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Isle of Mull, Scotland

Tobermory, the capital of Mull

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 (about 45 minutes by ferry) from Glasgow by train, but it is also possible to come from Kilchoan and catch the ferry to the capital of Mull, Tobermory. From Edinburgh, the journey to Oban takes around 3 hours.

Small Group Tour

Scottish Islands and Shetland

20-Day Tour · Glasgow to Edinburgh · Small group, up to 16 travellers, solo travellers welcome

Two days on Mull take in the island’s moorland and coast, Tobermory’s harbour and a day crossing to Iona, on a 20-day journey by ferry from Arran to Shetland.

View the Scottish Islands and Shetland Tour

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. It has lively restaurants, cosy pubs, an interesting museum and an 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. Tasting tours let you 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, Mull

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.

Calgary Beach, Mull

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.

A white-tailed sea eagle hunting on Mull. It is the largest UK bird of prey.

A white-tailed sea eagle hunting on Mull. It is the UK’s largest bird of prey.

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 travellers visiting the Inner Hebrides should try to include a boat trip to Fingal’s Cave on Staffa.

If you would be interested in seeing some of these sights for yourself, Mull is one of the stops on our 20-day Scottish Islands and Shetland small group tour. The group spends two days on the island: a day exploring Mull’s moorland, coast and the harbour town of Tobermory (time permitting, with stops at Salen, the Eas Fors waterfalls and the burial place of Lachlan Macquarie, the governor of New South Wales who was born on Ulva, just off Mull), and a day crossing to Iona and its restored Iona Abbey. A trip to Staffa and Fingal’s Cave is not included in the tour cost but may be possible that day, weather and ferry timings permitting. Groups are up to 16 travellers and solo travellers are welcome. Our guide to island hopping around Scotland follows the whole route, and our guide to the Scottish islands covers each island group.

Not sure which Scottish itinerary suits you?

Our Tour Specialists can talk you through pacing, accommodation, and what a day on this tour actually looks like for mature and solo travellers.

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The Isle of Mull

Articles about the Scottish Isles published by Odyssey Traveller.

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

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