The outdoors is certainly one of the Isle of Mull’s greatest attractions.  With miles of unspoilt coastline and stunning views around every corner, you’re never short of things to see.  So if you are in the midst of planning your next family holiday and are thinking about days out and activities to do with the kids, you might find this list of our top 10 things to do with children on the Isle of Mull a helpful starting point.  We’ve put together this little list to help entertain your little ones no matter what the weather.

1.Explore life from the seas around Mull at the Isle of Mull Aquarium

The Isle of Mull Aquarium in Tobermory

Located in Tobermory, the Mull Aquarium is a ‘catch and release’ Aquarium.  This means the species on display are ‘resident’ for a maximum of four weeks before being returned to the water.  As a result there is always something new to see on each visit.  Kids will love the interactive touch pool sessions. There are a good selection of toys and souvenirs too, not to mention the mesmerising contour sand pit!  Contact 01688 302 876

2. Mull Pony Trekking

Kids will love seeing Mull from the saddle!

Catering to both experienced and first time riders, Mull Pony Trekking offers a superb opportunity for kids to gain experience with the ponies whilst seeing some of Mull’s finest scenery.  Taster sessions can also be booked, ideal for the very youngest riders and those who are a bit unsure.  Perfect for toddlers are the shetland pony rides. After a quick brush and pat you can lead your children out on a short ride.  The more experienced riders will love cantering along the shore on the beach trek.  Contact Liz: 07748807447

3. Rainydays indoor soft play and cafe

Located within Aros Hall on Tobermory’s Main Street, Rainydays soft play will let children burn off that excess energy no matter what the weather!  There are a range of ‘climbing blocks’, slides and a ball pit.  Drinks and snacks can also be purchased and there are a selection of books and magazines too.  Contact:  rainydaysaroshall@gmail.com

4. Visit Duart Castle and Tearoom

Duart Castle on the Isle of Mull as viewed from across the bay

Kids will love a visit to Mull’s Duart castle.  The castle is the seat of clan MacLean and dates back to the 13th century.  You explore the inside of Duart, where there are exhibits and displays detailing the castle’s history.   Steps lead right up to the roof terrace, where the are outstanding views.  After looking around the castle you can enjoy a sit down and some delicious food and drinks in the tearoom.  Walking trails lead around Duart point.  There is a millennium woodland walk and even a small sandy beach to find!  Duart Castle also hosts a range of events and attractions that take place throughout the summer.  Contact: 01680 812 309

5. Explore the stunning gardens at Lip na Cloiche

Paths weave through the stunning gardens at Lip na Cloiche

Situated on the Isle of Mull’s west coast, Lip na Cloiche gardens will be a firm favourite with children and adults alike.  Entry is by donation and a maze of footpaths let you explore this stunning hillside garden.  The gardens are densely planted with a wide range of plants that thrive in the warm sea air.  The gardens feature a mix of beach-combed and ‘found’ items that are beautifully incorporated into the planting in a way that will surprise and engage children and adults too.  You can also purchase craft items and plants and a proportion of the proceeds are donated back to local charities.  Contact: 01688 500 257

6. Take a family friendly walk

Aros Park is perfect for a family walk

Walks on the Isle of Mull for kids don’t have to involve climbing Ben More, the island’s Munro. You can see some great views at lower levels and with little effort.  Aros Park is a great option for walking with children on Mull. Located just south of Tobermory, Aros Park has a network of maintained tracks, including some that are suitable for pushchairs too.  In sunny weather children will enjoy ball games on the grass where there is also a climbing frame and picnic areas.  In heavy rain the park is stunning with its many impressive waterfalls that thunder into the sea of Tobermory harbour.  There are trails into the woods with adventure courses to complete and stunning views over the harbour to Tobermory.  See details and maps on our walking page.

7. Make waves at the Isle of Mull Swimming Pool

Kids enjoying the Mull swimming pool

The Isle of Mull Swimming Pool is centrally located in Craignure at the Isle of Mull Hotel.  This 17m long pool is great for children because the depth is 1.2m. There is a shallower toddler/learner pool too.  Adults can also enjoy use of the spa, which has a sauna, steam room and outdoor Jacuzzi.  A range of beauty treatments are available and there is a Rasul Mud room.  After everyone has enjoyed the pool you can head over for a bite to eat in the hotel lounge bar.

8. Discover the Isle of Mull’s past at The Old Byre

The Old Byre heritage centre near Dervaig, Mull

The Old Byre heritage centre is located just outside of Dervaig in north Mull.  Children can play in the covered play area, which has a selection of toys and games.  There are picnic benches where you can enjoy food and drinks from the cafe.  The heritage centre has a excellent display of models that show life like scenes from Mull’s past.  There are also informative films you can watch and a gift shop too.  Contact: 01688 400 229

9. Hit the beach for sandcastles and paddling!

Kids playing on the beach at Calgary on Mull

A trip to a beach is also a good bet and Mull has some of the finest beaches you could wish for.  Whether it’s picnics or sandcastle building, paddling or fishing, children always seem to have a way of making their own fun and games given an expanse of sand to do it on!  Mull has such a beautiful range of beaches and coastline to enjoy with sands of every colour.  Kick start your next beach day with our guide to beaches on the Isle of Mull.

10. Become an island explorer and take a boat trip!

Staffa and basalt columns

Mull offers some amazing boat trips exploring the waters and small islands around its coast.  The trip to Staffa is an ideal short trip to do with children.  The sail takes around 40 minutes from Mull and you have a chance of see wildlife along the way.  Landing on Staffa you get an hour ashore to explore the island on foot (taking care!).  You can guide kids around to the impressive Fingal’s cave, and watch waves crash inside making a tremendous noise!  In spring and summer, puffins arrive on Staffa and young children will enjoy watching these colourful birds.  This is an ideal first boat trip, being shorter in length but big in drama!  See more about Staffa and a list of Mull boat trip operators to contact.

These are just a sample of some things to do with kids on the Isle of Mull but you’ll find plenty more.  You’ll also see we have a brilliant range of holiday cottages that our great for families.  See our full range at Isle of Mull Cottages and do get in touch if you’d like any help or advice: 01688 400 682 or mail@isleofmullcottages.com

What are your favourite activities to do with your children on Mull?

When you visit the Isle of Mull you can also visit the other islands that are situated off Mull’s coast.  Iona is undoubtedly the most popular of them all and it’s easy to see why, not least because of the stunning Iona Abbey.

Arriving at Iona and the waters of St Ronan’s Bay

The journey starts in Fionnphort, Mull’s most south westerly village.  You can tuck into fresh seafood on the slipway whilst you wait for the ferry.  The return ticket will set you back a very reasonable £3.30 for an adult or £1.70 for a child.

The crossing takes ten minutes and you will arrive at Iona’s largest settlement, Baile Mor.   The sea in St Ronan’s bay is such a striking blue colour, the white sandy beaches and stone cottages couldn’t be any more picturesque.

Watch our video guide to visiting Iona:

Most visitors make a bee line for the Abbey, a short walk that takes in some of the sights of Iona on the way.

Iona Abbey as seen across St Ronan’s Bay

A bench on Iona encourages visitors to absorb the peace

Iona post office with the ferry turning in the distance

The site of Iona Abbey dates from 563, when St Columba established a monastery on the island.  Tickets to enter the Abbey are purchased at the Historic Scotland ticket office.

There’s lots to see in the abbey including the impressive cloisters, which have undergone restoration and feature many impressive stone carvings:

The cloisters in Iona Abbey

A face carved in stone in the cloisters of Iona Abbey

One of the corner carvings of Iona Abbey cloisters

Detail of the stone columns of Iona Abbey’s cloisters

After you have looked around the Abbey you can enjoy lunch at one of Iona’s eateries before exploring other areas of the island.

The whole of Iona from south to north

Many visitors climb Dun I, the island’s highest point.  North beach at Iona’s northern most tip is a stunning beach too, with great views back to Mull.

A sign points the way to Dun I, the highest point on Iona

The white sands of North beach on Iona with Mull in the distance

On Iona’s west and southern coast you can enjoy relative peace and quiet as most visitors stick to the island’s east coast and the area around Abbey.

Iona makes a great day out from Mull and is on most visitors ‘to do’ list.

Have you visited Iona Abbey? What’s your favourite spot on the island?

Some people base their holidays around their dogs, so they set out with pet friendly holiday cottages in mind.  ‘We’re visiting the island because we think Jake is going to like it’ was the start of a recent telephone conversation.  It just took me a couple of minutes to figure out who Jake was.  As it happens, we are on the dog’s side at Isle of Mull Cottages.  We encourage owners to make their holiday cottages available to those bringing their pooches with them.  After all, it’s fair to say that there might be a few visitors to this part of Scotland who are outdoor enthusiasts, in one form or another, and are therefore quite likely to have a dog they would like to bring with them.

Looking for a holiday cottage…

So today we’re looking at our pet friendly holiday cottages to stay in from the canine perspective.  Is there an enclosed garden?  Are there walks from the doorstep?  Can I get to a beach quite quickly?  Here are our top three doggy destinations for pet friendly holiday cottages…

Calgary Cottage

Yes, there is a lovely garden and yes, there is a fantastic beach within walking distance.  Happy days.

Great garden to explore

Shepherd’s Cottage

Again, a great garden at this little cottage which stands proudly on the hillside above the river Aros, looking out over the Sound of Mull.  There is a great little circular route around Aros castle that will delight your dog’s senses.

Great walking territory from Shepherd’s Cottage

Craig Ben Cottage

Truly beautiful scenery, a freshwater loch on the doorstep (plenty of sticks too) and a beach just down the road, Craig Ben Cottage is a fabulous, dog friendly option.

Short walk to the loch from Craig Ben Cottage for a quick dip

To be honest, you can’t go too far wrong when choosing pet friendly holiday cottages from our host of dog friendly options.   Your dog is likely to be quite pleased with your holiday choice.  They will know they are going somewhere special as soon as they board the CalMac boat to get to Mull, and I’m afraid they are likely to be disappointed to leave too.  You might just have to come again next year!

What is top of your dog’s wish list for pet friendly holiday cottages?

The Isle of Mull is part of the Inner Hebrides; an archipelago consisting of 77 islands, including some of the more well known inhabited islands such as Islay, Jura and Skye. So what sets the Isle of Mull apart in this variety of beautiful Hebridean offerings?

The Isle of Mull is blissfully peaceful

Less populated than Islay or Skye, with the vast majority of roads being single track (and okay, a little bumpy), Mull retains a wonderfully laid-back, peaceful atmosphere. There’s just enough in the way of infrastructure to give you a list of attractions to keep you busy, from Duart Castle to a wildlife tour.

Stunning scenery

Picture-postcard Tobermory

The Isle of Mull’s capital has to be one of the most picturesque harbour towns in the United Kingdom. On a calm day, with a high tide, you can wander the gift shops, or enjoy a cup of coffee at one of the well placed cafes on the seafront, watching the boats come and go from the sheltered bay. Wooded hillsides at either end of the harbour, and the steep streets behind the main shopping area, add to the character of this lovely little town. Tobermory bustles in the summer months and becomes a sleepy haven in the quieter winter.

Tobermory is a picture-postcard town

Outdoor Adventure

The south of Mull has a cluster of impressive mountains. Ben More, being the highest on the island and one of Scotland’s Munros, is the most popular choice for a mountain walk with visitors, but there are many more hidden beauties. Cyclists will be in their absolute element with Mull boasting some excellent cycling routes past stunning sea lochs and captivating glens, as well as some shorter forestry tracks for families wanting to get in on the action. And finally, the coastline of Mull is just staggeringly varied and beautiful. There are white sandy bays that look like they are out of a Mediterranean travel brochure as well as the drama of steep coastal cliffs around Gribun or Carsaig.

Kilvickeon Beach

Wildlife and Birdwatching

Most visitors to Mull are keen to see the sea eagles during their stay. Both golden eagles and white tailed eagles reside on Mull. Red deer are an impressive sight too and the charming Highland cows are often photographed extensively. Along the coastline there are the sea otters to spot, and if you are really lucky, dolphins, porpoises and even basking sharks. The rich marine environment that laps at the 300 miles of coast, coupled with the variety of habitats on land, mean that the birdlife here is prolific. The flora and fauna are worth finding out about too, so make sure you pack your camera and binoculars for a trip to the Isle of Mull.

What really sets the Isle of Mull apart is hard to put into words.  You’ll only find that out for yourself by coming and discovering its beauty for yourself. Make one of our hand-picked holiday cottages your base for the perfect island holiday.

The Isle of Mull and its neighbouring islands are rightly famous for their geology. These islands have a richness and complexity in their geological make-up that is quite remarkable, and features the grand phenomenon of columnar basalt. When the Survey officers were carrying out the geological survey of Mull and surrounding islands, in the early part of the 20th century, they quickly realised how complex an area it was that they were studying.

The rocks of Mull have played an enormous part in the advancement of the science of Igneous Petrology. Earth Scientists from all over the world come to study the amazing geology of this place. But you do not need to be a scientist to appreciate one of the truly remarkable geological wonders – the rock known as Columnar Basalt, which is on display in several places in these islands.

Most people will be familiar with pictures of Fingals Cave on Staffa or the Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland. These are both excellent examples of this strange rock formation which almost does not look ‘natural’.  The mainly six-sided columns have a symmetry which is fascinating. So what is columnar basalt and where can it be seen on Mull?

Basalt is a type of lava that is very common throughout the world. Look at pictures of Hawaii and you will see lava pouring into the sea and forming great clouds of steam. That is basalt. The volcanoes in Iceland that caused such disruption to air traffic a few years ago were mainly basaltic. In fact Iceland today is very like how Mull would have looked 60 million years ago!

Not all basalt lava forms columns however – much of it is massive and uniform, lacking the pillar-like structure. There is a lot of variation in the basalt lava seen on Mull and the other islands. Some of it is very crumbly, a lot of it contains white crystals of a group of minerals called zeolites, and sometimes it can appear reddish in colour. The columnar form, which is easily the most visually spectacular, can be seen in lots of locations on Mull. Here are five areas for you to see some impressive examples of it during a visit.

1. Staffa

The Island of Staffa is the prime location for seeing basalt columns. No other location really matches it for grandeur. Whether seen from the boat or from the shore, it looks spectacular. The name Staffa comes from Norse and means “Pillar Island”. Very well named! Staffa is easy to access on foot but requires a boat trip to get to it. Find out more about how you can visit Staffa here.

Basalt columns on Staffa

2. Ulva

Ulva is an island just to the west of Mull and is accessible from Ulva Ferry by a small, regular boat service. The columns are on the south coast of the island, approximately 45 minutes from the slipway. The walking is easy and the columns are well sign-posted.

Columnar basalt on Ulva

3. Macculloch’s Tree (The Fossil Tree)

The famous Fossil Tree lies at the very western extremity of the Ardmeanach peninsula. It involves a long walk over rough terrain and the descent of a ladder to reach the shore. The scenery is spectacular and basalt columns can be seen near the tree and on the shore leading up to it. This is wild country where the rewards for the effort are great scenery and spectacular coastal views. Beyond the headland of Rubha na h-Uamha (Point of the Cave, and well-named so), there is more columnar basalt to be seen. Great care is needed as it can only be easily accessed when the tide is out.

The Fossil Tree

4. Carsaig Arches

This is another difficult to reach location, with a lot of rough walking and a need for a steady gait and a good head for heights. The Arches are at Malcolm’s Point, west of Carsaig itself. One of them forms a sea-stack. The other is a cave. Both are spectacular.

Carsaig Arches

5. Ardtun

Ardtun, near Bunessan, is famous for another geological find – fossil leaves, dating back 60 million years. The leaves are found in between lava flows, some of which are beautifully columnar. This is dramatic coastal scenery with ravines, a sea stack, caves and other delights. Many of the columns are curved or even horizontal. The approach is over extremely boggy ground, straightforward to walk but very wet underfoot. Care is required at the gorge of Slochd nan Uruisg (the defile of the goblin) where the leaf beds and the basalt columns are best seen.

Columnar basalt at Ardtun

There is lots of further reading available on the subject, should you wish to find out more about Mull’s geology.  Mull in the Making by Ros Jones offers a great introduction.

Author: James Westland

All images copyright James Westland, 2016

If you’re intrigued by Mull’s magnificent landscapes, don’t miss our guide to visiting MacKinnon’s Cave.

If you’ve been to see the columnar basalt on Mull, what did you think?

Removing yourself from the hustle and bustle of the mainland, and boarding a boat to get to your holiday destination, makes staying on a Scottish island that little bit more of an adventure.   The excitement of disembarking and setting off on single track roads that wind their way along the coastline adds to the excitement and enchanting nature of this part of the world and makes it an ideal location, we think, for a romantic break.

Enjoy a romantic break surrounded by the stunning Isle of Mull landscape

The islands of the Hebrides all have something a little bit different to offer.  Mull has a small population, little in the way of infrastructure, much in the way of wildlife and retains that olde world charm that somehow lends itself to a good place to retreat to and spend a week cosied up, soaking up the environment and re-charging your batteries. If you want somewhere with peace and quiet on tap, the Isle of Mull should be top of your list for a romantic break for two.

Glenraille at Lochdon

The landscape is varied and the geology is so unique that some of the structures here are found nowhere else in the world.  There are stepped tablelands in the north, a rugged range of mountains in the central and southern parts of the island, and the outcrops of pink granite give the south western peninsula a flavour of its own.

At Isle of Mull Cottages, we give you a select range of properties, many of which have special features that are ideal for those looking for that elusive, luxurious ‘somewhere special to stay’.   Want a balcony leading off your bedroom with views of a beautiful loch?  Yes, we can tick that box.  Looking for a picture postcard cottage for two, a stone’s throw from the sea?  Check.  Or how about an artist’s retreat with sauna and steam room in the master suite?  Again, we have it covered.

So if you are looking to add romance to your holiday tick list, pick one of our beautiful holiday cottages, mix it in with the white sandy beaches, fantastic local produce to sample and amazing sunsets and wildlife, and you can’t go wrong with our recipe for a romantic break.

One of the beautiful stretches of coastline

Where on Mull would you choose for the ultimate romantic break?

‘I’d like a cottage by the sea please.’  A simple request you might think?  But actually, how many houses are really beside the sea?  A sea view, yes. That we can accommodate in lots of properties, but a stone’s throw is a different matter.  Luckily, we’re as obsessed with cottages by the sea as you are. Here are some cracking options to get you excited for your next Mull getaway…

1. Grasspoint Cottage

If you want to smell the sea air when you step out the door and be able to take less than two dozen steps before you are submersed in sea water, Grasspoint Cottage is what you are looking for.  On top of that, the furnishings give it a lovely, quirky, rustic vibe.  The cosy accommodation with wood burning stove and bed in the the living room add to the ambience in the evenings.  It might not be five-star accommodation, but it is a five-star experience. We’d highly recommend booking Grasspoint Cottage for those wanting to get cosy by the sea.

Grasspoint Cottage on Mull

2.  The Old Church

How does a historical building, converted into a luxurious pad, with sea views and a path to the water’s edge sound? Quite good?  The Old Church is even better than you imagine! The interior is fabulous, the views are amazing and you can sit on the garden bench and watch for seals, otters or even dolphins. It’s really is that good.

The Old Church at Pennyghael

3. The Old School House

Again, we’re not messing around here. The sea is literally a stone’s throw away from the Old School House, making it an ideal options for cottages by the sea. Surrounded by beautiful countryside, there is a gravel track that leads around the coastline through mature woodland, past pebble and sandy beaches. It’s idyllic (and that word gets used a lot, but it really is). The Old School House has an olde world charm and the sort of stunning, mountainous scenery surrounding it that makes you want to come back again and again.

The Old School House at Croggan

4. The Bothy

You’d have thought by now we would be getting onto lesser options for cottages by the sea, but we haven’t. The Bothy is ultra special. If you want to feel like you have reached the end of the earth and to have your mind blown by a huge, sweeping expanse of beach in front of your cosy cottage for two, then The Bothy is for you. This little area of Mull is divine with a capital ‘D’; you will not want to leave. You will also love more of our remote holiday cottages – take a look for some wild inspiration for your next stay.

The Bothy at Lochbuie

5. Sands Cottage

If you want to stay in Sands Cottage, heed this word of warning: you have to book well in advance. Take one of the best known beaches on the island (because it is truly beautiful), add a lovely stone built cottage with a stylish interior and buckets of character, and you get a hot cake of a property that everyone wants to stay in. Sandy toes in the ocean can be achieved just across the road from Sands Cottage.

Sands Cottage at Calgary

For more tips for booking the perfect holiday cottage on Mull, use this guide.

Have you got a favourite of our cottages by the sea on Mull?