The Isle of Mull is one of the easiest Scottish islands to reach and one of the hardest to leave. It has proper mountains, white-sand beaches, castles, world-class wildlife and, in Tobermory, one of the most recognisable harbour fronts in Scotland — the row of brightly painted buildings where you will find the MacDonald Arms Hotel.
Getting here
Three CalMac ferry routes serve Mull. The main crossing is Oban to Craignure (around 45 minutes), and it is worth booking well ahead in summer if you are bringing a car. Coming from the north, Lochaline to Fishnish is a short hop from the Morvern peninsula, and the Kilchoan ferry from Ardnamurchan lands you right here in Tobermory harbour, a few minutes' walk from our front door.
One honest island tip: build slack into your plans. Ferries can be affected by weather, and the single-track roads reward an unhurried pace. That is part of the deal with the Hebrides — and part of the charm.
What to see
Tobermory itself deserves a full day: the harbour with its shops and galleries, Tobermory Distillery at the end of the bay (founded in 1798, one of Scotland's oldest), the Mull Aquarium with its catch-and-release tanks, and the woodland walk around to Aros Park. Parents of a certain generation will also recognise the village as the setting for Balamory.
Further afield, Calgary Bay on the west coast is the beach from the postcards — white sand and clear turquoise water. Duart Castle, seat of Clan Maclean, guards the Sound of Mull near Craignure. And from Fionnphort in the south-west you can cross to Iona, with its historic abbey, or take a boat to Staffa to see Fingal's Cave and, in early summer, the puffins on the Treshnish Isles.
The wildlife
Mull is one of the best places in Britain to see white-tailed sea eagles, golden eagles and otters, and whale-watching boats run out of Tobermory in season looking for minke whales, dolphins and porpoises. Even from the harbour wall you will often spot seals and diving gannets while you eat your chips.
Make Tobermory your base
Staying in Tobermory puts you in the island's liveliest village with everything on your doorstep. At the MacDonald Arms you have boutique rooms upstairs, our bar and 75 West restaurant on the ground floor, and the whole island within day-trip reach. Book direct for our best rates, and come and see why people keep coming back to Mull.