6 Reasons to Visit the Isle of Mull

Before I moved to Edinburgh, I penned a list of the places I most wanted to visit in Scotland, and the Isle of Mull sat firmly near the top; its white sand beaches and wild, natural beauty beckoned.

However, when it came time to visit, my expectations were quite low. After experiencing the magic of Skye only a few months prior, I wasn’t sure anything could top it. It turns out I was wrong – Mull completely took me by surprise. Its landscapes were even more impressive and dramatic than I had anticipated, and I quickly learned it’s a great place to get your glutton on – the food is fresh, farm-to-table amazingness. Plus, I had the most incredible weather during my visit: three days of continuous sunshine and clear blue skies. (If you’ve ever been to Scotland, you know how rare that is.)

Mull may be overshadowed by its larger and more popular neighbour, Skye, but there are plenty of reasons to make a trip to this underrated island.

1) The Coastline and Beaches

After circumnavigating almost the entirety of the island, I saw a fair amount of Mull’s varied coastline: the west side of the island is dominated by steep cliffs and rocky shore, while the east is softer with lush greenery. There are countless beaches and bays along the coast, and I couldn’t help but stop the car every few minutes to snap photos of the stunning scenery and sweeping sea views.

Most beaches on Mull have have white sand and crystal clear turquoise and emerald-toned seas, and that’s exactly what I saw at Calgary – one of the most popular beaches on the island. I use the term ‘popular’ loosely, as it still felt like we had the beach to ourselves on this particular day. Other beaches, like Langamull and Market Bay are secluded and slightly difficult to reach, so there’s a good chance you might actually have one of these beaches entirely to yourself.

2) The Wildlife

Between April and October, the waters surrounding Mull are a prime place to spot whales and dolphins, and boat tours depart from Tobermory. Minke Whales, Basking Sharks, and Bottlenose Dolphins are most commonly seen, along with the occasional Killer Whale or Humpback Whale. With a variety of eagles and various other bird species, bird watching is popular on the island, and puffins can be seen nesting on nearby Staffa.

3) The Food

I ate so well on Mull; high-quality, locally sourced food abounds here, with specialties like freshly caught seafood, grass fed beef, and artisanal cheese.

Most restaurants on Mull are concentrated in Tobermory, and I’d highly recommend Cafe Fish for phenomenal seafood dishes (be sure to make a reservation in advance). Their personal fishing boat delivers fresh shellfish at 4pm everyday, and all other ingredients – from fish to chicken and produce – are supplied by local companies on the island.

The menu is chock-full of tasty offerings; I tried seafood linguini with mussels, clams, prawns, and some of the best scallops I’ve ever tasted. The fish pie – filled with salmon, haddock, and scallops – was also incredibly rich and delicious.

The small, family-owned dairy farm aptly named Isle of Mull Cheese is definitely worth a visit; you can tour the farm and visit the underground cheese cellar, or have lunch in their adorable cafe (only from Monday to Friday – much to my dismay when we traipsed in on a Saturday). Traditionally made cheese is available for purchase in their shop, along with a variety of jam, chutney, and meats.

Fisherman’s Pier Fish and Chip van is great for a quick and casual seafood meal at a fraction of the price of many of the restaurants in Tobermory. They have excellent fish and chips – the haddock I tried was tender and fresh, covered in a light and crispy batter.

4) Tobermory

You may recognize the island’s colourful harbourfront town – it’s one of the most picturesque fishing villages in the country. With nothing more than a handful of restaurants, shops, and a whisky distillery on the main street, this placid town is the perfect spot to base yourself on Mull. It’s friendly and laid-back, and everything you need is within a short walking distance: Cafe Fish, the pub, and Tobermory Bakery.

5) Ben More

At 3,169 feet, Ben More is one of the highest Munros in the Inner Hebrides, and the only Munro on the island. I’m not going to lie, it’s no walk in the park – the ascent is a steep and grueling climb with rocky terrain – but the 360-degree panoramic view from the summit is spectacular (weather dependent, of course).

6) It’s Easily Accessible

Mull’s remoteness and tranquility felt a world away from Edinburgh, but it’s actually quite easy to reach. Ferries to the island depart daily from Oban, which is located roughly two hours from Glasgow, and three hours from Edinburgh. Once on Mull, it’s quick a 40-minute drive to Tobermory from the ferry terminal in Craignure.

Have you been to the Isle of Mull? Is it on your Scotland wish list?

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