Inspired by questions we’ve had from guests so far this season, this month we want to bring you a round-up of some of the prettiest Isle of Mull river walks. 

Mull may have lochs and coastline aplenty, but it’s home to some stunning rivers and watercourses too, through open glen, dappled woodland and some peppered with cascading falls and pools too. 

So, we hope you enjoy our pick of five Isle of Mull river walks and perhaps feel inspired to try one when you next come to stay. Off we go!

1 River Lussa, Ardura

This one would be our pick among the prettiest Isle of Mull river walks that are also very straight forward too. Parking at the signed carpark just past the Lochbuie junction, pick up the easy gravel trail and you’ll soon find yourself wandering along the pretty river bank amid the oak woodland.

This walk is especially pretty in spring with wildflowers aplenty and gives a pleasing glimpse into regenerative tree planting of native species in the area too. Keep an eye out for the memorial for John Jones beside naturally formed-pedlar’s pool. 

This walk is a there-and-back route so you can venture as far as you fancy. Pressing on to the deer fence opens up fantastic views over the glen to the surrounding mountains, including Ben Talaidh.

2 Aros River, near Salen

Parking at the carpark just beyond the Aros Forestry Commission office just north of Salen Bay, this easy river walk begins. 

A straightforward gravel track leads you through a couple of gates with views across grassy hillside and forestry uphill, with the river flowing downhill to the other side of the track, coming in and out of view as the track meanders. 

Follow the track all the way to the wooden bridge for a lovely vista over the river looking both up and downstream.

3 Scallastle River, near Craignure

This one’s for the more adventurous walkers, with some hills involved. But the fantastic river and waterfalls more than make up for the effort required! Beginning from the signposted parking area just north of Craignure, begin uphill along a gravel track until you meet the Scallastle River, crossing a bridge here.

From here, the path narrows and climbs more steeply, following the river uphill and taking in some stunning waterfalls. The loop descends to rejoin the larger gravel track, where you then retrace your steps downhill, with lovely sea views over Loch Linnhe and the Sound of Mull.

4 River Forsa, Glenforsa

Just off the main road up the island’s east coast, there’s a designated parking area for walkers keen to set off into Glen Forsa, roamed by resident Highland cattle. A gravel forestry track leads you into the glen, offering spectacular mountain views and a good chance of spotting some of Mull’s big five wildlife.

A couple of kilometres into the glen, you can peel off the track to join the riverside. The return then follows the riverbank for the majority of the way, offering very peaceful views. Lovely at any time of the year, but particularly spectacular in a very cold spell when the river has been known to freeze, sometimes creating amazing ice formations.

5 Aros Park Upper and Lower Falls, Tobermory

This Isle of Mull river walk is easily reached from the island’s harbour town of Tobermory, either on foot following the scenic coastal path that leads to the foot of the Lower Falls, or by car, turning off the main road to Aros Park.

A series of pretty trails meander the hillside, looping from the main car park round to the Lower Falls before following their cascading path upstream. Here, the trail meets the entrance road and bridge, before crossing to continue steeply uphill to take in the dramatic Upper Falls too.

Find more walking routes to explore on Mull with our local’s guide including route maps.

There’s a brilliant chance of seeing Mull’s majestic wildlife wherever you are on the island. From popular areas for wildlife watching, like the Scenic Route along Loch na Keal, to more unexpected and even ‘urban’ locations – white-tailed sea eagles have soared over the bustling Tobermory harbourfront on more than one occasion before!

But for the keen wildlife photographer, some of our cottages will stand out in particular. Here’s our hand-picked selection of Isle of Mull cottages, perfect for wildlife photographers, based on local knowledge and what guests who’ve stayed tell us too. We hope it inspires you.

Auchnacraig Lodge

Red deer will virtually come to you at the gorgeous Auchnacraig Lodge, where the red deer often graze the surrounding fields, giving you superb views. It’s an amazing place to base yourself during the rut in the autumn, too! Being not far from the coast and Grasspoint pier, you’ve also got excellent chances to spot Mull’s creatures of the deep and otters too.

Old School House

A perennially popular cottage, not only with wildlife photographers but anyone keen to experience Mull’s wild side from a stunning sea view cottage. The Old School House at Croggan delivers at every turn, with mountain, sea and woodland views, a beach in walking distance, and a habitat for just about all of Mull’s big five – from eagles to otters and more.

Coorie Doon

A luxe hideaway near Gruline, Coorie Doon is the perfect spot to see fallow deer, which often come to graze the surrounding pastures as they pop out of nearby woodland. You’re close to Loch Ba and Loch na Keal too, offering yet more opportunity to experience Mull’s wildlife highlights.

Achnacraig

Nestled in Glen Bellart with river, woodland, moorland and open hill country as far as the eye can see, and the tidal sea loch only 10 minutes distant, Achnacraig offers all manner of wildlife habitats on the doorstep. Venture out for a walk at dusk and keep your eyes and ears peeled for owls and scan the hillsides for quartering birds of prey.

The Old Church

With the loch shore at the bottom of the garden, you could say The Old Church brings the wildlife to you! Watch the shoreline for otters that may be working the tides and passing seals that are often as curious about you as you are of them. On a very lucky day, you might even spot a pod of dolphins exploring the loch. With views to Ben More on the opposite shore, you’ll have plenty to inspire when picking up the camera.

If you’ve got a particular habitat in mind, you can search by map here to find an ideally located cottage. Wherever you venture and whatever wildlife you hope to see, please remember to do so responsibly, from a distance, and avoiding disturbance. Have a wonderful time discovering the wilds of Mull. Book your cottage today.

Visitors to Mull often have Tobermory, the island’s harbour capital, high on the list for places to visit. But once you’ve combed the Main Street and enjoyed a coffee, what to do next? 

We’ve put together a guide to 5 stunning Tobermory walks, from coastal paths to waterfall trails, hill climbs to lochside ambles, to guide you.

Aros Park Lochan and Waterfalls

Aros Park makes a great destination whether you’ve got time for a quick leg stretch or a longer amble. 

The easy-going trail around the lochan takes only 30 minutes to complete, with lovely views over the lily pads and plenty of birdlife to see. Extend the trail by climbing the steep steps up by the abandoned power house and waterfall, which once generated power for the now long-gone Aros House. 

Extend your adventure yet further by also exploring the trails that lead along the lower falls, offering beautiful views at one end of the bay and back to Tobermory, and at the other to the dramatic upper falls as they thunder down the hillside.

Coastal Path from Tobermory Harbour to Aros Park

Starting from the Ledaig carpark at one end of Tobermory’s harbourfront, the path sets off along the coastline. Narrow in places and with steep drops down to the sea, the route hugs the coast and brings you all the way round to the beautiful Aros Park. 

You’ll enjoy lovely views across the water to Tobermory’s brightly painted harbourfront. There are some very impressive old cedar trees along the way too, as well as gently cascading streams and bridges, before delivering you to the foot of the lower Aros falls. From here, you can easily extend the walk by picking up one of the many trails around Aros Park.

Tobermory Harbour to Rubh nan Gall Lighthouse

Rubh nan Gall Lighthouse is on most visitors’ to Tobermory’s to-visit list and for good reason. Fortunately, from the CalMac pier end of the harbourfront, a path leads you all the way there and back again. With woodland to either side, the path traces the edge of a steep hillside with views to the water below.

Keep an eye out for otters and seals along the coastline. For the botanists among us, this pathway is laden with wildflowers during the season too, from wild garlic and bluebells in early spring to water avens and more later in the year. 

There are several benches from which to pause and soak up the views and, as you near the lighthouse, superb views over to the Ardnamurchan peninsula too.

Ardmore Point

Venturing a few minutes out of Tobermory on the road to Glengorm by car, you’ll reach the first of two parking areas signposted for Ardmore. Park at the first and then follow the main track as it leads seawards and gradually downhill.

As you descend, you’ll reach a signposted junction indicating footpaths to the shore, to Ardmore Point and onwards round to Glengorm. 

You’ll arrive at the ruins of Penalbanach village, where you can follow the path to visit the point, the most north-easterly part of Mull, or continue down to loop around the shore of Ardmore Bay instead.

Crater Loch

Although not technically in the town, this route had to make it into our round-up of Tobermory walks and is very popular with locals and visitors alike. 

Parking in the bays just off the road along the Mishnish Lochs, follow the signs to the gate that marks the start of the trodden path up to the Crater Loch, officially known as Lochan S’Airde Beinn. 

This is a short, steep walk over often soggy ground, so bring your waterproofs and good boots. The reward for your efforts though are superb views across North Mull’s hills and out to sea. Not forgetting the ‘crater loch’ itself, which only comes into view as you reach the top.

The descent of this walk makes for beautiful viewing too, with views over the three Mishnish Lochs and on to Speinne Mor, North Mull’s highest point. There’s a great chance of seeing some fantastic wildlife in these parts too.

If you’re feeling inspired by these Tobermory walks, find plenty more inspiration in all corners of the island in our guide to walks on the Isle of Mull.

Join us as we navigate the north, south, east and west corners of the island with these five fantastic coastal walks on the Isle of Mull. With options for all abilities, from gentle strolls to sand bar crossings, find a route to add to your holiday itinerary this year.

1 Rubh nan Gall Lighthouse from Tobermory

One of Tobermory’s most popular walks, and it’s easy to see why! Commonly referred to as the ‘Tobermory lighthouse’, it’s name is actually Rubh nan Gall and this there-and-back walk makes a perfect addition to a day in the island capital. 

Starting from the CalMac pier end of the Main Street, pass through the small gate and pick up the narrow path heading to the lighthouse. The path leads through steep-sided woodland with lovely views to the water below and there are a couple of benches along the way to pause and take in the view.

As you near the end of the path, the lighthouse will appear in front of you. Take your time enjoying the view and watching for seals that are often spotted in the area, before retracing your steps to the harbour.

2 Aros Castle and river estuary

This lovely walk lies along the island’s east coast and, being shorter in length, is easily squeezed into an action-packed day. Starting by the old stone bridge over the River Aros, follow the gravel track around past the traditional stone cottages and around the headland. There are superb views to enjoy at every tidal range and lots of visiting birdlife. 

As you round the corner of the headland, look up to the towering remains of the 16^th century ruin of Aros Castle. This area is covered in bluebells in the springtime. 

You can either enjoy this as a short there-and-back stroll to the castle, or make it circular returning along the single-track road with care. To do so, as the track continues on, take a left turning into the woodland to climb uphill, passing a few more houses and follow the lane to rejoin the main road, turning left to return to your start at Aros bridge.

3 Lochbuie to Laggan Sands

Parking on the seafront in Lochbuie, pick up a coffee from the Lochbuie Larder and a piece of cake to enjoy on the beach. Then follow the track that leads east past the church and onwards along the coast. 

You’ll pass rocky coastline, pockets of sandy beaches at different tides and the dramatic ruins of Moy Castle as you go. The track then hugs dramatic rockfaces as it rounds the final few bends to deliver you to the beach at Laggan Sands below.

There are often fallow deer to spot en route and Highland coos roaming the beach. At the far end, there is also an interesting mausoleum to visit too.

4 Knockvologan to Erraid

This walk is located in the island’s south west, just about as far as you can venture by car! Parking by the beach at Knockvologan – a beautiful shell-sand beach interspersed by pink granite outcrops – at a low tide a sandbar is exposed, connecting the beach to the tidal Isle of Erraid. 

Adventurous souls will enjoy the walk across to explore this tiny island, with the old lighthouse keepers’ cottages still occupied today. Once on Erraid, a variety of tracks traverse the island, with points of interest including the old lighthouse observatory, which is no longer in use, and the beautiful Traigh Gheal sandy beach. 

Just remember to pay attention to the tides and check tide times before you cross over, to ensure you have ample time to also make the crossing back before the high tide once again cuts Erraid off from Mull.

5 Calgary to Caliach Point

No guide to coastal walks on the Isle of Mull would be complete without a mention of Mull’s most popular beach – the beautiful horseshoe-shaped white sand of Calgary Bay. Aptly, this walk begins from this very beach, giving you the chance to enjoy the shell-sand from many vantage points en route.

Pick up the track that leads from the carpark end of the beach along the headland, which soon delivers you to an old stone pier. From here, the track cuts steeply uphill, climbing up onto the headland that you then follow round the coast. There are superb views back across Calgary Bay and for the adventurous, you can continue right out to the headland at Cailach Point.

Discover more route maps and walk ideas in our guide to walks on the island and book your cottage today.

Scotland is a country renowned for its lochs and Mull is no different. With both freshwater and sea lochs to discover during your stay, embark on a whistle stop tour of nine Isle of Mull lochs to plan your adventures.

Freshwater Isle of Mull Lochs

Loch Ba

Loch Ba is a freshwater loch on the island’s west coast by the Knock, with hills and mountains separating it from the sea at Loch na Keal on the westward side. A good gravel track runs along the loch, leading deeper into the glen, at which point you can venture further into Glen Cannel, or peel off to summit a peak. A wonderful walk leading into some remote country, with excellent wildlife spotting opportunities.

Loch Torr

There are some great circular walks to discover here, as well as the popular wildlife hide. The paths leave the loch fairly swiftly, but if you take the loop that ventures out towards Glengorm and back along the road, there’s plenty of wildlife and Highland coo interest to enjoy en route.

Mishnish Lochs

This chain of three smaller lochs, collectively known as the Mishnish lochs, lies just west of Tobermory on the single track road leading towards Dervaig. A popular spot for permit fishing, there’s a small pathway along the lochs’ end that offers a gentle stroll and lovely views.

Loch Frisa

This long, deep loch stretches across the centre of the island with a well-trodden forestry track running its northern length. You can begin from the east coast just north of Aros, or from the north of the island where the track reaches the Dervaig-Tobermory road. Starting from the Aros end, there’s also the possibility to create attractive circular walks through farmland, woodland and along the river too.

The Three Lochs

An unmistakable landmark as you travel through the south of the island’s mountainous Glen More. The Three Lochs appear as you pass over the hills shortly before the descent towards Loch Scridain, with a parking area conveniently located above them. A lovely spot for coffee with a view and an eye on the wildlife. The adventurous will also enjoy the challenging hike that passes all three of these lochs, before summiting the hill and descending towards Lochbuie on the south coast.

Isle of Mull Sea Lochs

Loch Buie

A charming discovery at the end of a single-track road cocooned by rhododendrons, Loch Buie is the sealoch from which the wee settlement here takes its name. This is one of the best Isle of Mull lochs for walks, with good trails leading west towards Glen Byre and beyond to Carsaig, or east past the ruins of Moy Castle and round to Laggan Sands and the mausoleum. There’s a cracking little café, the Old Post Office, to warm up with coffee and cake on your return in season.

Loch Scridain

This sea loch carves its way inland from the Ross of Mull’s southern tip, reaching up between the settlements at Pennyghael and Kilfinichen. There are several opportunities to park near the head of the loch and wander along the shore and pebble beaches exposed by the tides. Often a quieter sea loch to explore with a good chance of seeing otters, eagles and more.

Loch na Keal

Of all Isle of Mull lochs, Loch na Keal is perhaps the best known. This sea loch is a designated National Scenic Area and flows up to the dramatic Gribun cliffs and north side of the remote Ardmeanach peninsula too. A wildlife hotspot, you have the chance to see all of Mull’s big five here, with views to the island’s only munro, Ben More, too!

Loch Tuath

This sea loch surrounds the north west corner of Mull’s coastline and it’s arguably one of the best Isle of Mull lochs for access to outlying isles. Boat trips depart across this loch from Ulva Ferry to reach Staffa and the Treshnish Isles, and the shorter journey across to the island of Ulva, and beyond to access to the island of Gometra too by foot. As with all of the island’s west coast, it’s an excellent location for spotting Mull’s spectacular wildlife.

We hope this guide to Isle of Mull lochs inspires you for your next visit. Just get in touch if we can help with local ideas, walks and advice. Being based here on the island, we’re happy to put our local knowledge to work to help you get the most from your stay.

Nature Scotland‘s Ewan Miles joins us to share five ways to embrace ‘Wild Autumn’ on the Isle of Mull this year.

Nature’s Colour Palette

Walk though multi-coloured landscapes with lochs nestled against a backdrop of red, gold and amber. As mother nature takes off her summer wear and transitions into her autumnal coat, the colour palette on display is breath-taking around the island. From the rustic tones on the open moors, the many shades of greens and oranges in the surrounding woodlands and the glistening blue and green turquoise seas. Whatever the weather, get out and connect with nature, from the sights, smells and sounds.

Roaring Red Deer

One of the UK’s greatest natural events takes place on Mull during autumn. When the female red deer (hinds) come into season, this triggers off the incredible spectacle of the red deer rut. For months leading up to this time of the year, sexually mature red deer stags have been preparing for the most important contest of their lives – access to a harem of fertile females. The fight starts vocally, and if this is not enough to ward off a competitor, rivals parallel-walk before locking antlers.

Rut activity peaks during the three hours after dawn and before dusk, so arrive early and be prepared to stay late. Approach downwind, use vegetation as cover, tread softly and avoid sudden movements. And always keep your distance and do not intrude on their natural behaviour.

Raptor Island

Autumn is great time to enjoy watching bird of prey on the Isle of Mull. After the breeding season, the abundance of raptors on the island actually increases due to the fledged juveniles present along with new arrivals appealed by the milder oceanic conditions with less snow and ice throughout the winter months. Species like hen harrier, kestrel, sparrowhawk and merlin may visit Mull during the autumn months and they may have arrived from mainland Britain or even continental areas.

There is also a great movement with young and non territorial eagles who are seeking out vacant openings on the island. Satellite tagging has shown that young birds also revisit their natal areas and parent birds are more tolerant of their presence within the territory.

Painting with Light

Mull’s dynamic weather systems and changing light provides endless admiration and beauty, making it a photographer’s paradise. The ‘golden hour’ is more accessible in the autumn and often can last for longer than an hour, or even most of the day!

This is the period of the day where the sun is low on the horizon and creates a soft ‘golden’ light which is excellent for photo opportunities. The cooler temperatures will also increase the clarity in the air and create a better quality of photograph, helping you get those sharper images.

Otters also provide a fantastic photo subject at this time of the year as they increase their time feeding in coastal areas. Also spring and summer reared cubs will be hopefully water-based, providing some exciting opportunities to watch family groups learning and playing.

The Dark Side

Mull is located below some of the darkest skies in the whole of Europe. A clear autumnal night on the island can provide breath-taking views of the wondrous night sky. A satellite image of our continent at night will display the value of the west coast of Scotland and its unpolluted skies. 

The island’s high latitude location provides an increased chance of observing the northern lights throughout the darker autumnal months. For reasons not fully understood by scientists, the auroral displays are stronger around the equinox periods, so this increases displays of the ‘merry dancers’ during September and October.

The milder temperatures during autumn also means that you can spend a longer time out under the stars.

Ewan and the Nature Scotland team will be providing a range of land-based wildlife tours during the autumn on Mull with Isle of Mull Cottages’ guests entitled to a 10% discount on any day tour booked during 28th August – 1st November 2023. On booking enter the discount code ‘IOMC_Autumn2023’

Picnic on the beach

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.

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.

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.

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.

You’ll often hear Mull referred to as ‘eagle island’ and with good reason! The island is home to thriving populations of both the white-tailed sea eagle and the majestic golden eagle. So, if you’re hoping to encounter eagles on the Isle of Mull, here are five different ways to do it.

From the water

The ever popular boat trip aboard the Lady Jane with Mull Charters offers you the chance to see white-tailed sea eagles up close. Throwing freshy caught fish from the boat, the lucky passengers may see the eagles swoop in to clasp the fish between their talons from the water.

The sound of their wingbeats and sheer size of the eagles encountered at such close quarters makes this an unmissable way to experience eagles on the Isle of Mull.

On land

For those who prefer to keep their feet on terra firma, a land-based wildlife tour should be your first port of call. Local guides know the routines of these majestic birds well and will give you ample opportunity to encounter them during a day’s exploration of the island, whether perched, on the wing or even grappling another eagle in a dramatic descent! They’ll also give you lots of ideas for where to go to improve your chances of seeing eagles on the Isle of Mull during the rest of your stay.

In breeding season

Each year once the white-tailed eagles begin to nest, Mull Eagle Watch opens its doors with guided walks to find out more about the birds and watch the activity on the nest from a responsible distance.

High in the hills

Adventurous souls will often have little trouble encountering eagles on the Isle of Mull. As you climb Mull’s quieter hills and peaks, you’ll often be passing through the large habitats of the more elusive golden eagles, so remember to cast your eyes to the skies for the chance of a sighting. You can find lots of ideas for walking routes on the island (complete with OS maps) in our guide here.

Close to sea level

It will come as little surprise that the white-tailed sea eagles often appear around Mull’s sea lochs. Whether you hunker down in the wildlife hide at Fishnish or spend the day scouting the shores of the island’s west coast, you’re likely to encounter a sea eagle. In the winter, as juveniles have fledged, you may also be lucky enough to see a number gathered together – a spectacular sight for those enjoying a winter break on Mull.

Find out more about the fantastic wildlife and eagles on the Isle of Mull and plan your holiday this year.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Visit a Scottish island in the depths of winter? Really? Ewan Miles from Nature Scotland is here to tell us why the unlikeliest timing might just be the best…

Despite what you may think, Scotland can be a stunningly beautiful place to spend some time over the harsher winter months. Yes, the weather can be challenging. But,it can be equally as challenging in July and August too. The west coast is known for glorious white sand beaches, turquoise blue seas and comical puffins. The puffins are long gone in winter, but the Isle of Mull still has much to offer, including those beaches (and often you’ll be the only soul there).

So, come prepared with your waterproofs and wooly hats and hop on the ferry to witness some island wildlife. Here are five iconic species that you can encounter on the Isle of Mull throughout the colder season.

Golden Eagle

Secretive but splendid. The classic Golden Eagle sighting leaves you wanting more. Often, you glimpse a distant yet intimidating silhouette just before it vanishes beyond the crest of a hill. Particularly in the summer months, these wary raptors are focused (hopefully) on their eaglet in the eyrie and avoid humans where possible.

With the arrival of cold winds and snow on the higher mountain tops, Golden Eagles can be seen actively hunting in the shorter daylight hours.

In late winter these birds are already thinking ahead. They become yet more territorial, aggressively removing intruder birds from their wintery home and can be seen displaying to their partner. The male uses powerful wingbeats to gain height, before tightly folding them against his body and plummeting down, clearly sending a message to his mate and any would-be suitor. This sight is repeated against stunningly beautiful landscapes with snow-capped peaks and angry skies.

White-tailed Eagle

The Sea Eagle, fondly referred to as the ‘flying barn door’. The bigger (and better) UK equivalent to the American Bald Eagle. One of the largest eagles in the world, with a staggering 2.9m record wingspan, the White-tailed Eagle is a species to see.

The Isle of Mull has become an iconic location for this eagle since their reintroduction to the Isle of Rum, they set up home here on Mull in 1980s and got comfortable. Fame came in 2005 with Skye and Frisa and their eaglets Itchy and Scratchy.

Like Golden Eagles, these raptors are present here all year round, breeding in the summer months. However, encountering in the winter can be quite different. Often a gregarious bird, juveniles and sub-adults may congregate in small groups together when the going gets tough. They’ll make use of intertidal zones to scavenge any delightful, dead detritus that may have been washed up.

Adult pairs will remain territorial and can be spotted roosting together in trees or nest building before spring arrives again.

Otter

This elusive mammal is still an uncommon sight in mainland river systems despite their successful population resurgence. The Otter remains shy and is primarily nocturnal, making it a tricky species to encounter. Luckily for those visiting the Isle of Mull, particularly in the winter months, you have a good chance of observing these aquatic predators in our coastal waters.

Thanks to the icy cold sea water temperatures, Otters need to be actively hunting for large parts of the day to meet their energy requirements. This makes winter a great time to observe them and marvel at their ability to cope with the wild and choppy Atlantic ocean on our western shores.

They may look like cute, cuddly mammals, but don’t be lulled into a false sense of security. They’ll bring large prey like crabs, fish, octopus and lobster to land and make quick work of devouring the good bits, leaving slim pickings behind for the gulls and hooded crows.

Red Deer

Mull has a substantial population of the Red Deer, the country’s largest deer species. They’re an impressive sight to behold, particular in autumn and early winter. Wildlife watchers look forward to the ‘rutting season’ each year. The primal sounds of bellowing stags and the clashing of their antlers as they battle out for top mating position are worth getting up for.

Throughout winter though, Red Deer can be seen quite easily as they spend time on the lower, richer feeding areas. Female Red Deer (hinds) will remain in groups with their fast growing calves born earlier in the summer.

We’ve lost many of our larger native herbivores in the UK, including the Aurochs (wild ox), Tarpan (wild horse), Moose and the few Reindeer we do still have are confined only to the Cairngorms, so all the more reason to seek out the majestic Red Deer here on the Isle of Mull.

Hen Harrier

Eagles rightly take a great deal of the glory among birds of prey. However, the Isle of Mull is home to another rare raptor, the Hen Harrier which despite a smaller stature is just as intriguing.

The Hen Harrier is present in greatly reduced numbers throughout much of England and parts of mainland Scotland and is unfortunately linked to ongoing raptor persecution incidents on managed land. Thankfully, many islands including Mull are safer havens for these ‘sky-dancing’ birds.

We often have a good number of these vole-loving birds breeding here in summer months. Yet, our oceanic climate provides a warmer region to overwinter on our lower grounds. A crisp, cold winter day can yield excellent views of harriers hunting across rough ground searching out small mammals and birds.

Colder months also spur these birds to communally roost together, a spectacularly unusual sight, but spending time here in winter might increase you chances of seeing multiple harriers arriving at a night time roost to settle down.

Book your winter break on Mull this year and find out more about Nature Scotland wildlife tours.