5 Reasons To Visit The Isle of Mull
Most people don't realise how much the Isle of Mull has to offer, here's what we found on our recent trip...
1. THE JOURNEY
They say it’s not about the destination but the journey itself and we were awestruck on our way to Mull so it’s only fair that we mention the highlights. As the drive was so beautiful we chose not to take the first ferry crossing from Glasgow at Oban but instead to head further north to Lochaline. This journey took us through Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, with stunning views of glassy lochs and snow-capped mountains.
Views from Glencoe
Further on we stopped off at the Glencoe Mountain Resort, we were really glad we did as we took an unexpected ride on a ski lift to make our way to the top of Glencoe. Our journey up the mountain was invigorating to say the least, just about every form of weather came out to greet us - with the warm sun shining at the base, up through wind, rain, hail and snow all within the 10 minute ride to the top. So if you’re planning this particular stop off on your way to Mull make sure you wear something warm and waterproof, no matter how hard the sun is shining down below.
Find out more about the Glencoe Mountain Resort via http://www.glencoemountain.com/ Tickets for the ski lift can be purchased for £5 per person each way in the cafe
Even the ferry journey was scenic
2. BREATH-TAKING BEACHES
If you think Scotland is just about lochs, mountains and kilts think again, gentle lapping waves on a blue green sea, virgin white sands and scenic backdrops nestled in the Inner Hebrides await you. The Isle of Mull has some of the most beautiful beaches we’ve seen this side of Zanzibar.
It's hard to believe this beach is in Scotland
Our favourite spots were Calgary Bay to enjoy some peace and quiet and Fidden Farm, where you can camp on the beachfront looking out over neighbouring Iona. From Fidden Farm it’s worthwhile walking to Erraid, which can only be accessed by foot at low tide, and will especially appeal to Fans of the Robert Louis Stevenson book “Kidnapped”
Calgary Bay
3. CALGARY ART IN NATURE AND THE KITTIWAKE CAMPING HUT
There’s more to the Art In Nature centre than the gallery, beautiful hand crafted jewellery and local produce on sale. Take a walk through the nature trails and you will find a hidden gem (or several), with wooden sculptures that celebrate and enhance the beauty of nature, settled amongst woodland, glades and the nearby beach as well as the Kittiwake Camping Hut which we hired for the weekend. There’s really only one word we could use to describe the cabin, scattered with wildflowers, encircled by windswept trees and beautiful sea views, and that is “magical”.
An enchanting home from home
Kittiwake does not have any electricity or mobile and internet coverage so it’s perfect for those who want disconnect from the rest of the world and appreciate being at one with nature. With its wood burning stove to keep you warm at night and waking up to panoramic sea views from your bed it really is one of the most unique and enchanting places we’ve stayed – the only drawback is that you won’t want to leave!
Panoramic views out to sea at the Kittiwake
Stay in the Kittiwake cabin from £180 for 2 nights – £630 for 1 week and can be booked via the Calgary Farmhouse website http://www.calgary.co.uk/kittiwake.html
4. SPECTACULAR SCENERY
We're hard pushed to tell you all the beautiful places we discovered on our short trip, words just can't do the scenery any justice so we'll let the pictures do the talking...
No matter which direction you are facing you will be rewarded with some truly awe inspiring views...
Loch Beg
Take a walk across rugged cliffs and rocky coastlines, climb Ben More, the highest mountain on the island, or check out the stone circle near Ardmore in the north of the island just behind Tobermory.
Tobermory
You’ll be spoiled for choice on what to discover next when you visit.
Glengorn Castle
5. AN ABUNDANCE OF WILDLIFE
You can take your pick from wildlife to tick off your list in Mull and the surrounding islands. Take a trip with Turus Mara where you can get up close to puffins as tame as dogs and see Common and Atlantic seal pups during the summer months.
Take a boat trip with one of the many Whale Watching Tours available to catch a glimpse of Minke Whales, Orcas, Basking Sharks and Dolphins. But don’t worry if you don’t have sea legs as there is still plenty to see on dry land with a large population of birds of prey including Sea and Golden Eagles, Peregrine Falcons and more Sparrow Hawks than you can shake a stick at. And if you find a spot near Pennyghael and sit quietly for a while you might just be lucky enough to spot an otter or two playing on the shoreline.
Turus Mara boat trips cost £65 per person and can be booked via the Turus Mara website http://www.turusmara.com/. Trips depart from Dervaig at 11.30am Mon-Fri and 14.00 on weekends
We hope that you've been inspired to discover somewhere you wouldn't normally have thought of visiting. You can see our full collection on photos from our trip on our Facebook Page
We would like to thank Julia from Calgary Farmhouse for a setting up the fire pit and log stove ready for our arrival, the ladies at the Salen Coffee Shop for their tips on spotting otters and carolyn@trishnish for her twitter recommendations.
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