Oban to Mull
This section of your trip focuses on Mull and boat trips from Mull to its neighbouring islands, namely Iona, Staffa, and Ulva. I’ll list the best places to visit, eat, and walk below; you can choose from the list depending on how much time you have for this part of the trip.
Travel: Oban Ferry Terminal
The Oban to Craignure (Mull) ferry takes 50-60 minutes, and is best booked in advance with CalMac.
I always recommend taking a morning ferry to give you more time on Mull. There are two options: a 9:55am sailing that arrives at Craignure at 10:45, and an earlier ferry leaving Oban at 8:35am, which gets you into Craignure at 9:35am.
If you choose the first option, you can get breakfast on the boat or visit the new and very lovely Glenforsa Cafe on Mull (near the ferry terminal) for breakfast. But there are various sailings throughout the day.
suggested Mull Activities
ISLAND HOPPING
Ulva
a tiny island accessible via a small boat that you “call” from the Mull shoreline, this wee gem of an island is far less visited, has heaps of coastal trails, wild beaches, wildlife, and a thoroughly excellent (dog-friendly) seafood café.
Highly recommend and allow a day here. And book The Boathouse eatery for lunch in advance.
You can park for free at the Ulva Ferry parking lot. The coastal road to get here is long and winding with stunning views, so give yourself plenty of time for the drive.
Iona
Park up and take the short passenger ferry over to Iona from Fionnphort. Tickets are £2.30 per adult one-way. Tickets are for any sailing throughout the day. They’re roughly 30-60 minutes apart. Arrive early to explore tiny but beautiful Fionnphort; keep an eye out for Highland Cows who frequently roam the streets and beach.
Iona is a lovely little island with beaches, coastal trails, and various historically important buildings.
Staffa and Fingal's Cave
May is peak puffin season, and the remote island of Staffa is the best place to see them. Most boat trips also stop at the incredible natural phenomenon that is Fingal's Cave.
This Staffa boat departs Iona (and can be combined with an Iona trip). Or take this boat trip from Tobermory. Boats are dog-friendly, but Sophie will be restricted to certain parts of Staffa (the crew will share information on which parts are off-limits; generally, the nesting area).
suggested Mull Activities
MULL ROAD TRIP
Fionnphort
Coastal village with wild beach, coastal walks, and the excellent Ninth Wave restaurant (can be combined with a trip to Iona; the ferry leaves from here).
Calgary Bay
A beautiful sandy bay to the north of Mull. Keep an eye out for Robins Boat ice cream shack. Also, keep an eye out for white tail eagles as they’re frequently seen in this area. There’s a great café just past the bay called The Calgary Bay Co. It’s an interesting setup with sculptures and art. There’s a short Art In Nature sculpture trail.
Eas Fors Waterfall
A series of fantastic waterfalls just by the road. You can park here.
Isle of Mull Cheese
The Glass Barn café at the Isle of Mull Cheese factory is beautiful and does great cakes & coffee. The cheese is lovely too.
Tobermory
The island’s capital and largest town offers the best amenities. A walk around the colourful harbour is a must, as is stopping to eat in the town’s excellent eateries.
Places to eat
Tobermory Fish Company – excellent deli with lots of local seafood. You can pre-order a seafood platter to take away.
Café Fish – a classic seafood restaurant in the town centre (dog-friendly on the terrace only).
The Tobermory Hotel – a brilliant eatery in a cosy pub setting that is dog-friendly throughout. There’s a lot of local seafood on the menu, amongst other delicious options.
Island Bakery Organics, located not far from Tobermory, sells really lovely biscuits and has an honesty box where you can pick up some biscuits and leave cash.