Isle of Mull Guide: Top 5 Things to See & Do
Just 10 miles off the West Coast of Scotland is the Isle of Mull: the second largest island in the Inner Hebrides, the proud home of Balamory, and a Harris Campers favourite!
Collect your camper from Glasgow’s Morris Park, drive 2.5 hours to Oban, and sail 50 minutes to Craignure. Once you arrive on Mull, drive 40 minutes North, to its island capital...
Tobermory
In 1788, Tobermory was founded as a fishing port, with a working pier and thriving shellfish industry. In 1961, the owner of The Mishnish gave his hotel a shiny makeover, and his neighbours followed suit. In 2002, the rainbow seafront was chosen as the fictional setting for CBeebies’ Balamory. Today, the postcard-perfect harbour is a popular spot for tourists, attracting hundreds of thousands of annual visitors!
Start with a wee wander down Main Street, to Rubna nan Gall Lighthouse. On your way back, pop into Mull Museum, grab a bite to eat at Café Fish, and treat yourself to an Isle of Mull Ice Cream. Then, hop back in your Harris camper, and drive 5 minutes to try Tobermory’s favourite farmhouse cheese...
Isle of Mull Cheese & Spirit
In 1980, the Reade Family moved from the South of England, to the West Coast of Scotland, to open Sgriob-Ruadh (Red Furrow) farm. The goal was sustainability, through a ‘circular economy’ that reduces waste and recycles energy. In processing their cow’s milk, curds become cheese, and whey becomes spirit. So, alongside their award-winning blue and hard cheeses, the dairy now distils a selection of gins, vodkas, and whiskies.
Take a trip to the farm shop, and sample the best of Sgriob-Ruadh produce. Take a seat in The Glass Barn: a leafy café conservatory, serving bakes, brunch, and cheeseboards. And take a tour of the dairy or distillery, stopping to say hello to the cows, goats, pigs, and peacocks!
Ben More
Standing at 966m, Beinn Mhor (Big Mountain) is the only Munro on the Isle of Mull, and the second highest peak in the Scottish Isles. It’s a must-do!
Covering grassy slopes, muddy bogs, and steep ridges, the trail is technical, but has something for everyone. For experienced walkers, park at Dhiseig, and follow a simple out-and-back: 9km, 6 hours. For experienced climbers, ascend via Beinn Fhada, and embark on a Grade 1 scramble: 14km, 9 hours. At the summit, take a breath beside the cairn, and see how many islands you can spot! A clear, cloudless day should guarantee views to Staffa, Ulva, Iona, Coll, and Tiree.
For a smaller-scale adventure, hop on the Aros Waterfall Trail or head over to Fidden Beach...
Fidden Beach
The Scottish Hebrides are home to some of the world’s best beaches, and Mull is no exception. From Calgary to Carsaig, we know countless spots to take a dip or catch a wave, but Fidden is our favourite!
Here, you will find white sands, blue waters, and the peninsula’s characteristic pink granite. So pack your bathing suit, beach towel, and binoculars! The Ross of Mull is a popular place for spotting sealife (seals, otters, dolphins), and birds of prey (hen harriers and golden eagles).
Want to extend your visit? Fidden Campsite is a wee working farm, with grazing sheep, coastal access, and a nearby sauna. Pick your pitch, pop the roof, and prepare to be amazed. Fidden faces West, so is perfectly placed for a summer sunset!
In the morning, drive 5 minutes from Fidden to Fionnphort, and set sail for Iona...
Island Day-Trips
Lastly, your trip to Mull should not be limited to its mainland. It is surrounded by opportunities for adventure! Here is a wee island fact file...
Isle of Iona:
The birthplace of Scottish Christianity!
Park at Fionnphort ferry terminal, and catch a 10-minute foot ferry.
Explore Iona Abbey & Nunnery, and the White Strand of the Monks.
Isle of Ulva:
One of the Hebrides’ smallest inhabited islands: only 20 residents!
Park at Lagganulva, and catch a 5-minute foot ferry.
Explore Sheila’s Cottage, and the Walled Garden.
The Treshnish Isles:
One of Scotland’s largest puffin colonies!
Check the season, and board a boat from Fionnphort or Tobermory.
Explore Fingal’s Cave, and the cliffs of Staffa & Lunga.