The best things to do on the Isle of Mull
Earlier this year, the Isle of Mull was treated to a little glitz and glamour thanks to a visit from Prince William and Princess Catherine, but let’s be honest, we didn’t need a royal seal of approval to know that Mull is something super special! With its bone-white beaches, dramatic landscape and delicious local treats, Mull is the perfect island adventure for both day trippers and longer stays alike.
The adventure begins 🚗 ⛴️
From your lodge at Woodlands Glencoe, hop in the car and enjoy a scenic 50-minute drive to Oban. The route hugs loch and sea, so it’s worth leaving a little early to take in those glorious views! Once in Oban, head to the ferry terminal and catch the CalMac ferry to Craignure on Mull. The ferry crossing takes about 30-40 minutes, and if you’re lucky, you might even spot a dolphin or two en route! We would highly recommend booking your ferry tickets online in advance and there’s a café on board for snacks and a caffeine fix.
From Craignure, the island’s roads are easy to navigate, with most attractions signposted and reachable within a scenic drive. You can return via Oban, or, if you’re up for a longer loop, take the ferry from Tobermory to Kilchoan in Ardnamurchan and drive back via Glenfinnan and Fort William. It’s a bit of a journey, but the views? Worth every mile!
Beach, please! 🏖️
Mull has over 300 miles of coastline and its beaches are a real highlight. Langamull Beach is a bit of a hidden treasure. Reachable on foot, you can walk for 20-minutes from the nearest parking through pine forest and over heather-covered moorland. Calgary Beach is perhaps the island’s best known, with soft white sands, turquoise water and easy access right off the road. There’s even a handy café and loos nearby! Kilvickeon Beach feels like a well-kept secret! Take the ten-minute meander down to the beach and discover dramatic cliffs, rock pools and barely another soul in sight. Perfect for a peaceful wander or picnic.
The Art in Nature Trail 🎨
If you choose to visit Calgary Beach, we would highly recommend exploring the Calgary Art in Nature Trail. Situated right next to the beach, this woodland trail is filled with quirky sculptures and natural art installations. Pick up a map from the shop and enjoy a gentle walk among figures made of willow, driftwood and rope. There’s a little gallery and tearoom too, so you can combine nature, culture and cake. What’s not to love?
Eas Fors Waterfall 💧
Just north of Ulva Ferry, Eas Fors tumbles dramatically down the cliffs in a series of drops, finishing with a final cascade straight into the sea. There’s a layby nearby for parking and a short path leading to the falls. Watch your footing and definitely bring the camera!
Scoor Cave 🧭
Feeling adventurous? Scoor Cave, tucked away on Mull’s rugged south coast, is both mystical and slightly spooky (in a good way). Occupied in the late 6th – 9th centuries and once used as a hiding place during the Highland Clearances, the plentiful inscriptions and carvings are a fascinating slice of island history. You’ll need to walk across fields and down a steep-ish track to get there, so do wear sturdy shoes and check the tide times before heading out!
Isle of Mull Cheese & The Glass Barn Café 🧀
Just outside Tobermory, this family-run farm is a delight for the senses. Stop in at the Glass Barn Café, a leafy and light-filled space serving hearty homemade food, all made using their own award-winning cheese. After your meal, browse the farm shop or meet the friendly cows! Next stop, head to Mull Ice Cream, where they turn the same creamy milk into scoops of joy. Flavours include Tobermory Single Malt, Local Marmalade, and the classic Heather Honey. Enjoy!
Aros Park 🌲
If you need to burn off some of that cheese and ice cream, a walk could be just what the doctor ordered! Aros Park is a peaceful green haven just outside Tobermory and we highly recommend making a visit. This gorgeous space offers short, well-marked trails around a pretty lochan, through lush woodland and down to the sea. There are picnic benches, waterfalls and plenty of space for kids to run wild (or for grown-ups to relax with a flask of coffee and a view).
Creel Seafood Bar 🦀
This unassuming little shack in Fionnphort is well worth a visit! Whether you’re after a quick bite before catching the ferry to Iona or simply fancy the freshest seafood imaginable, Creel delivers! The shellfish landed in this area is in mega high demand all over the world, so when in Rome! Expect delights such as just-landed shellfish, hand-dived scallops and fish & chips.
Hop over to Iona 🏝️
From Fionnphort, hop on the ferry (10 minutes!) to Iona, a tiny island with a big history. This is where St Columba landed in AD 563 and founded a monastery that would shape the spiritual life of the British Isles. If you want to get a view of the entire island a two hour walk will get you to the summit of Dun I, the island’s (modest) high point. Along the walk you’ll pass Iona Abbey and its gorgeous wildflower-strewn graveyard!
Mull Museum 🏺
Small, quirky and packed with character, this volunteer-run museum in Tobermory is a joy. Inside, you’ll find fascinating exhibits on island life, shipwrecks, crofting and local legends. The volunteers are walking encyclopaedias and love sharing stories, so just ask!
Climb Ben More 🏔️
Ready to earn your dinner at one of Mull’s incredible eateries? Ben More is Mull’s only Munro, standing proud at 966 metres. It’s a solid climb, with no shortcuts, but the views from the top are spectacular, stretching out over the island, sea and (on a clear day) all the way to the Isle of Skye!
