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5 Outdoor Wellness Experiences to Try When You Visit Mull

Sauna

Deep heat with an equally good-for-the-soul view, head to one of the Island Sauna Shack’s pop-up locations to enjoy a Hebridean take on sauna culture. 

You’ll find them at locations including Salen Old Pier and Calgary Bay, so you can sauna with a stunning view, before taking an invigorating salt water plunge!

Cold Water Swimming

Wild swimmers enjoying the calm sea and turquoise blue skies on Uisken beach in Mull

Which brings us on to an outdoor wellness experience that can be enjoyed in almost all corners of Mull – wild swimming. Mull is home to many sheltered coves that offer clear waters in which to enjoy an invigorating cold water swim for those suitably equipped and prepared. 

Uisken in the south west of the island and Craig in the north west are popular wild swimming spots among locals, or for an in-land experience, you could take a dip in the stunning Ben More pools. Discover more about wild swimming on Mull.  

Follow the course of the River Lussa along the path through the Ardura Community Forest

Forest Bathing

Whether you wander deep into the fragrant forests that are thickly planted with spruce and pine, or explore one of Mull’s beautiful deciduous woodlands, there’s the chance to embrace this meditative wellness experience that hails from Japan. 

Immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of the woodland, whether amid the leafy boughs and tumbling waterfalls at Tobermory’s Aros Park, or the beautiful ancient woodlands along the River Lussa’s banks at Ardura.

Calgary beach at sunset through the grass

Beach Yoga

This is one for all the family to get involved in! Simply bring a mat, pick a beach (our local’s guide gives you plenty to try!) and get stretching! 

Yoga is a great way to slow down, relax your mind and body and tune back in to your natural rhythms and surroundings. Pick a west coast beach like Traigh na Cille or Fidden at sunset for an even more restorative view.

Walker standing on a hill looking to the sea and loch.

Hiking

This Isle of Mull outdoor wellness experience is for those with plenty of energy! Getting out in nature is great for the soul, tuning you back in to the birdsong, wildlife and wildflowers around you, while your endorphins pump thanks to a strenuous climb. 

Mull has many fantastic hiking routes, whether you want to take on a coastal adventure like the tidal hikes to MacKinnon’s Cave or the Carsaig Arches, or bag the island’s munro, Ben More. Find route maps, walks to try and more in our guide to hiking on Mull

Which of these outdoor wellness experiences will you try next time you escape to Mull?

3 Scottish Cultural Experiences on the Isle of Mull

Immersive cultural experiences can transform a good holiday to a great one. Scotland is well known for its warm Highland welcome and on the Hebridean Isle of Mull, it’s no different. So if you’re keen to immerse yourself in the local culture, enjoy an authentic taste of all-things Scottish, read on for three fantastic cultural experiences on the Isle of Mull.

The ruins of Moy Castle poking out above the trees with a boulder strewn beach in front
Ruins of Moy Castle on the way to Laggan Sands at Lochbuie

1 Clans and castles

There are believed to have once been as many as 2,000 castles in Scotland. Defensive buildings and the historic family seats of clans, castles have a huge place in Scottish culture and history. 

For visitors to Mull, there’s the chance to see several, from the ruins of Moy Castle at Lochbuie and Aros Castle on the east coast, to the well-preserved Duart Castle, which is open for tours, to the privately owned Glengorm Castle on the  island’s north coast.

Duart Castle standing proudly on an outcrop in south east Mull, seen from the ferry as it approaches Craignure
Duart Castle in south east Mull

Duart Castle in Mull’s south east lies within easy reach of the main ferry port in Craignure. The seat of Clan Maclean, the castle doesn’t simply offer an interesting take on history as you walk between its historic walls, peek into dungeon cells, glimpse the centuries-old bedchambers, climb to the upper turrets and marvel at the grand banqueting hall.

Duart Castle also offers a look at the clan system in Scotland, which for many years governed life in the Highlands. To this day, Duart Castle remains the home of members of the Maclean family, while forming the ancestral home for many more.

Duart Castle is open during the main season for tours and is well worth a visit during your stay. There’s a great tea room for lunch afterwards, followed by a walk in the Millenium woods, too.

If you’d like to find out more about Mull’s history, read our guide to island history here.

The ruins of Moy Castle standing on the forested hill overlooking the Aros Estuary and out to Salen Bay on the Isle of Mull
The ruins of 16th century Aros Castle on Mull’s east coast

2 Tartans and tweeds

Down in the island’s south west corner, tucked into the hillside above the sweeping sands of Ardalanish beach, lies Ardalanish Weavers. Here you’ll find fabrics that are quintessentially Scottish, as it’s here that talented craftsmen and women weave beautiful tweeds, tartans and woollen garments from the wool of native Hebridean and Shetland sheep. 

Discover the Isle of Mull artists who are inspired by this Hebridean isle, creating everything from keepsakes to canvases, and where to visit them.
Isle of Mull Weavers at Ardalanish on the Ross of Mull

The creative team dye the wool using natural colourings from the flora around them. When visiting the weavers, you’ll often spot large glass jars sitting out packed full of colourful plants, producing the natural dyes. The looms themselves date back to the Victorian period, showing a true glimpse back in time, at how these durable and beautiful fabrics were made for many years in the wild and windswept Hebrides.

When visiting, you can take a tour of the weaving mill and perhaps even watch a demonstration or two. So from the raw fleece, to the natural dye extraction, to the weaving process and beyond, you can immerse yourself in the full creative process at the Isle of Mull Weavers. 

Finish up in the mill shop, where their beautiful garments, blankets and bothy rugs are available for sale, or for the creatives amongst you, perhaps be inspired to buy a ball of their spun wool for your own creations.

3 Water and whisky 

Just beside the river that tumbles down the hillside before meeting the sea in Tobermory Bay, you’ll find the Tobermory Distillery at the southern end of the harbourfront. The first whisky production began here in 1798 and continues to this day, with the distillery producing an impressive collection of single malts and more recently, adding a range of gins to the stills too.

The guided tour takes you through the entire whisky-making process, often with some great local history thrown in too. You’ll proceed through the production area, with the chance to see the enormous copper stills in action.

A highlight of the tour for many is moving through to the cask room, where filled barrels of whisky slowly mature, with the type of barrel used imparting a distinct flavour into the final spirit, too.

For those who choose to, the final part of the tour is a tasting in their dedicated tasting room. Enjoy a dram or two and discover the difference in flavour between the light Tobermory whisky, compared to the smoky peated Ledaig.

The tradition of whisky making (and drinking!) in Scotland traces back as early even as 1500 and remains popular among locals and visitors alike to this day.

Tour the Tobermory Distillery

Feeling inspired for your visit to Mull? Delve into these eight island traditions to experience when you visit Mull and then choose your island holiday cottage.

7 Things to Do at Calgary Bay on Mull

Undoubtedly Mull’s most famous beach, Calgary Bay glistens with turquoise waters lapping gently ashore against a horseshoe of white shell-sand. Backed by machair, which puts on a stunning floral show in season, and cocooned between towering headlands to either side, it’s easy to see how Calgary Bay earned its popularity.

So, if you’re keen to visit and soak in the sights first-hand, here are seven things to do at Calgary Bay.

1 Explore Calgary Art in Nature Trail

If you start up the hill at Calgary gallery and café, there’s a fantastic trail that meanders all the way down to the beach. En route, you’ll discover all manner of unique art installations and sculptural creations lining the path down to the beach.

2 Enjoy an ice cream from the Boat Shed

A must for any beach trip, with a dash of Mull charm thrown in as you won’t be served from just any ice cream van, but from the boat shed – a quirky building beside the carpark, with drinks on offer too.

3 Beach-comb for tide-tossed treasures

The waves at Calgary Bay are generally fairly gentle, as the bay is nicely sheltered, but that doesn’t mean you can’t find some gems! Shells decorate the white sand, along with interesting seaweeds, driftwood and more. What will you find?

4 Brave a wild swim

Brace yourselves for a dip in the cool, clear waters and enjoy a wild swim at Calgary Bay – often with teeny tiny fish darting around with you!

5 Go rock pooling

Nets at the ready! At the ends of the beach, there are some great rocky areas that flood with the tide to form pools. Well worth a peek to see what critters you might find, or simply to enjoy a splash about!

6 Hike to Caliach Point

To the north side of the bay, a path leads along the top of the beach and out to an old granite pier, before steeply ascending to the headland above. From here, you can hike out along the tops, soaking up sensational coastal views, all the way to Cailach Point, passing abandoned villages, rugged cliffs and spotting the islands of Coll and Tiree in the distance.

7 Enjoy coffee at the café

After a day of fun at Calgary Bay, warm up with a cup of coffee, piece of cake or light lunch at the lovely Calgary Café, just up the hill. Sit inside or out and with plenty of parking, this is the perfect spot to refuel!

Calgary Bay isn’t Mull’s only island beach though. Along our 300 miles of coastline, there are many more to discover. We bring you a local’s guide to some of the most spectacular in our guide to Isle of Mull beaches.

5 Luxury Experiences to Discover on Mull

The Hebrides may be a wild and beautiful place, but that needn’t come at a compromise when it comes to luxury too. For those seeking to treat themselves, here are five luxury experiences to enjoy while on Mull, from those that take you into Mull’s remotest corners and waters, to those that bring the magic of Mull to you.

Balach Oir, luxury homestay for six guests on Loch Scridain

Dine with a difference

No guide to luxury experiences on Mull would be complete without covering the foodie scene! Mull punches well above its weight for gastronomic delight, with local chefs serving up the freshest seafood, landed that day by a local fishing boat, amid menus that major on island ingredients, from wildflower-infused desserts to croft-raised Highland beef.

So where to sample the finest of island feasts? Epicureans will be in their element at fine dining restaurant, An Cala Cuin in Tobermory, Ar Bord in Dervaig or Ninth Wave in Fionnphort. It is essential to book well in advance. Or, for the luxury experience to enjoy at your homestay instead, don’t miss Hebridean Lodge, where you can order three delicious courses to take home and warm up when you’re ready.

Bespoke guiding

Whether you’re seeking one-to-one guiding to maximise your chances of wildlife encounters with a target species, a photography expert to help you capture high quality images, or an angling aficionado to help you secure the biggest catch of the day, Mull has a range of high quality guides who offer bespoke services to suit your requirements.

Private charters

Some of Mull’s most popular boat excursions – including the famous Mull Charters sea eagle trip – can be booked for exclusive use. Not forgetting the whisky and gin-tasting experiences offered by Tobermory Bay Tours, too!

There are also several operators catering solely to exclusive-use clients, whether you want to set sail on a traditional sailing boat with Alternative Boat Hire, or hit the waves and discover Mull from the water with Coastal Connection.

Exclusive access

Adventure needn’t come at the cost of a high quality experience, and this is just one great example where Mull delivers in spades! Picture wild swimming in a crystal-clear, deserted sandy bay. In the crisp and cold waters at the foot of a glittering waterfall. Or in a naturally formed plunge pool, miles from the nearest road.

An experienced local guide can open the door to these incredible opportunities well off the beaten track. Walk Mull offers bespoke guided hikes to some incredible wild swimming spots, tailored to your requirements.

And relax…

It would be amiss not to mention the spa facilities on the island when diving into all-things luxury experiences on Mull. Conveniently located in the south east of the island, the Isle of Mull Hotel & Spa promises a range of experiences for non-residents, from full day pampering to hot stone massages and more. The perfect treat after a challenging hike, or before embarking on the long journey home.

Luxury pet friendly homestay for eight guests, Mor Aoibhneas

With these luxury experiences on Mull to inspire you, it’s time to book your luxury homestay to match. Delve into our hand-picked range of high quality island properties to find your cottage today. Please don’t hesitate to give us a call and we can create a personal shortlist of cottages to consider, tailored to your unique requirements.

5 Scenic Tobermory Walks to Explore from Mull’s Harbour Town

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.

5 Beautiful Coastal 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.

Rubh nan Gall Lighthouse at sunset

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.

The ruins of Moy Castle standing on the forested hill overlooking the Aros Estuary and out to Salen Bay on the Isle of Mull
Ruins of 16th-century Aros Castle on the headland

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 16th 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.

The ruins of Moy Castle poking out above the trees with a boulder strewn beach in front
Ruins of Moy Castle on the way to Laggan Sands

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.

Discover six Scottish islands you can visit from Mull, with boat trips, walks and historical attractions to see, as well as abundant wildlife.
The tidal Isle of Erraid lies off Mull’s south west coast

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.

Often named Mull's most beautiful beach, Calgary Bay is a stunning sweep of white sands in a horseshoe shape, with lovely walks along the coastline nearby.
Looking across Calgary beach

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.

5 of the Best Dark Sky Cottages for a Winter Escape to Mull

Picture Mull in the winter: vast open landscapes, dramatic winds and rushing rivers, and – come nightfall – wonderfully dark skies. On a clear night, the magic of the island in winter comes alive with superb views of starry skies and, on the luckiest occasions when the right conditions arise, the dance of the Northern Lights too. If you’ve fancied escaping to Mull in winter, here are five winter breaks hand-picked for stargazers. They’re all pet friendly, too!

Mucmara Lodge, Dervaig

Around a mile from the village centre in Dervaig and rubbing shoulders with the woodland of the Quinish Estate, Mucmara Lodge promises perfect dark sky conditions to enjoy the night-time wonders, whether a glimpse of the Northern Lights dancing, or constellation-spotting from the garden before returning to warm by the fire. Winter breaks at pet friendly Mucmara Lodge start from £935 per week.

Dobhran Croft, Lochbuie

Far from any light pollution a stone’s throw from the sea, Dobhran Croft is one of our most popular cottages for winter escapes. There are dark skies aplenty to enjoy in this remote location, shared only with a handful of other cottages, and on clear skies ample opportunity to enjoy them. To the north, when conditions allow, there’s even the chance to spot the Northern Lights dancing beyond the summit of Ben Buie for the luckiest visitors. Winter breaks at pet friendly Dobhran Croft start from only £95 per night.

Ardwhin Cottage, Lochdon

Nestled beside the shore of Loch Don in the tiny village that shares the loch’s name, Ardwhin Cottage offers stargazing opportunities aplenty. On clear nights, there’s the added bonus that the sparkling constellations above are reflected in the inky waters of the still loch – a magical sight, whether enjoyed outdoors or from the comfort of the conservatory. Winter breaks at pet friendly Ardwhin Cottage start from £695 per week.

Seabank, Tiroran

The final stone cottage in a small cluster along the shore of Kilfinichen Bay, Seabank promises stunning views southwards across Loch Scridain and towards the Ross of Mull peninsula beyond. In this remote and quiet corner of the island, dark skies come guaranteed, and Seabank’s cosy sitting areas and large windows make for perfect viewing. Winter breaks start from £695 per week at pet friendly Seabank.

Balmeanach Farmhouse, Loch na Keal

Cocooned between the Ardmeanach peninsula, Gribun cliffs and sea at Loch na Keal, Balmeanach Farmhouse certainly ticks the box for a remote yet luxurious base. With only a farm for neighbours, the nights feel truly dark, with wide open skies and clear views both to the north and the west. Winter breaks at pet friendly Balmeanach Farmhouse start from £1100 per week.

Spirit of Adventure: 5 Adventure Activities on the Isle of Mull

Best known for its stunning scenery and epic wildlife, the Isle of Mull is also home to many exciting outdoor activities too. There’s plenty to appeal to adventure-seeking visitors on both land and sea. Here are a few local guides and tours to dive into during your stay.

Waterfall cascading into turquoise pool flanked by rocks and trees on a sunny day

1 Wild swim in waterfalls

Walk Mull is the wild swimming expert to seek out for this one. Offering guided hikes that take in some of Mull’s best-kept-secret wild swimming spots, you can take your pick between coastal dips and some amazing waterfall pools, safely guided by a local expert.

2 Take to the water

With the expert help of Bendoran Watersports, you can canoe, kayak and more around the Ross of Mull’s enchanting pink granite coastline and secluded shell-sand coves. Perfect for your fix of vitamin sea with an adventurous twist.

Group of cyclists along coast with mountains beyond

3 Enter an event

This one’s a little different, but throughout the year, the island plays host to many sporting events. Whether you take on the epic cycle ride for the Isle of Mull Sportive, or bring your four-legged-friend to tackle the Canicross at Glengorm, there’s something for everyone to challenge themselves with.

4 Paddle the bays

With stand-up paddle board hire available in both Salen Bay and Tobermory Bay, the choice is yours! Expect amazing coastal views and plentiful wildlife either way, making this SUP experience stand out from the rest.

Group of kayakers by coast on Mull

5 Blast across the beach

You’re sure to get an adrenaline fix as you canter through the waves on Killiechronan beach, riding sure-footed native Highland ponies. Mull Pony Trekking make it possible for experienced riders, with gentler treks along the coast or high into the hills available too.

Ready to embrace your spirit of adventure? Book your Isle of Mull cottage today.

Please note that adventure activities have inherent risks and dangers and are undertaken at your own risk. Always use a fully qualified local guide and ensure you have the required experience and are fully prepared for any activity you choose to undertake.

5 Isle of Mull Walks With Cafes at the End

There’s no better way to soak up the island’s scenery than on foot, surrounded by the dramatic landscapes that cocoon you and at one with the sound of the birdsong and breeze. And there’s no better way to enjoy the experience than with Isle of Mull walks with cafes at the end. The perfect way to warm up and reward your efforts, whether after a gentle stroll or a more challenging hike. Here are five to inspire you.

Lochbuie

Follow the meandering single-track road past Loch Spelve, Loch Uisg and the dramatic hills of Creach Beinn and Ben Buie to arrive at the shore of Loch Buie. You can leave your car in the parking spot by the sea and then the adventure begins.

Follow the coast east along the well-marked footpath that hugs the shoreline, passing the ruins of Moy Castle and rounding the corner to reach the long sweeping beach at Laggan Sands. At the far end, you can look around the interesting mausoleum, too.

Then, retrace your steps initially, before taking a right turn just before Moy Castle and following the track to join the road. Turn left here and walk along the road, taking care if there’s passing traffic, to the bridge, where the standing stones are signposted. From here, follow the markers across sometimes boggy land to reach the Lochbuie stone circle – a dramatic sight with the towering hills beyond.

Retrace your steps to re-join the road, which delivers you back to where you began at the shoreside parking area and the door of the Old Post Office, Lochbuie’s charming cafe serving excellent light lunches, coffee and cakes in season.

Dun Ara remains of castle at Glengorm

Glengorm

In the north of the island, around 15 minutes drive from Tobermory lies the beautiful Glengorm estate, complete with a stunning, privately owned castle. Head through the white gates as you approach the estate and then turn right for the walker’s carpark (signposted). Leaving your car, return to the lane and turn right, following the lane to a bridge, where a few walk choices are signposted.

Dun Ara and the Bathing Pools makes a lovely there-and-back route, with a very small detour to see the Glengorm standing stones visible from the usual grassy path. There are some stunning wildflowers to spot through the season as you go, as well as plenty of sheep and sometimes Highland cows too, which are farmed on the estate.

As you return to the bridge on your way back, you’ll arrive at a beautiful stone steading building with a courtyard seating area. Here you’ll find the superb cafe at Glengorm – home to excellent cakes for mid-morning or late afternoon and a superb lunch menu, featuring lots of produce from the estate.

Calgary beach at sunset through the grass

Calgary

After securing your spot in the wee carpark just beside Calgary beach, the adventure around the headland begins! To the right-hand side of the beach, follow the grassy footpath that takes off around the headland, passing the old granite pier before the path climbs further up the hillside.

As you make your way westwards around the headland, you’ll have far-reaching views out to sea and towards the islands of Coll and Tiree. The walk also passes several ruined settlements that were victims of the Highland Clearances, before reaching Caliach Point.

After scanning the seas for marine life and watching waves break below, retrace your steps to return to Calgary beach. Here, you can either grab a drink and ice cream from the Boatshed or venture up the hill through the Art in Nature path to reach the tea room (both seasonal).

Tobermory

One of the most popular Isle of Mull walks with cafes at the end is the there-and-back footpath from Tobermory harbourfront to Rubha-nan-Gall lighthouse. Starting from the far end of the Main Street by the CalMac ferry pier, pass through the signposted gate and begin your adventure along the lighthouse path.

Tucked between a steep hillside and the sea, the narrow path feels very dramatic. It’s especially beautiful in the spring, when the steep hillsides are blanketed in the white blooms of wild garlic and the soft tones of bluebells. You’ll enjoy lovely vistas to the Ardnamurchan peninsula as you walk. There are several benches dotted along the path to enable you to pause and take in the view.

The lighthouse itself is a beautiful building, surrounded by rock pools at low tide. When you’ve had your fill of vitamin sea and perhaps spotted a passing seal or two, retrace your steps to Tobermory’s harbourfront. Here, a fantastic choice of cafes await, from the Tobermory Bakery to the chocolate shop.

View to Torosay Castle surrounded by trees on the Isle of Mull

Craignure

An easy-going there-and-back walk that affords spectacular views, this is one of the best Isle of Mull walks with cafes at the end when you arrive on the ferry in Craignure. Parking in the car park in the village, follow the road south west and you’ll soon reach a left-turn at North Lodge that marks the beginning of the walk to the Torosay Estate.

Offering a wonderful combination of views, the track passes through farmland with far-reaching vistas to the Scottish mainland and even Ben Nevis in the distance. Further along, the walk takes on a new character as you plunge into beautiful woodland, spectacular in spring and autumn, with lots of notable and unusual tree varieties.

Enjoy a beautiful view of Torosay Castle, which lies ahead, although the castle itself is closed to the public (the gardens are open the first Sunday of the month in season). Returning the way you came, arrive back into Craignure and enjoy a choice of great cafes: Arlene’s, Blether’s or the new chocolate factory.

We hope these Isle of Mull walks with cafes at the end have inspired you. Find more walking guides with route maps here, and book your cottage today!

10 Things to Do in Tobermory

The harbourfront seen from above

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.

Tobermory Distillery

Jump aboard

With both Staffa Tours and Sealife Mull operating boat trips from the Tobermory pontoons out to sea, and the brilliant Tobermory Bay Tours offering hour-long scenic cruises, there are plenty of opportunities to experience Tobermory from the water.

Go fish!

At the catch-and-release aquarium, with lots of intriguing native creatures of the deep to encounter and touch pool sessions that younger visitors will love to get stuck into.

Sea anemones Mull Aquarium
The Isle of Mull Aquarium in Tobermory

On the market

Mondays see the return of Tobermory’s take on a farmer’s market, with fresh produce, island meat and fish often available, as well as yummy treats cooked there and then and all manner of gifts and homewares crafted by local makers.

Step back in time

At the Mull Museum, open daily with just a donation required to come and have a look around. Trace your clan’s past, discover the history of Mull and see Tobermory through the centuries.

The Mull Museum is one of many attractions along the pretty Main Street in Tobermory

Culture fix

Venture up the hill to An Tobar to peruse the gallery and enjoy a coffee and cake, perhaps even returning later on to enjoy one of their regular musical and theatrical events.

Raise a glass

Of Tobermory’s own craft beer, brewed on the Main Street at ToBEERmory.

Walk on the wild side

Start your day bright and early and set out with a local wildlife guide, with tours departing from Tobermory to cover all corners of the island and give you great chances of meeting its famed wildlife.

Retail therapy

From locally made soap and pampering bath products, to artefacts made from antler, pretty pottery and even jewellery too, the Main Street offers a wealth of choice from local, independent purveyors.