With the Mull Music Festival that kicks off a series of popular events on Mull now behind us (you can catch the next one from the 26th – 28th April 2024!), what better time to look ahead to the Isle of Mull events to come this summer.
From sporting fixtures to Highland traditions, there’s plenty for all the family to see and do, so check out these Isle of Mull events to add to your holiday plans.
Excellent cycling to enjoy on the island and perhaps take on the challenge of the Sportive!
Ready, set, race
On the 4th June, Mull will be abuzz with the whirring of wheels as cyclists take to the roads and take on the challenge of the sportive. Covering 87 miles, this is no mean feat and there’s sure to be a celebration on the finish line.
The following month, on the 22nd July, there’s another challenge to sink your feet into – the Mull Half Marathon!
Tobermory Highland Games
Game on
One of the year’s most popular of all Isle of Mull events are undoubtedly the Tobermory Highland Games. Taking place on the 20th July, this is your chance to immerse yourself in Scottish culture, with pipes played, cabers tossed and plenty to whet your tastebuds too.
A bustling Salen show field overlooking the Sound of Mull.
Show time
Of course, no Highland calendar would be complete without the annual summer show, and on the Isle of Mull, we have two of them! Held on consecutive weeks, first comes the Bunessan Show on the Ross of Mull, followed by the Salen Show on the island’s east coast in early August (4th and 10th respectively).
From stock judging to show jumping and fun dog shows to prize winning potatoes, these events have all the hallmarks of a country show. Topped off with local food and drink to delight the taste buds and traditional Highland tunes to set the tone. A great day out for all the family and a tribute to Mull’s crofting ties.
Find out more about Isle of Mull events throughout the year in our events guide here.
Just beside the fisherman’s pier you’ll find a small sandy beach, perfect for the dogs to have a paddle while you enjoy a picnic lunch on the sand, or a bite of fish and chips.
Enjoy a dram
With guided tours around Tobermory’s own distillery at the end of the harbour, followed by a tasting or two.
Tobermory Distillery
Jump aboard
With both Staffa Tours and Sealife Mull operating boat trips from the Tobermory pontoons out to sea, and the brilliant Tobermory Bay Tours offering hour-long scenic cruises, there are plenty of opportunities to experience Tobermory from the water.
Go fish!
At the catch-and-release aquarium, with lots of intriguing native creatures of the deep to encounter and touch pool sessions that younger visitors will love to get stuck into.
The Isle of Mull Aquarium in Tobermory
On the market
Mondays see the return of Tobermory’s take on a farmer’s market, with fresh produce, island meat and fish often available, as well as yummy treats cooked there and then and all manner of gifts and homewares crafted by local makers.
Step back in time
At the Mull Museum, open daily with just a donation required to come and have a look around. Trace your clan’s past, discover the history of Mull and see Tobermory through the centuries.
The Mull Museum is one of many attractions along the pretty Main Street in Tobermory
Culture fix
Venture up the hill to An Tobar to peruse the gallery and enjoy a coffee and cake, perhaps even returning later on to enjoy one of their regular musical and theatrical events.
Raise a glass
Of Tobermory’s own craft beer, brewed on the Main Street at ToBEERmory.
Walk on the wild side
Start your day bright and early and set out with a local wildlife guide, with tours departing from Tobermory to cover all corners of the island and give you great chances of meeting its famed wildlife.
Retail therapy
From locally made soap and pampering bath products, to artefacts made from antler, pretty pottery and even jewellery too, the Main Street offers a wealth of choice from local, independent purveyors.
Where better to whisk family and friends for a truly magical Christmas one year than one of Tobermory’s finest homes? Oakfield House towers above the town with far reaching views across the Sound of Mull to Calve Island and the Ardnamurchan peninsula, the most westerly part of the Scottish mainland, beyond. And yet, Tobermory’s charming harbour, illuminated each night with reams of festive lights and the glow from the windows of the pubs and restaurants, lies only a short walk down the hill.
Oakfield House wows guests all year round with its spectacular interiors, which preserve the magic of this home’s impressive history, built in 1889 for Tobermory’s Lord Provost, while also providing for all the modern luxuries and conveniences a guest might wish for, with five spacious bedrooms, each served by a private bathroom, not one but two sitting rooms, a magnificent sea view dining room and an impeccably-appointed kitchen in which even the most indulgent of Christmas dinners can be catered for with ease.
Tastefully decorated to offer a wealth of festive cheer, Oakfield House promises a true home from home experience for your loved ones this Christmas. Make it yours this Christmas.
If you’re visiting Mull in our quieter winter months, then you’ve got lots to look forward to. The island’s wildlife highlights will wow year-round, there’ll be snow topping the hills, and, if luck is on your side, you might even be treated to a display of the Northern Lights.
But the island doesn’t simply go to sleep in our quiet season. There’s still plenty to see and do and in this blog, we’ll bring together some of the fabulous festive events you could look forward to on your visit.
Northern Lights seen from Mull on a lucky night.
Christmas Lights
There are two big switch-on events on the island when the local area is first lit up in twinkling festive lights, one in the north and one in the south.
If you’re staying near Tobermory, then head down to the harbourfront on Saturday 26th November to see the lights switched on by the clock tower at 7pm. The shops will be open late, serving festive fayre and mulled wine as you browse for Christmas gifts.
For guests in the south of the island, Saturday 3rd December is the night to remember. Visit the village of Bunessan on Loch na Lathaich and see the Christmas lights illuminated, browse festive stalls, listen to the pipers and carol singers and then soak up the fireworks display!
Tobermory Christmas Lights reflected in the bay.
Christmas Markets
Christmas Markets are a hallmark of the run-up to Christmas on Mull, with fairs taking place in all corners of the island, packed with creative crafts, local produce and fabulously festive food and drink. Take your pick from the Christmas Fayre Extraordinaire in Tobermory, Dervaig Does Christmas and the Salen Christmas Fayre. Find the full details on our events page.
Hogmanay
Usually seen in with fireworks from the harbourfront in Tobermory, Hogmanay is one of Scotland’s most celebrated traditions as we welcome in the New Year. There’ll be plenty of venues to eat, drink and be merry on the island, with many restaurants and hotels offering a special menu for the occasion.
See in the New Year from Tobermory’s harbourfront.
Burns Night
A date to look forward to for guests visiting this January, Burns Night celebrates Scottish poet Robert Burns on the 25th January each year. The traditional menu features haggis, neeps and tatties, accompanied by a wee dram or two, and entertainment in the form of a toast to the haggis, a toast to the lads and a toast to the lassies. Keep an eye out for Burns Night-inspired menus in the local pubs and restaurants.
Escape to Fisherman’s Bothy from only £425 per week this winter.
Winter Breaks on Mull
Fancy visiting Mull this winter? It’s not too late to book a cottage and take advantage of our great value winter breaks with short stays available too.
Mor Aoibhneas, a purpose-built homestay for up to eight guests with views to the Ardmeanach peninsula and the sea.
Mor Aoibhneas, Bunessan
The most recent addition to the Isle of Mull Cottages range is Mor Aoibhneas (pronounced More Eve-ness). And if you’re wondering what the name of this seriously special homestay for eight means, it translates from Gaelic as ‘Great Joy’. When you turn the key, step inside and relax into this gorgeously designed home for the week, we guarantee that’s exactly what you’ll feel…
Maple Cottage (the third from the left) sits on a stunning yet little-known corner of the Ross of Mull’s coast at Kintra.
Maple Cottage, Kintra
This one’s for those seeking that magical, picture-postcard spot that hasn’t yet been discovered by many. Kintra, tucked away a few miles from Fionnphort on the far south westerly peninsula of Mull, is where you’ll find Maple Cottage, standing sleepily a stone’s throw from the sea, with gorgeous tiny islands in view. Welcoming up to five guests, you’ll soon find yourselves relaxing beside the wood burning stove as you sift through the day’s beachcombed treasures.
Shore Croft sits just above Uisken beach, promising the perfect haven for those wishing to indulge in some vitamin sea.
Shore Croft, Uisken Beach
This is a cottage that has oodles of atmosphere, whether the skies are clear and the sea is twinkling an irresistible turquoise tone, or the clouds hug the headlands and white horses sweep in up the beach. Cocooned within centuries-old stone walls, you’ll feel truly rested and totally snug at Shore Croft whatever the Hebridean weather brings, with the beach on the doorstep for a lazy stroll in the sunshine or a bracing dash in the showers.
The Whisky Rooms has a prime location on Tobermory’s harbourfront, with eateries, boat trips and more quite literally on the doorstep.
The Whisky Rooms, Tobermory
A chic and contemporary harbourside pad in the island’s vibrant town of Tobermory. Perfect for couple’s wishing to tick off adventure-seeking boat trips to Staffa and the Treshnish Isles, bucket list walks to Rubh nan Gall lighthouse and the freshest seafood from pier to plate, perhaps even a sunset gin cruise around Calve Island. It’s all on your doorstep at The Whisky Rooms.
Mucmara Lodge is a pet friendly property for six on the edge of the village of Dervaig, beside the Quinish Estate.
Mucmara Lodge, Dervaig
Luxury on the edge of the wild, Mucmara Lodge beckons with sumptuously modern interiors and a second-to-none location above Loch Cuin, beside the Quinish Estate and with its own private loch in the grounds! The perfect base for outdoorsy friends or families keen to take on the island’s hiking trails, biking routes and wildlife spotting opportunities, plus you can bring your pets too!
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As you disembark the ferry in Craignure and make your way to your holiday cottage of choice, the coast never feels far. Sea views appear at seemingly every turn along many stretches of road, with the water revealing itself as you clear the canopy of woodland or crest the brow of a hill. So, how can you make the most of the waters and wildlife around Mull on your next stay? Read on to find out more about six different Isle of Mull boat trips.
Looking over Tobermory Bay towards the harbourfront
1 Boat around Tobermory Bay
A new addition for the summer of 2022, thanks to Tobermory Bay Tours, guests can hop on board from the Tobermory pontoons and enjoy a beautiful cruise around the bay. Enjoy stunning views back to the colourful harbourfront, pass by waterfalls as they plunge into the sea and get a closer look at Calve Island and the colony of seals, among other wildlife, who call it home.
Meet puffins on the Treshnish Isles during the summer months
2 Travel to the Treshnish Isles
One of the most popular trips among visitors is to embark on an Isle of Mull boat trip to our outlying Treshnish Isles, visible from the island’s west coast. Take in the iconic contours of Dutchman’s Cap and land on Lunga to experience the archipelago ashore. From mid-April to July, these islands are abuzz with breeding colonies of sea birds, including the perennially popular puffins, who nest in burrows here. Trips depart from the west coast at Ulva Ferry with Turus Mara, or from Tobermory with Staffa Tours.
The whole of Iona from south to north
3 Sail for Staffa and Iona
Venture down to the island’s most south westerly village of Fionnphort and yet another adventure awaits for Isle of Mull boat trips. Skip the CalMac passenger ferry and instead embark with Staffa Trips on a voyage that takes in both Staffa, with its basalt columns and Fingal’s Cave, as well as Iona, with beautiful beaches and the historic abbey, before returning you home to Mull.
Dramatic basalt columns on Staffa
4 Paddle past seals in Salen Bay
Conveniently located in the centre of the island, Salen Bay Hire offers the chance to take to the water in your own time with the hire of kayaks and paddle boards. Paddle around the bay and its charming skerries, enjoy an alternative view of the Salen shipwrecks and almost certainly encounter an inquisitive seal or two.
A group of kayakers exploring Mull’s coastline
5 Ride the waves on the Ross of Mull
Visitors staying in the island’s south west will find all their appetite for adventure well satisfied with water sports, sea kayaking and sailing at Bendoran Watersports in Ardtun. With the help of an expert guide, spend a half or full day cruising around the coast, visiting little-known sandy coves and admiring the pink granite rock formations that this part of the island is well-known for.
Basking shark on a boat trip from Mull
6 Watch for whales from the water
Mull’s waters have been alive this summer with some truly exceptional marine sightings – including on rare occasions orcas! Minke whales, dolphins and porpoise may be more often seen, with the chance for the luckiest visitors to see basking sharks too. Sea Life Mull sail regularly from Tobermory to soak up the sights of the sea.
We hope these Isle of Mull boat trips have given you plenty of inspiration for your next island adventure. Book your cottage and bring your plans together.
Surrounded by crystal-clear water on all sides and with 300 miles of coastline, it’s little wonder the Isle of Mull is a superb seafood destination. So, whether you’d like to cook up a storm in your cottage or sample the finest fare out and about, read on to find out how you can savour the island’s freshest catches during your stay.
Tobermory, the island’s capital, is home to a fleet of fishing boats
Where to buy seafood on Mull
For guests staying in Tobermory, then the Tobermory Fish Company is the place to go. Located at Baliscate, just on the edge of town, you’ll find a tempting array of smoked fish and seafood favourites, as well as some incredibly delicious seafood platters. Conveniently, they also have a great range of oat cakes and accompaniments to enjoy the full flavour experience.
Further afield in North Mull, the beautiful drive out to Croig, just past the village of Dervaig, will reward visitors with a lovely surprise: an honesty box selling oysters in season!
A similar set-up can be found in the south of the island too, with mussels available on an honesty box basis at Inverlussa – ideal for guests heading onwards to cottages on the Ross of Mull to stock up on the way. Served with a wild garlic and white wine sauce is a favourite among locals.
The quiet Ross of Mull is home to many fishing boats who still sail the waters in search of the finest catches. Slow down and enjoy a chat with the locals by the pier in Fionnphort, who’ll often be able to tell you when the next catch will be brought ashore, if you can resist the temptation of the seafood sizzling away beside you at the Creel Seafood Bar.
You can also take a look at the Mull and Iona Food Trail to find more local producers to try.
The pier at Croig, where oysters can be purchased in season
The best seafood restaurants on Mull
Cafe Fish in Tobermory
Tucked at the top of the ferry building at the end of Tobermory’s harbourfront, Cafe Fish comes with oodles of character. Think driftwood beams above every window wrapped in fairy lights and a lovely, intimate atmosphere. And then there’s the menu, which is deservedly popular and means you’ll need to make your reservation well in advance.
The Mishdish in Tobermory
Enjoy dinner in one of Tobermory’s most iconic buildings at the Mishdish. This seafood restaurant has a whole host of treats to tempt you, from scallops and oysters to langoustines and mussels. And for those less keen in the party, there are some excellent steak dishes to try, too.
Am Birlinn in Penmore
Housed in a beautiful timber building in the shape of a boat, Am Birlinn is a superb place to sample Isle of Mull seafood. The entire menu has a distinctively local flair, with the furthest sourced produce coming from Inverlussa on the island’s south coast. The beginning of the menu showcases the provenance of the restaurant’s ingredients, which they artfully transform into decadent seafood stews, luxurious lobster dishes and more. A firm favourite for locals and visitors alike.
Ninth Wave in Fionnphort
Venture down to the more remote Ross of Mull and yet more opportunities arise to enjoy Isle of Mull seafood. For a special occasion, there can be no finer choice than the Ninth Wave. Located on a croft, this husband and wife team take pride in showcasing the best of Scottish produce on their dynamic tasting menu, favouring fish caught locally and sustainably and seasonal ingredients picked fresh from the garden.
As the ferry sails into Craignure from the west coast town of Oban, it’s time for your adventure on the island to begin! Just across from the pier, you’ll find the lovely little café Blethers. The perfect spot to warm up with a steaming mug of coffee, often with treats for your dog too! They’re also known for an excellent fish and chip supper, should your ferry happen to coincide with lunchtime…
A winter walk onto the hills on Mull
Dog friendly day out on the Ross of Mull
Rested and refuelled, it’s time to hit the road and enjoy a taste of what Mull has to offer! For those staying on the Ross of Mull, then a stop at Ardura Community Woodland on the way to your dog friendly cottage is a must. From the parking area just off the Glen More road, a quiet track ambles along the meandering River Lussa deep into the glen, with wonderful views to Mull’s mountains through the oak woodland, as well as a memorial to John Jones, beside Pedlars Pool.
Follow the course of the River Lussa along the path through the Ardura Community Forest
Returning to the car, there are yet more views to soak up as you pass through the glen with steep hills rising to either side. As you drop down towards Pennyghael and Loch Scridain opens up before you, Ben More will tower to your right, and you find yourselves on the Ross.
Let your four-legged-friends stretch their legs on Ardalanish beach
If time allows, continue on before heading to your dog friendly holiday cottage and sample your first of many beautiful beaches. The fine sands of Uisken and Ardalanish will all be wonderful sights to start your holiday. Or, for those who venture as far as Fidden, there’s a taste of more to come with the outlying islands of Iona and Erraid in view too, both of which make excellent dog friendly days out during your holiday on Mull, with stunning scenic walks and coastline.
Refreshed by the sea breeze and salty air, wipe off those muddy paws and sink into the warm welcome of your dog friendly holiday cottage. A call before your arrival to the Lochbuie Larder comes highly recommended, meaning you can tuck into locally sourced, homemade ready meals for your first night on the island. The Argyll Arms pub in Bunessan will also be a welcome visit during your stay, where your four-legged-friends will feel at home too.
Exploring Traigh na Cille beach in north west Mull
Dog friendly day out in North Mull
For those staying in the island’s north, enjoy the scenic drive up along the edge of Salen Bay, stopping to see the iconic shipwrecks and the seals so often on the skerries. Just before the stone bridge with a left hand turn to Dervaig, make time for the first of many walks on the island as you follow the lane along the Aros river estuary to the ruins of the 16th century Aros Castle. This makes a great short walk with lots of birdlife to see to stretch your legs after the ferry.
One of several dog friendly walks around Aros Park, near Tobermory, which follows the shore of the lochan
Back in the car, continue up the east coast with great views of the Sound of Mull as you go. Then, as you near Tobermory, make a right turn and follow the rhododendron-lined driveway down to Aros Park. Here, a dog friendly wonderland of trails awaits, following the course of waterfalls, circuiting the lochan or hugging the coast all the way to Tobermory’s harbourfront. Pick any one of them or try them all – they’re sure to be a favourite with four-legged-friends.
Enjoy dinner in one of several pet friendly pubs on Tobermory’s harbourfront
As you arrive at your dog friendly holiday cottage on Mull, it’s time to pull off your boots, wipe off their paws and settle in for a relaxing stay. And if you fancy a night off cooking, you’re in luck, as many of North Mull’s cafes and restaurants are dog friendly. They’ll be all too happy to curl up beside the fire in the Mishnish pub, or to join you for dinner at MacGochans at the end of the harbour.
In the past 12 months, we’ve become better than ever at exploring the great outdoors that lies on our doorstep. As part of that, many of us have found new passions for outdoor pursuits, whether taking on testing hills or taking to the water for a bracing wild swim. With that in mind, we’ve compiled our pick of the best Mull cottages for adventure seekers, whatever pursuit most appeals to you…
The garden gate at Sands Cottage in Calgary
Cottages for wild swimming
Calgary’s sheltered horseshoe bay and glistening clear waters make a tempting case for braving the bracing temperatures and taking a wild swim. Where better to base yourselves, then, than Sands Cottage and Calgary Bay Cottage, where you can dash back up the beach and straight in the door to warm beside the fire afterwards. Bliss!
Derryguaig Smiddy’s fantastic location on the slopes towards Ben More
Cottages for hill walking
Tucked into the foothills of Ben More, Derryguaig Smiddy offers a prime position for those hoping to summit Mull’s only munro during their stay. There are plenty more interesting hills to tackle in the area too, from the challenging Ben Fhada to the difficult alternative ascent of Ben More via the A’Chioch Ridge.
Venturing south, Dobhran Croft promises some excellent hills close by too at Lochbuie. Ben Buie is, of course, a must. But with the remote and dramatic coastline towards both Laggan and Carsaig, and the hills of Craig Ben to discover, there’s plenty to entertain those who like to head off the beaten track.
Direct access to the shore from the garden at The Old Church
Cottages for kayaking
With Loch Scridain at the bottom of the garden, The Old Church has long been popular with guests hoping to enjoy Mull from the water during their stay. Launch your kayak from the rocky shoreline and get a new perspective of the beauties of the Ross of Mull coastline.
View to Salen Bay from the balcony at Scots Cottage
Cottages for paddle boarding
With the tranquil waters of Salen Bay (and, conveniently, paddle board hire available in the village too), Scots Cottage is the perfect choice for those who wish to dip their toes in the adventurous side of Mull, all with a welcoming and modern homestay to return to.
The River Ba and surrounding hills of Mull’s mountainous interior
Cottages for biking
Some of Mull’s most dramatic scenery and terrain lies deep in the heart of the island in a little-visited area called Glen Cannel. To get here, one must venture along the length of Loch Ba and then deep into the glen, surrounded by Mull’s mountain country on all sides. A fantastic cycle in wild surrounds, with a good chance of being joined by a soaring eagle or quartering hen harrier as you go. Macquarie House affords easy access to this wonderful part of Mull.
Think of it as a treasure hunt that every generation can enjoy. Geoacaching on Mull is a great way to find inspiration for walks to try, as you set off on new routes with a mission in mind: finding the cache! It might be hidden beneath a rock, tucked inside a tree stump or wedged within an old stone wall, or it may be stowed somewhere else entirely!
Geocaching on Mull will cultivate your curiosity as you explore new corners of the island that you might not have visited before. So, how can you get involved and where should you begin?
First, you’ll need to prepare your treasure hunting tools – that means having a GPS device, or a geocaching app downloaded to your phone to guide you once out hunting. You can also join geocaching.com, which is a great place to find cache coordinates and record your progress as you go.
Here are some of our favourite geocaching sites to discover on Mull:
1 The whisky cave at Treshnish
One of Mull’s best walks in its own right, you’ll pass through wildflower meadows and along dramatic coastline where the Treshnish Isles appear impossibly close. If you can tear your eyes away from the stunning scenery, then there are a number of caches to search for here, including in the whisky cave.
After setting your coordinates and sussing out the location of this cache, it’s only a short walk through stunning coastal scenery, with great views of Glengorm Castle and often passing Highland coos, to reach the wonderful café at Glengorm. Don’t miss the hearty soups, delicious burgers made with Glengorm beef and the mouth-watering array of cakes.
3 Salen Woods
A lovely circular walk that’s popular with locals climbs up through woodland, where at the high point fantastic views open up across to the Sound of Mull. Add a sense of adventure to this well-trodden footpath by finding the coordinates that conceal the cache.
Guest image by Ben Ferguson – please take care around the waterfall and keep well back from the edge!
4 Eas Fors
Over on the island’s remote west coast, Eas Fors waterfall cascades down the hillside before plunging into the sea loch below. A stunning view to enjoy as you search for the cache located in the surrounding area close by. If you choose to venture close to the waterfall, please take great care around the slippery rocks and keep well clear of the drops and away from the edge.
5 Rubh nan Gall Lighthouse
A wonderful there-and-back walk from the harbourfront in Tobermory, begin at the far end of the Main Street by the CalMac pier. Follow the footpath through coastal woodland to reach the beautiful lighthouse. There’s a lovely picnic bench and viewpoint along this path that makes a great place for a picnic after finding the cache.
As with all walks on Mull, be sure to choose routes that suit your ability and head out prepared. We hope we’ve inspired you to try geocaching on Mull and discover more of the island on foot.
