The Isle of Mull: Must Sees and Travel Tips
I adored the Isle of Mull.
I’ve lived in a van for a few years now, and this has the very slight downside that nothing feels like a holiday any more (mainly because my whole life kind of feels like one, so I’m not expecting your sympathy).
So, when my best friend suggestes travelling to Mull, it was an immediate yes. I had spent so much time on mainland Scotland, and despite never being bored or it (I think that would be impossible), it felt amazing to plan something new.
Our main motivation for visiting Mull was to see wildlife. In no particular order, my dream list was eagles, puffins and sea otters. We saw all of them, but the island has so much more to offer than wildlife. The Isle of Mull blew me away in so many other ways. When you’re standing on a white sandy beach that feels tropical, looking up at rough crags and out at stormy seas, it’s such an incredible blend of senses and experiences.
In this blog I’m going to pick out the top 3 recommendations I have for your visit to the Isle of Mull.
1. Boat Trip to see the Puffins
If this isn’t already on your bucket list, it should be.
We booked with Staffa tours on one of their full-day trips, which visited the Isle of Staffa and the Isle of Lunga. This trip includes a visit to the famous Fingal’s cave as well as the puffins themselves. Even if the volcanic landscapes aren’t your main reason for going on the trip, I would still really suggest visiting both Islands. The rock formations are like nothing I have ever seen before, and it’s very very worth it.
Our trip cost £85 per person, sailing from Tobermory – although their are tours that leave from different parts of the island too. Link here to check it out for yourself!
When you return from the boat trip, the fish and chip shops at Tobermory are another must-visit. I had the most fresh moules frites and it was absolutely delightful.
I vloged this trip on our youtube channel in a two part series – catch them below.
2. Fidden Farm Campsite
Am I exagerating when I say this is the best campsite I have ever stayed in? Absolutely not. It was perfect.
Fidden Farm Campsite is right on the beach, and these are the whitest most beautiful tropical sandy beaches with beautiful rocky rugged coastline. Perfect for a wild swim, a kayak, or just a peaceful sunset. I adored it here, and will aim to come again.
One thing to know about the campsite is that there is no pre-booking. It is huge, with many fields, but in peak seasons there is definitely competition for the spots right on the beach – regardless, it’s the shortest of walks to the beach and you can see and hear the sea from everywhere on the site.
They also have a food van for breakfasts and dinners, and full easy-to-use motorhome services, as well as showers and toilets. It really has everything apart from a shop.
3. Calgary Beach
I am very aware this is one of the more touristy areas of the island, but I would thoroughly suggest visiting it – especially if you’re in a van/campervan/motorhome.
The reason I’m suggesting this is because the Isle of Mull is a small island with just one road around most of the island – this means that, quite rightly, there’s more limitations on places you can free park. Calgary beach, therefore, is one of the only designated motorhome parkups on the island. It has a busy but good atmosphere, and the beach is well respected and beautifully clean, with the same incredible white sand that you have across the whole of Mull. It’s a fabulous place to park for a few days with peace of mind, and again I would totally recommend popping it on your list of places to park up.
Do be aware that if you’re approaching Calgary from the clockwise direction on the island, the roads are a little steep and sketchy in places – you do have to be a reasonably confident single track road driver to visit Mull, as is the case with lots of Scotland.