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6 Ways to Enjoy Mull from the Water

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.

Discover six Scottish islands you can visit from Mull, with boat trips, walks and historical attractions to see, as well as abundant wildlife.
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.

Iona from above
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.

5 Winter Wildlife Species to Encounter on Mull

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…

Ewan Miles leads a wildlife tour in wintertime on Mull

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.

Photo courtesy of Ewan Miles, Nature Scotland

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.

Photo courtesy of Ewan Miles, Nature Scotland

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.

Photo courtesy of Ewan Miles, Nature Scotland

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 stag on a bright winter’s day

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.

Ben More with a dusting of snow at sunset

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.

Top Tips for Otter Watching on Mull

Mull may be heralded as ‘Eagle Island’, but there’s another creature with whom encounters are increasingly hoped for on Mull. We are of course talking about otters, known by their scientific name as Lutra Lutra. Otters can be found all along Mull’s 300 miles of coastline, but they often require time, patience and good fieldcraft to see.

With more people hoping to catch a glimpse, we’ve teamed up with Mull Otter Group to together bring you some tips to help you see otters in the wild, with their welfare front of mind.

Time and tides

Speak to the local wildlife guides and they’ll tell you that the tide and time of day can factor into your chances of seeing otters during your stay. A guided tour will often offer you the best chances of seeing them.

These are people who spend time with otters most days and know their territories and habits well. They’ll also help ensure you encounter otters in a responsible way, reducing the risk of disturbance, which is very helpful if it’s your first time looking for them.

Watch the road

When meandering around the shore of a sea loch keeping your eyes peeled for that tell-tale ripple in the water, remember that not everyone will be doing the same as you. Pull into passing places to let traffic behind you pass, and then continue to cruise along at your own pace.

If you see an otter, find a suitable, safe place to stop, avoiding passing places that need to be kept clear for traffic to get through. Your car can become a valuable viewing hide! Don’t risk getting out, as the sound of the doors closing may startle the otter.

Enjoy the view for a while, but don’t wait too long – you never know when you might find yourself unknowingly in the way of the route to an otter’s holt, or between a mother and her cubs.

Take cover

For the most committed otter watchers, then patience can pay off when hunkering down in one location. Find a quiet spot away from other people and shelter beside some rocks as you scan the shoreline for activity. Take care to avoid ground-nesting birds who share these shores and keep still and quiet if an otter appears. It will help you to go unnoticed if you are downwind.

If you do need to move, then do so slowly as the otter dives under water – a dive typically lasts for 20 seconds – but ideally wait in place and let the otter come to you.

Go with the flow

Remember that while often spotted in Mull’s sea lochs, otters need freshwater too. This is so that they can bathe and wash the salt off their coats, as well as to drink. That makes it really important to scan the area you choose to watch for otters from and ensure you won’t be blocking the way to a stream or their holt.

Keep your distance

A good pair of binoculars or scope will stand you in good stead for otter watching, enabling close-up views without getting too close to the otter. Give them space and try to go unnoticed. For those who do, the reward of a relaxed otter grooming, playing, bathing or feeding is one you’ll treasure.

For more information about the island’s wildlife and how to encounter it responsibly, watch our video with RSPB Officer for the island, Dave Sexton.

Where to Taste the Island’s Seafood

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.

Exploring Loch na Keal

Ask any visitor to Mull to recommend their favourite places to visit, and almost all of them will mention Loch na Keal at some point. This sea loch sweeps inland along the island’s west coast, with the Ardmeanach peninsula and Gribun cliffs hugging the south shore, and the coastline leading round past Killiechronan to the north. Inside the bay lies the uninhabited island of Eorsa, as well as the island of Inch Kenneth.

The winding road passes the Gribun cliffs on Loch na Keal’s south shore

One of the island’s most beautiful drives

Loch na Keal is easily accessible from most corners of Mull, lying only a couple of miles’ drive across the narrowest part of the island from Salen on the east coast, to the loch on the west. But arriving at Loch na Keal from the south offers perhaps the most spectacular introduction.

First follow the road through Mull’s mountains in Glen More, then turn off. The road follows the northern shore of Loch Scridain, before rising up over the pass at Tiroran and then descending dramatically with spectacular views across Loch na Keal and yet more outlying islands at sea.

As the road reaches sea level, the views remain impressive. Hills rise up to your right, with the sea to your left as the road winds past the Gribun cliffs with pretty dry stone walls.

White tailed sea eagle flying over the loch on the Isle of Mull
White tailed eagle in flight across the water on Loch na Keal

A wildlife hotspot for Mull’s ‘big five’

Of course, surrounded by pockets of woodland, sweeping hillsides, scree-covered peaks and a tidal sea loch, there’s far more to see than landscapes alone.

Mull’s big five could all be sighted in the local area, so keep your eyes to the skies for sea eagles, scan the hilltops for herds of deer, and choose a spot downwind with a view over the water in the hope of otters, seals and – for the very lucky – perhaps even dolphins too, who have been known to visit.

View from the shoreline by Kellan Mill Lodge, at Killiechronan on Loch na Keal

Explore Loch na Keal and beyond

At the head of the loch, there’s also the opportunity to experience the surrounds from the saddle, with Mull Pony Trekking based at Killiechronan.

Following the north shore round, the single track lane continues for miles following the length of the island’s west coast. Continue on and pass Loch Tuath, opening up views over the islands of Ulva, Gometra and the Treshnish Isles, and you can continue all the way to the white sands of Calgary Bay. A lovely place to pause and take in the west coast sunset, or enjoy an ice cream from the boat shack earlier in the day.

Balmeanach Farmhouse enjoys an unrivalled location on Loch na Keal with a little-known beach in walking distance

Cottages on Loch na Keal

Loch na Keal feels every bit like true Mull wilderness, with Ben More, the island’s only munro, accessible from the south shore. Cottages are few and far between in this rural corner of the coast, but we do have a couple that will draw you back time and time again.

For couples, Derryguaig Smiddy is the perfect choice, nestled in the foothills of Ben More on the sloping grassland above the loch. For wildlife lovers, Kellan Mill Lodge on Loch na Keal’s north shore is a firm favourite, and for families or large groups, the beautiful Balmeanach Farmhouse at the start of the Ardmeanach peninsula is guaranteed to impress.

A Dog Friendly Day Out on the Isle of Mull

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.

Book your pet friendly cottage for a holiday on Mull.

Cottages for Adventure Seekers

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.

Honeymoons on the Isle of Mull

The year of the staycation has shown us just what incredible food, white-sand beaches and breath-taking scenery is to be found without first taking to the skies. Add to that the peace and solitude, often enjoying an entire beach with no one but seals accompanying you, and you can see the beauty of honeymoons on the Isle of Mull.

Picture a well-wrapped walk as you beachcomb for treasures along the high tide line. Stunning road trips around the island you have to see to believe, as you hug the cliffs and the sea lochs lap the roadside. Once-in-a-lifetime moments as dolphins appear as you sail to outlying islands…

And then it’s home to your luxury cottage, perfect for honeymoons on the Isle of Mull, for a soak in the bath tub complete with pampering essentials from Isle of Mull Soap, and onwards to a candlelit feast. From the finest seafood and scallops fresh from the fishing boat, to irresistible steak and venison reared here on the hills, foodies will find plenty to whet their appetites. Dine in but let someone else do the cooking, or venture out to one of Mull’s fantastic eateries, the choice is yours.

So, which are our top cottage picks for honeymoons on the Isle of Mull? Read on and find the luxury escape you’ve been longing for.

Best cottages for honeymoons on the Isle of Mull

Discover nine of the most unique Isle of Mull holiday houses for special occasions, whether a large family gathering or luxury couple's retreat for two.

1 The Old Little Theatre

Enter stage left for a homestay that is dramatic and sumptuous in equal measure. Once the world’s smallest theatre, the Old Little Theatre has been loving restored as a boutique cottage for two, complete with all the luxury touches you’d expect, and some theatrical surprises too!

2 Craig Beag

If you’re dreaming of a cottage where you can pull up, unpack and unwind without needing to leave the house, then Craig Beag could be the one for you. Gorgeously styled interiors and sanctuary-like bathrooms with huge walk-in showers evoke instant peace and tranquillity. And then there’s the view…

3 Cherrybank

Marry modern luxuries, like the ultra-cosy Everhot stove, with old-island charm and unrivalled sea views and you’ll find yourself at Cherrybank. This characterful west coast hideaway sits a stone’s throw from the shore and a short drive from stunning shell-sand beaches. Free from distractions (there’s not a television in sight), you can switch off and soak up the moment.

4 Seabank

Another stylish cottage where old so effortlessly blends with new, Seabank has an irresistibly remote feel as just one of a handful of cottages tucked on the shore of Kilfinichen Bay. The local gin distillery will come as a lovely surprise.

5 Derryguaig Smiddy

Derryguaig Smiddy takes top spot for a hillside hideaway with views from the master bedroom across to Ben More, perched above the sea at Loch na Keal. A perfect retreat for those hoping to experience the island’s wildlife and summit it’s highest peak.

6 Canna

Sea views, stunning interiors and some of the finest seafood within strolling distance on Tobermory’s harbourfront, Canna is the perfect cottage for couples seeking luxury and wanting to immerse themselves in the island’s buzzing harbour town.

7 Dobhran Croft

A true gem of a cottage (and pet friendly, too), Dobhran Croft lies a stone’s throw from the shore at Lochbuie, where you can enjoy a leisurely brunch at the red-tin-roofed Old Post Office, before wandering the coastal paths in both directions, leading east to Laggan Sands and west to the dramatic scenery of Carsaig.

We hope we’ve inspired you with these ideas and cottages for honeymoons on the Isle of Mull. Get in touch if we can help add the finishing touch to your plans.

Geocaching on Mull: Five to Find

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:

Treshnish whisky cave

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.

Standing stones at Glengorm

2 The standing stones at Glengorm

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.

Woodland walk in Salen

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.

Eas-Fors-waterfall
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.

Rubh nan Gall Tobermory lighthouse

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.

Fishing on Mull: 5 Expert Tips Plus Where to Stay

Fishing on Mull has long been a draw for visitors to the island. It’s a traditional way of life that has deep island roots, with many of the oldest buildings in Tobermory linked to fishing and the associated commerce that Tobermory’s sheltered harbour facilitated. Visit the harbourfront today and you’ll still find the fisherman’s pier busy with boats as catches are unloaded.

But of course, fishing on Mull isn’t limited to what you can find at sea. The island has some fine river and loch fishing to enjoy too. Guy Bolton is a local expert, providing a guiding service for keen anglers visiting Mull, and in this article he shares five top tips to enjoy the bounty Mull has to offer.

Expert tips for fishing on Mull

1. Dress for the occasion

Make sure you have the right foot wear and clothing for a days’ fishing on Mull, the weather here is very changeable and making sure you are kitted out for the day helps to ensure that you stay warm and dry and you are far more likely then to enjoy your day out.

2. Movement is key

Once you have chose a loch or river to fish, try not to get stuck in the same spot all the day. Move around, up and down the bank in different directions. Trout can be quite nomadic, moving around the loch looking for their next meal. It can be easy to spook them in these remote hill lochs, so stealth and keeping trying different places can help hugely.

3. Flies and lures

Keep changing them don’t thrash away for hours if the fly or lure isn’t working. Keep trying different things with the hope that you will present the fish with something it simply can’t resist.

4. Safe hands

When handling fish you have caught look after them, especially if you are intending returning them to the water. Try to keep them as wet as possible. If the slimy coating of the fish gets damaged or rubbed off too much, it leaves the fish susceptible to infection and disease.

5. Plan ahead

Let people know where you are thinking of going and give them a vague idea of when you are expecting to return home. This way if anything were to happen to you or someone in your party, for example a fall, then help will never be too far away.

Best cottages for fishing on Mull

Armed with the expert advice of Guy Bolton, you’ll soon be on your way to fishing success. And you can even enjoy it from the luxury of your own cottage, with these three perfect properties for fishing on Mull.

The Steading (sleeps 4) on Loch Assapol

The Steading, Loch Assapol

Venture straight to the loch shore from the front door of The Steading and enjoy some fine freshwater loch fishing on Loch Assapol. Then it’s only a short walk home with your catch to cook up a storm in the beautiful dining kitchen, complete with vaulted ceilings and charming beams. A great choice for all the family, with excellent walking, beautiful beaches and abundant wildlife in the area too.

Craig Ben Lodge (sleeps 10, pet friendly) on Loch Uisg

Craig Ben Lodge, Loch Uisg

Treat yourselves to a true Highland escape with a stay at Craig Ben Lodge, complete with a turret and exceptional loch views. The house affords easy access to the sea at Lochbuie and Loch Spelve, with use of a boat available on Loch Uisg too.

Macquarie House (sleeps 9-10, pet friendly) on Loch Ba

Macquarie House, Loch Ba

A stone’s throw from the dramatic freshwater loch, Loch Ba, which leads into Mull’s mountainous interior, Macquarie House is an angler’s delight, with a boat available to hire, permits available for river fishing on the River Ba, and even the chance to catch brown trout on a hill loch nearby. Throw in the close proximity of Loch na Keal for sea fishing, and a week simply won’t feel long enough.

Discover more inspiration for things to do on Mull and make your holiday truly memorable.