20 of My Favourite Things to Do on the Isle Of Mull
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From wildlife spotting to exploring castles, read my favourite things to do on the Isle of Mull, Scotland!
Located on the west coast of Scotland, the Isle of Mull is the second-largest island in the Inner Hebrides – second only to Skye.
While Skye may be more popular, Mull rewards those who visit with an island paradise that will make you fall head over heels.
Mull’s landscape is a microcosm of the Scottish Highlands with its tall mountains, lochs, woodlands and waterfalls – perfect for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Its surrounding waters are a haven for wildlife and wildlife spotters with the likes of otters, seals, dolphins and whales to look out for.
Mull is also perfectly placed to explore the awe-inspiring Fingal’s Cave, look for puffins in the Treshnish Isles, and visit the iconic Iona Abbey for history lovers.
And on top of that, pristine ‘Caribbean-style’ beaches, castles and cosy pubs make Mull an absolute must-visit!
20 best things to do in Mull map
1. Enjoy colourful Tobermory
Tobermory is an 18th-century fishing port and the main town on the Isle of Mull. It’s well known for its pretty and colourful houses along the harbourfront.
These multicoloured houses were the inspiration for the setting of the popular children’s programme, Balamory, so you might be more familiar with this town than you think…
One of the best places to visit on Mull, Tobermory, has plenty of independent shops to grab a souvenir or two and restaurants for a bite or sit-down meal.
Visit the Isle of Mull Soap Company and Tobermory Chocolate Shop. Enjoy a cake at Tobermory Bakery & Tearoom.
One of my highlights was having a pint at the iconic Mishnish pub, popular with sailors back in the day!
You can go next door to the restaurant and oyster bar of the same name for a fancy fine dining experience. You will need to make a reservation in advance as it gets booked up.
2. Gorge on award-winning Fish ‘n’ chips
Where better to eat ‘n’ chips than by the seaside? And even better? Make that award-winning fish ‘n’ chips!
The Fisherman’s Pier Fish and Chip van is a small family-run business offering fresh local fish and chip shop favourites. Winner of the Les Routiers, Good Food and Scottish Chippy awards, it always has a queue come dinnertime.
There are plenty of benches to enjoy your feast – just watch out for the beady-eyed seagulls.
The chip van is open from March to October and opening hours are around 5pm to 8pm most days. Check their Facebook page for the most up-to-information.
3. Walk to Rubha nan Gall lighthouse
If you’re staying local to Tobermory, one of the best Isle of Mull things to do is the hike to Rubha nan Gall lighthouse (you can see it as you arrive at Tobermory by ferry).
Located just 3.5 miles north of Tobermory, it’s an easy and well-kept walking track that can be completed in two hours out and back.
Along the way, you’re treated to gorgeous woodland and views across the Sound of Mull towards the mainland.
Once you reach Rubha nan Gall lighthouse, it’s a great little spot for a photo. You’ll also notice a Keeper’s Cottage, which you can stay in if you’re looking for a remote holiday retreat.
The lighthouse track can be found near the RNLI Lifeboat Station on Tobermory’s Main Street.
4. Walk to Aros Park
Aros Park is another beautiful walking spot on the other side of Tobermory Harbour. Follow the well-marked footpath at the far end of Ledaig Carpark, and it will take you to Aros Park.
The path takes you along the coastline through pretty woodland and views across the bay to Calve Island. Keep a lookout for the resident seal colony here.
Once you reach the park, you can follow the Aros Burn through woodland to a pair of spectacular waterfalls.
Another great walk in Aros Park is the Lochan trail, an easy wander around the shores of Lochan a Ghurrabain, topped with water lilies and surrounded by trees. View the full walk from Tobermory Harbour here.
5. Other hiking trails on Mull
If you’re a keen hiker, you’re spoilt for hikes on Mull, from short walks to whole-day treks.
You could take the one-hour out and back trail from Glengorm Castle to the site of an old fort at Dun Ara on the coast, past an open sea bathing pool.
Another great option is the moderate Treshnish Coast & Whisky Cave trail, a gorgeous circular walk through abandoned villages, cliff views and incredible scenery. It takes about three hours and 30 minutes to complete.
MacCulloch’s Fossil Tree is a slightly more challenging trail on the remote Burg Peninsula on Mull’s southwest coast.
It takes you through the wilderness to a 50-million-year-old fossil tree embedded in an old lava flow. The last leg of the walk is a descent to the beach via an iron ladder, so be careful!
Other popular hikes on the Isle of Mull include:
- Torosay Castle and Jetty from Craignure
- Scallastle Forest Walk
- Dun Ara and Glengorm Castle
Read More: Incredible One-Day Walking Trails in the UK
6. Do a distillery tour
Mull is home to Tobermory Distillery, which has been in operation since the 1790s. One of the oldest commercial distilleries in Scotland, it’s famous for its single malt whiskies. It now produces gin too.
You can pop into the Visitor Centre for free and buy a bottle or two. For a more immersive experience, you could also do distillery tours and whisky and gin tastings.
You can also do distillery tours, and whisky and gin tastings. Their most popular tour is the Warehouse 1 Experience (£50). You taste four premium whiskies and a visit to the till house.
A cheaper option is the Distillery Tour & Tasting (£18.50) where you try two whiskies and a tour around the distillery.
If you’re a big whisky fan, you could do the Tobermory and Ledaig Whisky Tasting (£25) where you sample two peated and two unpeated whiskies.
If you prefer gin (me too!) , the Tobermory Gin Tasting (£18) might be more your speed. It includes three neat drams and one gin & tonic.
7. Go on a wildlife boat tour
One of the best things to do on Mull is to go wildlife spotting on a boat trip. It was one of the highlights of my Scotland itinerary.
Staffa Tours does a range of amazing wildlife trips around Mull and Oban. Wildlife you can spot include puffins, basking sharks, dolphins, seabirds, albatross, whales and sea eagles.
One of the most popular boat tours departs from Fionnphort, Mull and sails to Iona, the Treshnish Isles and Fingal’s Cave.
You can also do a Staffa Tours boat trip from Tobermory, Mull. The only difference is that this one doesn’t go to Iona.
Although I would have loved to visit Iona, I did the tour from Tobermory as I don’t drive, and Fionnphort is on the other side of the island. It’s a bit of an expense (£85), but it was worth it.
The boat trip was six hours and I saw dolphins, feeding minke whales, gannets and seals as well as the incredible Fingal’s Cave (more on that later!).
Keep reading to find out what else you can see on this boat tour.
Editor’s tip: You can only book the boat tour in advance. Spaces fill up quickly, so don’t wait!
8. Take a boat trip to Staffa
The Isle of Staffa is a small uninhabited island and National Nature Reserve in the Inner Hebrides.
It’s best known for its remarkable hexagonal basalt columns formed by volcanic eruptions millions of years ago (similar to the Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland). Years of exposure to the sea created the formidable Fingal’s Cave.
This natural attraction has led the likes of Queen Victoria, Robert Louis Stevenson, John Keats, William Wordsworth, Lord Tennyson and Mendelssohn to its shores.
Staffa is also home to a population of seabirds, including puffins! Every summer, puffins come to Staffa to pair up, mate and rear young.
You can see them from April through to July. Sadly, they had gone when I visited in September.
Editor’s tip: Take a good wind-proof jacket as it gets pretty cold on the boat!
9. See Fingal’s Cave
Staffa’s remarkable Fingal’s Cave is a gaping cave formed by hexagonal columns of basalt rock. A narrow, naturally formed path allows you to go deep inside it.
It’s said to be named after Finn MacCumhaill, or Fingal, a mythical Irish hunter-general from around 250 AD who also occurs in the mythologies of Scotland and the Isle of Man.
The awe-inspiring cavern has been inspiring writers and composers for centuries. Sir Walter Scott described it as:
“One of the most extraordinary places I ever beheld. It exceeded, in my mind, every description I had heard of it.”
The German composer Felix Mendelssohn visited Staffa in 1829 at just 20 years old. He was so inspired by the sight and sound of the Atlantic Ocean roaring in the cave that he composed the popular Hebrides Overture.
Staffa and Fingal’s Cave are free to visit as part of Staffa Tours. Make sure you book a boat tour itinerary which includes a trip to Staffa.
10. Look for puffins
Mull is the gateway to the Treshnish Isles, an archipelago of small islands and skerries and home to an abundance of wildlife – including puffins in the summer!
For this reason, the isles are designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest.
These funny little birds aren’t afraid of humans so it’s possible to get close to them.
Make sure you keep some distance from them so you don’t disrupt their natural behaviours. Read more about the dos and don’ts of ethical animal encounters.
Bring a camera and take plenty of photos but don’t try to tempt them over with a cracker!
The best places to see them are Staffa and Harp Rock on Lunga from mid-April to early August. I recommend booking a tour with Staffa Tours as they will take you to see them during puffin season.
11. Have a bite at the Glass Barn at Isle of Mull Cheese
The Glass Barn is a pretty farm shop and cafe run by Isle of Mull Cheese on Sgriob-Ruadh Farm just outside of Tobermory. They have recently opened a distillery too!
This sustainable and self-sufficient farm is one of the last remaining traditional cheese producers in the Hebrides. Cows are fed grass and grain from Tobermory Distillery.
Conde Nast Traveller called the on-site cafe one of the most beautiful restaurants in Scotland.
Housed in a recycled glass barn, a grapevine has been planted inside so that you’re surrounded by nature as you tuck into homemade cheeses, preserves and sandwiches.
Visiting this Insta-famous cafe was one of the highlights of my Mull trip – not just because I met a friendly resident cat!
The farm shop is open daily from about 10am to 4pm and the Glass Barn is open from Sunday to Thursday.
These opening times are likely to change throughout the year, so check their website or social media for the most up-to-date information.
Editor’s tip: when the cafe is closed, you can still go in and have a look around. If you’re unsure, send them a message on Instagram. I did!
12. Relax at Calgary Bay
Calgary Bay is one of the best and biggest beaches on Mull. Located in the north of the island, the white sand beach is a sheltered place to relax.
If you want to explore the area, there are footpaths leading from the north and south sides of the bay with beautiful coastal views.
Look out for Calgary Castle, built in the 1820s and treat yourself to an ice cream from Robin’s Boat. This Mull attraction is a quirky shop built out of an upturned boat!
Another must-see is the Calgary Art in Nature woodland area, where you’ll find various sculptures, carvings and art installations.
13. Do a mini road trip
You can easily hire your own vehicle and road trip around Mull at your own pace. All ferries can facilitate both passengers and cars, so you’ll have no problem getting from the mainland to the island.
Just be aware that all roads are single-track, so be careful when you go around blind corners, park in designated car parks and watch out for wildlife!
14. Hire e-bikes
For a more eco-friendly way to get around Mull, I recommend hiring e-bikes. They’re much better than pushbikes as they give you a boost when going over hilly terrain.
If hills are no object, you can hire mountain push bikes if you prefer.
You can get your e-bikes from Cycle Mull in Salen. It costs £35 to hire them for the day. Always book in advance to ensure they have the sizes you need.
Editor’s tip: If you’re nervous about the prospect of cycling on roads (I was!), the Cycle Mull team can suggest some lovely car-free remote tracks in the north of the island!
15. Visit Isle of Mull beaches
Don’t just stop at Calgary Bay for beautiful beaches. Mull’s 300 miles of coastline has a wealth of remote and stunning beaches just waiting to be explored.
Here are some of the best beaches on Mull:
- Ardalanish Beach – a white sand beach peppered with beautiful rock formations.
- Croggan Beach – located along a private wooded track- takes a little effort, so you’re likely to have it to yourself.
- Fidden Beach – admired for its pink granite outcrops and large white sandy bay – an ideal spot to enjoy the sunset!
- Kilvickeon Beach – secluded and perfect for adventurers, Kilvickeon’s white sand beaches are split into two bays by a small island.
- Knockvologan Beach – ‘Scotland or the Caribbean?’ is what you might be thinking if you arrive on a warm sunny day. Just remember to watch the tide.
16. Explore Iona
The Isle of Iona is an amazing day trip from Mull as it’s just a short ferry ride from Fionnphort.
You don’t need to go with Staffa Tours to get to Iona. There’s a CalMac ferry you can take instead.
Alternatively, you can go on an island-hopping tour that includes both Mull and Iona like this one. It’s a great option if you’re short on time and don’t have your own transport.
Iona is a special little island as it’s been named the birthplace of Christianity in Scotland. In 553 AD, St Columba and 12 companions came over from Ireland. They founded a monastery that became one of the most influential in the British Isles.
A 13th-century abbey now stands in its place, and you can still see it today.
Other things to do in Iona include visiting St Oran’s Chapel, Iona Nunnery, Bay at the Back of the Ocean and a small selection of independent shops and cafes.
This eco-certified three-day tour covers both Mull and Iona. It’s perfect for wildlife lovers, history enthusiasts and seafood connoisseurs. Plus, your transport and accommodation are sorted!
17. Visit Duart Castle
Located in Craignure, Duart Castle is a 14th-century castle and ancestral home of Clan Maclean. It’s one of the last surviving clan castles in Scotland. Much of its features have been restored from ruins.
Perched on a coastal crag at the end of a peninsula, it looks out onto the Sound Of Mull.
Look inside and admire the Great Hall adorned with family portraits and coats of arms. Wander around the State Bedroom and Dressing Room, complete with ornate beds, military uniforms and dresses dating back to 1750.
The Clan Exhibition Room is a fascinating place to learn about the history of Clan Maclean. To top it off, there’s an excellent tearoom and gift shop.
Duart Castle is open from the end of March to mid-October from 10.30am to 5pm, six to seven days a week. Opening hours change depending on the season, so check the website to time it with your visit.
Entry tickets cost £10 for adults and £5 for children (5-15).
18. Climb Ben More
Ben More is the highest mountain and only Munro on Mull. It’s also the highest peak in the Scottish Isles. It takes 5-8 hours to climb to the top, and three different trails range from moderate to hard.
The easiest and most popular route starts from Dhiseig Car Park. The path is unmarked but well-trodden.
Grassy trails turn into rocky footpaths, steep climbs and glorious panoramic views at the top. This guide to climbing Ben More on Mull highlights what you can expect from the hike.
19. Go wildlife spotting inland
The waters around Mull are ripe with sea life but inland is great for wildlife spotting too.
Animals to look out for include otters, red deer, Highland cows, common seals, white-tailed sea eagles, owls, golden eagles, hen harriers and buzzards.
You can see what you can spot on your own or join a wildlife tour for the full experience. Whichever one you choose, remember to pack a pair of binoculars!
Here are some of the best Isle of Mull wildlife tours you can do:
- Nature Scotland – Mull Wildlife Experiences
- Mull Wildlife Tours
- Mull Magic Wildlife
- Wildlife on Mull
20. Go wild camping
Scotland has a ‘right to roam’ policy, which means everyone is entitled to access most land and inland water for recreational and other purposes as long as they’re respectful.
One activity you’re allowed to do is wild camping.
Wild camping is a great way to keep accommodation costs low as it’s free to do. Just make sure you take everything you bring away again and leave the spot exactly as you found it.
For a more comfortable camping experience, check out Wild Campers campervan hire. The company works in partnership with the tree-planting charity Trees for Life.
You can pick up your hired van in Glasgow and Edinburgh and drive it over on the CalMac ferry.
Read More: The Best Things to Do in Edinburgh
Quick Mull travel information
Check out these tips below to help you plan your Mull itinerary.
When to go to Mull
Mull’s season runs from April to October. That’s when the weather is at its best, and all attractions, tours and accommodations are open for business.
The busiest months are June to August – the height of summer.
Winter is pretty quiet on the island. A lot of campsites, accommodation and attractions like Duart Castle close, so there are fewer tourist options, but local shops for the community are open.
If you want to avoid the crowds but still have the best pick of things to do on Mull, I recommend visiting in the shoulder seasons, like April to May in the spring and September to October in the autumn.
Read More: Complete Scotland Packing List: What To Wear For Every Season
How to get to Mull
The Isle of Mull is located on the west coast of Scotland and sits underneath Skye. You can get there in four ways:
- Catch the CalMac ferry from Oban to Craignure (then you’ll have to drive or get public transport to Tobermory, which is about 30 minutes away).
- Do an island-hopping tour which is a great option if you’re short on time as it includes all the best highlights, transport and accommodation.
- Catch the CalMac ferry from Lochaline to Fishnish (you’ll then have to make your own way to Tobermory).
- Catch the CalMac ferry from Kilchoan to Tobermory (I did this option as it takes you to Mull’s capital which has more things to do – handy if you don’t drive!)
So, to recap, routes look like this:
Oban – Craignure
Lochaline – Fishnish
Kilchoan – Tobermory.
Island hopping tour – Mull, Iona
I got the ferry from Kilchoan to Tobermory. Kilchoan is a tiny little port on the mainland reachable by the 506 bus from Fort William if you don’t drive.
You can see how I did it in this itinerary for Scotland’s West Coast.
You don’t need to book ferry tickets in advance in Kilchoan or Lochaline. Just hop on the next ferry, and they’ll take a card payment.
I recommend buying advance tickets online if you’re travelling from Oban. It tends to be the busier route!
Read More: Isle of Skye 2 Day Itinerary: Amazing Things To Do
Where to stay on Mull
From camping to glamping, B&Bs and hotels, there are plenty of places to stay on Mull. Most hotel accommodation is located in and around Tobermory, the biggest settlement on the island.
I’ve made a quick list of some of my favourite recommendations below, My top choice is the lovely Harbour View B&B.
I stayed here and the rooms were cosy, the breakfasts were delicious and the service was amazing. They made us a packed breakfast when we had to leave at the crack of dawn to catch the ferry which was so sweet of them!
Some other good options include:
How to get around Mull
Mull is the second-largest island in the Inner Hebrides. If you want to see the whole island, I recommend that you hire a car or campervan as it’s too big to get around on foot. You can also hire electric bikes, which will help you cover more ground.
There are buses, but I don’t recommend them as they tend to be few and far between. You don’t want to get stranded! Taxis are also an alternative, but they can be very expensive – so they’re not ideal for road-tripping.
Roads are fairly well-kept single-track A roads, so you shouldn’t find it too difficult to get around if you do use your own bike or vehicle.
How long should you stay on Mull?
How long you should stay really depends on what type of holiday you want, what you want to do in Mull and how much you want to cover.
Mull is a great spot to spend a week or more just soaking up island life on a fully relaxing break.
If you’re planning to visit as part of a Scotland or island-hopping itinerary, I recommend two nights minimum. Three nights should be more than enough.
Inspired by these amazing things to do on Mull? Read more Scotland travel ideas below!
- Scotland Travel Tips: Everything You Need To Know
- No-Fly Holidays: The BEST Train from London to Edinburgh (Review)
- Isle of Arran day trip: An itinerary for Scotland in Miniature
- Mull Accommodation: 11 Best Places To Stay In 2024
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