in local food with much of the seafood sourced from the bay directly in front of the pub and meat from local farms. Their ‘sourcing local’ philosophy also extends to their drinks with local whiskies and gins served in the bar.
- The Bellachroy, Dervaig – established in 1608, the Bellachroy is the oldest inn on the Isle of Mull. At the relaxing restaurant, you can enjoy homemade Scottish dishes using local produce wherever possible.
We hope you’ve enjoyed reading about the best things to do on the Isle of Mull. We’ll now share everything else you need to know.
Everything You Need to Know to Visit the Isle of Mull
Getting to the Isle of Mull
Getting to the Isle of Mull is by ferry. Caledonian Macbrayne operates 3 ferry routes to Mull; Oban to Craignure, Lochaline to Fishnish and Kilchoan to Tobermory.
Oban to Craignure is the most popular route and vehicle reservations are recommended. These can be booked online here.
The Lochaline to Fishnish and Kilchoan to Tobermory routes are Turn-Up-and-Go. You can pre-purchase an open ticket for a chosen departure date, valid for the season you’ve purchased it but without a specific time. Turn up at the departure port and go. You can also turn up at the departure port, hop on the next available sailing and buy a ticket on board.
Getting around the Isle of Mull
There are a few ways of getting around the Isle of Mull.
The easiest and most flexible way is driving. This gives you the most freedom and flexibility and allows you to reach incredibly remote places that you wouldn’t be able to without your own car.
Roads are single-laned and there are passing points now and again. During peak season, the roads get quite busy so bear this in mind and be respectful and mindful of other drivers.
Also, be careful of wildlife on the road. As you can see from the photo below, animals aren’t always contained in farms and fields so never drive too fast.
If using public transport to get around the Isle of Mull, West Coast Motors is the main bus operator. They operate services between Craignure and Tobermory, Tobermory to Calgary and Tobermory to Fionnphort where you can take the ferry to the Isle of Iona.
Alternatively, you can book multi-day tours through Get Your Guide which start on the Scottish mainland and include all your transport, accommodation and a knowledgeable guide.
Browse the tours below and click on a link to discover more.
How long to spend on the Isle of Mull
We were pleasantly surprised at how many things to do on the Isle of Mull there are. We had 4 nights and 3 full days and we’d have liked another 2 full days.
Allow one full day in Tobermory, one on Iona, one for hiking Ben More, one for driving between Tobermory and Fionnphort and making various stops and one for driving between Fionnphort and Craignure.
If time allows, also allow a day to be a write-off due to the weather.
The best time to visit the Isle of Mull
The best time to visit the Isle of Mull in terms of weather is between April and October. However, the weather is still unpredictable at this time.
Much of the island closes between October and March so it may be tricky to find accommodation and places to eat out.
Where to stay on the Isle of Mull
If you only have a couple of days, we’d recommend staying in Tobermory. You can drive out to many of the best things to do on the Isle of Mull and you’ve got the most accommodation and eatery options.
If time allows, Fionnphort is great for a couple of nights so you can spend a day on the Isle of Iona. Staffa House is a charming bed & breakfast run by a lovely couple who make you feel welcome and at home.
We hope you’ve enjoyed this guide to the best things to do on the Isle of Mull. If you have any questions feel free to leave a comment below. Also, make sure to follow us on Instagram to stay up to date with us in real time.