As the second-largest island on the West Coast of Scotland, the Isle of Mull is the perfect place to visit for an Inner Hebrides road trip adventure. It’s only a short ferry ride from Oban on the mainland to all of the beautiful places to visit and great things to do in Isle of Mull.
The Isle of Mull is mostly known for its abundance of wildlife with whales, dolphins, and seals swarming the coastline at any given moment. Nature lovers also love the number of scenic beaches, walking trails, and peaks like Ben More offering spectacular views of the island.
For history lovers and culture vultures, there are castles, museums, galleries, prehistoric stones, and tons of other cool things to do on Mull to guarantee that you’ll never get bored. This guide includes all the best places to go and the best things to do in Isle of Mull for an unforgettable vacation.
Want a sneak peek of the island? Check out the 1945 classic I Know Where I’m Going! You will want to find the red telephone booth by the waterfall– trust me.
TOP THINGS TO DO IN ISLE OF MULL
DUART CASTLE
Without question, one of the top things to do in Isle of Mull is to visit Duart Castle. Dating back to the 13th century, this stronghold is an ancestral home of Clan MacLean. Although it’s undergone several rounds of repairs and restorations, it’s remarkably well-preserved and looks so dramatic sitting on a rocky outcrop.
Visitors are welcome to head inside the castle where you can check out the courtyard, Great Hall, kitchen, dining room, and plenty of other rooms. It’s super easy to reach as it’s right near Craignure ferry terminal on the edge of the Sound of Mull.
TOBERMORY TOWN
When deciding where to stay on Mull, you’ll probably end up staying near Tobermory in the north of the island. It’s the Isle of Mull’s main town, although it’s just a small village by mainland Scotland standards! You can spend your days here buying ice cream and handmade souvenirs in local shops and your evenings dining at a local pub.
If you need to get around Mull on public transport, it will be difficult and restrict where you can go. However, Tobermory is one of the main transport hubs with buses to the Craignure ferry port and along the scenic drive to Fionnphort.
It would be remiss not to mention Tobermory’s main attraction, the multicolored houses on its picturesque harbor. Luckily, you won’t be able to miss them as the houses line up against the main street.
CLIMB BEN MORE
One of the top things to do on Mull for hikers is to climb Ben More, the highest mountain on any Scottish island and the only Munro on Mull. There are 282 Munros in Scotland, which are mountains that reach over 3,000 ft/915 m with a minimum drop of 30 meters.
Ben More measures 3,169 ft/966 m above sea level so it’s a challenging hike. But those who tackle it will be rewarded with views over Loch na Keal and Loch Scridain.
TOBERMORY DISTILLERY
While you’re in Tobermory, don’t forget to visit one of the best things to do in Isle of Mill which is the Tobermory Distillery visitor center. This distillery dates back to 1789 and it hosts distillery tours and tastings and has an onsite gift shop.
Luckily, it’s conveniently located on the harbor of Tobermory. You don’t have to worry about driving afterward if your accommodation is local!
THE MULL MUSEUM
Also set on the banks of the Sound of Mull in Tobermory harbor is the Mull Museum. This is a super cute, small museum that has a detailed archive on the local history of Mull. It’s only open seasonally but entrance is free.
AROS PARK
The Isle of Mull might feel like one big park, but if you want to visit a designated one then Aros Park is just a short drive from Mull. The main car park there is a convenient location by the coastline and you can enjoy paved paths through woodland and waterfalls here.
CALGARY ART GALLERY AND IN NATURE
Most of the things to do on Mull are out in nature but there are some cultural attractions and things to do on Mull too. Calgary Art Gallery is a wee (Scottish for ‘small’) art museum in a converted cottage with tapestries, ceramics, and more inspired by the natural landscape of Mull.
While you’re near the gallery, don’t forget to visit the ‘Calgary Art in Nature’ exhibition where you can find sculptures within the grounds outside.
SPOT EAGLES ON WILDLIFE TOURS
There’s no denying that one of the main reasons why people go to Mull is to see the local wildlife. It’s pretty impressive! Amongst many other animals, the golden eagle and the white-tailed sea eagle can both be spotted on walking tours on the Isle of Mull.
Booking a guided tour gives you the best chance of finding them as local authorities track the whereabouts of the white-tailed eagles. Sea eagles named ‘Fingal’ and ‘Iona’ usually nest in the Tioran Community Woodland, whereas ‘Hope’ nests in West Ardhu.
WHALE WATCHING BOAT TRIPS
Aside from eagles, the coastlines around the Isle of Mull are swimming with amazing sea life. During the summer months, you can spot Minke whales as well as seals and dolphins. You can book boat trips to get a closer look at these magnificent creatures in Tobermory Harbor.
MULL AQUARIUM
Visiting out of season or want to see even more sea life? Visit Mull Aquarium in Tobermory. It’s a sustainable aquarium as they only display creatures caught in local waters (starfish, crabs, sea horses, etc.) and release them back into the sea after four weeks.
MACKINNON’S CAVE
This is such a hidden gem of an attraction that is literally hidden some of the time! Mackinnon’s Cave is a sea cave on the western coast of Mull that is only accessible during low tide. Check the tide times to make sure you don’t get caught out and to reach it you’ll have to walk along Mackinnon’s Rock hiking trail.
KILMORE STANDING STONES
There are plenty more ‘impressive’ standing stones in the Western Isles (like Calanais on the Isles of Lewis and Harris) but the Kilmore Standing Stones are still pretty cool. There are just a handful of stones and they are located just a short drive from Tobermory in Achnadrish.
The Kilmore Standing Stones were useful for learning more about prehistoric astronomy. Plus, they stand in a beautiful woodland area.
SEE THE NORTHERN LIGHTS
It’s common knowledge that the closer you are to the Arctic Circle and the clearer and darker the skies are, the more likely you are to see the Northern Lights. However, with the increase in solar activity over the last couple of years, people visiting Scottish islands like Mull during the winter are able to see them too.
This is partly due to the Isle of Mull’s positioning in a relatively northern country, but also because of its lack of light pollution. It doesn’t happen often enough that you should book a trip to the Isle of Mull in winter especially to see them, but you never know!
EAS FORS WATERFALL
This island is covered in tall, powerful waterfalls so one of the best things to do in Mull during your trip is to see the tallest and most powerful. Eas Fors Waterfall is located near the Isle of Ulva on the western coastline and it’s just a short hike from the car park.
MACCULLOCH’S FOSSIL TREE
Are you prepared to embark on a remote, challenging walk to see a 40 ft/12 m high conifer tree that was engulfed in molten lava approximately 55 million years ago? Then you’ll really enjoy seeing MacCulloch’s Fossil Tree, named after the man who discovered it in 1819.
It blends into the side of the basalt cliff on the coastline but the fossilized tree is recognisable due to its ridges. Plus, you’ll get to see a part of Mull that few tourists make the effort to visit.
CARSAIG ARCHES
One of the top scenic parts of an island that already has a long list of scenic places, the Carsaig Arches are multiple basalt arches lining the Ross of Mull’s southern coastline. It’s a long hike to see them but the arches and the black sand beach will make the journey worth it.
MACQUARIE’S MAUSOLEUM
Visiting a mausoleum is definitely one of the more eccentric things to do on Mull but still a fun, cultural activity. Lachlan Macquarie was born on the nearby Isle of Ulva in 1761 and became the Governor of New South Wales in Australia in the early 1800s. He traveled around the world before returning to Mull at the end of his life where he died in 1824.
Today, his mausoleum (which looks more like a small cottage) is managed by both the National Trust for Scotland and Australia. Not only can you visit the mausoleum, but you may see some small koala teddy bears that other visitors hang on the gate too.
BEST BEACHES TO SEE ON THE ISLE OF MULL
The Isle of Mull’s natural beauty is no secret, but you still won’t believe your eyes when you see one of the beaches on this island for the first time. Here are some of the best beaches on Mull that you should visit, as long as you’re prepared for them to take your breath away.
CALGARY BAY AND BEACH
Tucked into one of the northern inlets of Mull, Calgary Bay is sheltered from the worst of the North Atlantic winds which makes Calgary Beach all the more serene. It’s one of the best white-sand beaches in the local area with ice blue water surrounded by a grassy headland you can walk up for great views of the bay.
It’s one of the most accessible beaches in the northern part of the island with parking and houses nearby.
MARKET BAY BEACH
On the opposite end of the Isle of Mull is the completely untouched Market Bay Beach. Most of the beaches on this side of the Ross of Mull are rocky, but it’s one of the rare ones covered in soft white sand.
It’s only accessible via a nature trail which is a 30-minute walk from Camas, but it’s worth it. Check the tides so that you have plenty of time to enjoy the bay!
KILVICKEON BEACH
Located on the southern coast of Mull, near the Southernmost Point of the island, Kilvickeon Beach will be much larger than you expect. For a beach this wide, long, soft, and clean, you’d expect there to be hoards of beach bums there every day and a convenient car park.
Nope, the journey down to this hidden paradise follows single-track roads and a 10-minute walk. This is the secret to the serenity on offer at Kilvickeon.
UISKEN BEACH
When you don’t want to hike to see the sea on the Isle of Mull’s south coast, head to Uisken Beach. It’s just as beautiful as Market Bay or Kilvickeon but you can take the scenic route right up to it. It still ticks all the boxes: white sand, clear water, zero trash, and beautiful scenery.
DAY TRIPS FROM THE ISLE OF MULL
Fort William and the Isle of Skye are too far from Mull for a day trip. However, thanks to the frequent ferry services in the summer months, there are lots of beautiful Scottish islands that you can (and should) visit from the Isle of Mull.
ISLE OF IONA
The Isle of Iona is an excellent place to choose for a day trip from Mull. It’s only a 10-minute ferry crossing from Fionnphort (no cars allowed) to reach this secluded, unspoiled, holy island and then you’re only a short walk to Iona Abbey and Nunnery.
Iona is a holy isle because it’s known as the birthplace of Christianity in Scotland. St. Columba arrived on Iona in 563 AD with 12 followers and both St. Columba’s Bay and Iona Abbey have connections to the saint.
Some other things to do on the Isle of Iona include visiting Port Ban Beach and checking out the Iona Food Trail. Try wild camping if you’re staying longer than a day.
ISLE OF STAFFA
This uninhabited island is only accessible by an organized boat tour from Fionnphort or Tobermory but you’re guaranteed to have an epic day out. The Isle of Staffa is around one hour from Mull. Most Staffa tours usually allow passengers around one hour to explore this small island and the famous Fingal’s Cave, so it’s more like a half-day trip.
Fingal’s Cave is made from hexagonal basalt columns that you’d also find on the Causeway Coast of Northern Ireland and in Iceland. Its arched roof gives the cave incredible natural acoustics which inspired the composer Mendelssohn when he visited the cave in 1829. It’s such an awe-inspiring place, this cave alone makes Staffa worth visiting.
TRESHNISH ISLES
Boat tours from Tobermory or Fionnphort on Mull take around an hour to get to Lunga, the largest of the Treshnish Isles. These nearby islands are uninhabited by people yet a huge number of Guillemot, Razorbill, Kittiwake, Fulmar, Shag, Great Skua, Puffin, and a Seal colony call it home.
Looking for the best way to visit the Treshnish Isles and Staffa in one day? Luckily, there are boat tours leaving Tobermory that pair both of these beautiful places in one six-hour trip.
ISLE OF ULVA
Although getting to the Isle of Ulva is the most challenging of all the islands in Mull’s local area, spending a day here could be the most rewarding experience of your entire trip.
First, the Ulva Ferry is a private service run by a local. You can find out the ferry times and other updates by heading to the Ulva Ferry Facebook page. Thankfully, the ferry runs between Lagganulva on Mull to the Isle of Ulva which is a 10-minute journey at the most.
It’s yet another great place to visit for wildlife enthusiasts to attempt to spot birds like the Sea Eagle, seals, dolphins, and whales. There are no cars in Ulva because they’re are no roads, so hire bikes to get around. And yes, incredibly there are people living here!
ANNUAL EVENTS IN ISLE OF MULL
As the second-largest island on Scotland’s west coast, there are always plenty of things to do on Mull no matter when you’re visiting. Check out these fun annual events and cultural festivals if they’re happening during your trip.
- Burns’ Night (January 25th)
- Mull Music Festival (April)
- Mull Highland Games (July – August)
- West Highland Yachting Week (August)
- Mòd Scottish Gaelic Festival (September)
- The Mull Rally (October)
- Celtic Samhain Festival (October 31st)
- Bonfire Night (November 5th)
- St Andrews Day (November 30th)
- Scottish Hogmanay (December 31st)
Isle of Mull Trip Planning Guide
This post contains affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission from your purchase. This adds NO extra cost to you.
Flying to the Isle of Mull?
Looking for the best flights to the Isle of Mull? Well, you should look at flying into Glasgow or Edinburgh, as the tiny airport on Mull caters more to private and charter planes. If you want to fly to Scotland though, we love to track flights via Expedia.com. Not only do we find great rates, but we earn points to use on future travel too.
You can also keep an eye on GOING deals, which is how we got to Ireland roundtrip from LAX for under $500 each. The free version is good, but the paid subscription will save you way more than the cost of the actual subscription.
Hotels in Mull
Tobermoray
Isle of Iona
Find more Isle of Mull hotels HERE.
Travel Insurance
Do NOT forget to buy travel insurance for your trip, even if you booked through a travel agent.
Things do and will happen and it’s cheaper to buy travel insurance ahead of time instead of paying out of pocket later.
Check out Travelex for rates on a single trip or an annual plan that could be right for you if you take more than one or two trips a year.
Buy a SIM card?
We all love our smartphones, but we don’t love those international roaming charges. Even if you have a travel pass, you could max out your service, which is why we always grab an eSIM card to pop into our phones. It’s especially great for the kids, as it limits what they can do and how much data they can use, but still allows them to text friends back home.
Check out Airalo, our preferred eSIM card store for the best prices on eSIM cards and international data plans.
Need a Rental Car?
We use DiscoverCars.com to get the best rates and availability on rental cars. Find your car HERE, along with all of the extras you may need (insurance, car seats, ski racks, etc.)
Don’t Forget about Your Vacation Photos!
Don’t forget to book your Flytographer session to capture awesome memories from your trip. We do it as often as we can, even though I’m a photographer. Sometimes, this mom just wants to be in a few photos with her kiddos.
How to get to the Isle of Mull
Ferry to the Isle of Mull
Most visitors to Mull take a ferry from the mainland of Scotland. Here are the steps:
Step 1: Travel to the town of Oban on the west coast of Scotland. Oban is a common departure point for ferries to Mull.
Step 2: Purchase ferry tickets at the Oban Ferry Terminal. You can buy tickets in advance online or in person at the terminal.
Step 3: Board the ferry. The ferry ride from Oban to Craignure on the Isle of Mull is a scenic journey that takes approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour.
Step 4: Arrive on the Isle of Mull at Craignure. From there, you can continue your journey by car, bus, or taxi to explore the island.
Ferry from Other Islands to Mull
If you are traveling from nearby islands like Iona or Coll, you can also take ferries to Mull. These ferries provide convenient connections between the islands.
Additionally, some visitors choose to fly into the small airport on the Isle of Mull, but this option is limited and may require charter or private flights.
