Leave the single-track road behind and venture down the Lochbuie Estate’s network of gravel tracks, passing pretty woodland and babbling burns, before curving round and delivering you to Mabel Cottage. The adventurous arrival sets the tone for your stay here, with the best of Mull’s wildlife, rugged walks and sea vistas all tempting you to get outdoors. The perfect destination for wildlife enthusiasts and walkers, with plenty to entertain you from the door for the week. Please note the access track to the cottage is unmetaled, passable in a regular car, but you will need to take your time and expect some potholes following wet weather.
Nearest village: Craignure (14 miles)
Drive to ferry terminal at Craignure: 40 minutes.
Map and Directions
We send out a property information document with directions to the house, and other useful information, to all guests who book with us.
Things to Do
Mabel Cottage’s setting at Lochbuie will delight those who want to embrace the island views in a more remote setting, without feeling completely cut off from the world. The buzzing Old Post Office Café beside the seafront is within walking distance from the cottage and always popular for coffee and cake or lunch. You’ll wait to raid the freezers for their excellent Lochbuie Larder local estate meat and ready meals too!
Laggan Sands will be a highlight for anyone staying here, a short and scenic walk along the coast from the cottage. This sweeping beach offers a lovely stretch of sand, often with Highland cattle grazing at the end of it. Walking the length of the beach brings you to the mausoleum too, which is well worth a look inside with its coloured glass roof tiles.
You can also walk to the magical ruins of Moy Castle. Nestled beside a burn, cocooned by woodland and looking out to sea, the setting is postcard-worthy. Dating back to the 15th century, the castle has many stories to tell with some signage to help get you started.
Another scenic walk here takes you to the circle of standing stones – remember good waterproof footwear for this one, as the route can be boggy! The reward for your efforts is the charming circle of standing stones, made from granite. There are three further monoliths that stand surrounding the circle too and you’ll often spot fallow deer nearby.
If you do fancy hitting the road, the single-track road out of Lochbuie hugs the shore of freshwater Loch Uisg before arriving at the sea with Loch Spelve. You can turn off here to Croggan, with the road following the water’s edge, great for wildlife watching as you meander along. In Croggan, there’s also a scenic walk along the coast round to Portfield beach, all with great wildlife opportunities en route.
Around a 40-minute drive brings you back to the village of Craignure, where you’ll find the main ferry port for the Oban ferry too. There’s a filling station, small but well-stocked Spar shop and several different cafes and restaurants from which to choose.
Tobermory, the island’s harbour capital, lies just over an hour’s drive to the north. The road is a scenic one, following the east coast with sea views much of the way, before delivering you to the brightly coloured Main Street and its range of independent cafes, shops and boat trips too.
