Scotland is a country renowned for its lochs and Mull is no different. With both freshwater and sea lochs to discover during your stay, embark on a whistle stop tour of nine Isle of Mull lochs to plan your adventures.

Freshwater Isle of Mull Lochs

Loch Ba

Loch Ba is a freshwater loch on the island’s west coast by the Knock, with hills and mountains separating it from the sea at Loch na Keal on the westward side. A good gravel track runs along the loch, leading deeper into the glen, at which point you can venture further into Glen Cannel, or peel off to summit a peak. A wonderful walk leading into some remote country, with excellent wildlife spotting opportunities.

Loch Torr

There are some great circular walks to discover here, as well as the popular wildlife hide. The paths leave the loch fairly swiftly, but if you take the loop that ventures out towards Glengorm and back along the road, there’s plenty of wildlife and Highland coo interest to enjoy en route.

Mishnish Lochs

This chain of three smaller lochs, collectively known as the Mishnish lochs, lies just west of Tobermory on the single track road leading towards Dervaig. A popular spot for permit fishing, there’s a small pathway along the lochs’ end that offers a gentle stroll and lovely views.

Loch Frisa

This long, deep loch stretches across the centre of the island with a well-trodden forestry track running its northern length. You can begin from the east coast just north of Aros, or from the north of the island where the track reaches the Dervaig-Tobermory road. Starting from the Aros end, there’s also the possibility to create attractive circular walks through farmland, woodland and along the river too.

The Three Lochs

An unmistakable landmark as you travel through the south of the island’s mountainous Glen More. The Three Lochs appear as you pass over the hills shortly before the descent towards Loch Scridain, with a parking area conveniently located above them. A lovely spot for coffee with a view and an eye on the wildlife. The adventurous will also enjoy the challenging hike that passes all three of these lochs, before summiting the hill and descending towards Lochbuie on the south coast.

Isle of Mull Sea Lochs

Loch Buie

A charming discovery at the end of a single-track road cocooned by rhododendrons, Loch Buie is the sealoch from which the wee settlement here takes its name. This is one of the best Isle of Mull lochs for walks, with good trails leading west towards Glen Byre and beyond to Carsaig, or east past the ruins of Moy Castle and round to Laggan Sands and the mausoleum. There’s a cracking little café, the Old Post Office, to warm up with coffee and cake on your return in season.

Loch Scridain

This sea loch carves its way inland from the Ross of Mull’s southern tip, reaching up between the settlements at Pennyghael and Kilfinichen. There are several opportunities to park near the head of the loch and wander along the shore and pebble beaches exposed by the tides. Often a quieter sea loch to explore with a good chance of seeing otters, eagles and more.

Loch na Keal

Of all Isle of Mull lochs, Loch na Keal is perhaps the best known. This sea loch is a designated National Scenic Area and flows up to the dramatic Gribun cliffs and north side of the remote Ardmeanach peninsula too. A wildlife hotspot, you have the chance to see all of Mull’s big five here, with views to the island’s only munro, Ben More, too!

Loch Tuath

This sea loch surrounds the north west corner of Mull’s coastline and it’s arguably one of the best Isle of Mull lochs for access to outlying isles. Boat trips depart across this loch from Ulva Ferry to reach Staffa and the Treshnish Isles, and the shorter journey across to the island of Ulva, and beyond to access to the island of Gometra too by foot. As with all of the island’s west coast, it’s an excellent location for spotting Mull’s spectacular wildlife.

We hope this guide to Isle of Mull lochs inspires you for your next visit. Just get in touch if we can help with local ideas, walks and advice. Being based here on the island, we’re happy to put our local knowledge to work to help you get the most from your stay.

Picture Mull in the winter: vast open landscapes, dramatic winds and rushing rivers, and – come nightfall – wonderfully dark skies. On a clear night, the magic of the island in winter comes alive with superb views of starry skies and, on the luckiest occasions when the right conditions arise, the dance of the Northern Lights too. If you’ve fancied escaping to Mull in winter, here are five winter breaks hand-picked for stargazers. They’re all pet friendly, too!

Mucmara Lodge, Dervaig

Around a mile from the village centre in Dervaig and rubbing shoulders with the woodland of the Quinish Estate, Mucmara Lodge promises perfect dark sky conditions to enjoy the night-time wonders, whether a glimpse of the Northern Lights dancing, or constellation-spotting from the garden before returning to warm by the fire. Winter breaks at pet friendly Mucmara Lodge start from £935 per week.

Dobhran Croft, Lochbuie

Far from any light pollution a stone’s throw from the sea, Dobhran Croft is one of our most popular cottages for winter escapes. There are dark skies aplenty to enjoy in this remote location, shared only with a handful of other cottages, and on clear skies ample opportunity to enjoy them. To the north, when conditions allow, there’s even the chance to spot the Northern Lights dancing beyond the summit of Ben Buie for the luckiest visitors. Winter breaks at pet friendly Dobhran Croft start from only £95 per night.

Ardwhin Cottage, Lochdon

Nestled beside the shore of Loch Don in the tiny village that shares the loch’s name, Ardwhin Cottage offers stargazing opportunities aplenty. On clear nights, there’s the added bonus that the sparkling constellations above are reflected in the inky waters of the still loch – a magical sight, whether enjoyed outdoors or from the comfort of the conservatory. Winter breaks at pet friendly Ardwhin Cottage start from £695 per week.

Seabank, Tiroran

The final stone cottage in a small cluster along the shore of Kilfinichen Bay, Seabank promises stunning views southwards across Loch Scridain and towards the Ross of Mull peninsula beyond. In this remote and quiet corner of the island, dark skies come guaranteed, and Seabank’s cosy sitting areas and large windows make for perfect viewing. Winter breaks start from £695 per week at pet friendly Seabank.

Balmeanach Farmhouse, Loch na Keal

Cocooned between the Ardmeanach peninsula, Gribun cliffs and sea at Loch na Keal, Balmeanach Farmhouse certainly ticks the box for a remote yet luxurious base. With only a farm for neighbours, the nights feel truly dark, with wide open skies and clear views both to the north and the west. Winter breaks at pet friendly Balmeanach Farmhouse start from £1100 per week.

Escape for a winter break

Between November and March, we offer the lowest weekly rental fees you’ll find our cottages advertised at all year, often hundreds of pounds less than they would be in high summer. On top of that, many of our cottages also offer short breaks, with stays from just two nights and flexible arrival and departure days.

You can tailor-make your winter escape to suit your timings and budget. Remember we are just at the end of the phone if you have any specific queries or requests. We’re here to find the perfect Isle of Mull cottage for you.

Plain sailing

One of the biggest questions asked by guests choosing an Isle of Mull cottage for winter surrounds the ferries. What happens if your sailing is disrupted due to bad weather? Will the ferries be running?

The good news is that CalMac operate a year-round ferry service to Mull, with the exceptions of Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Even during the winter, we have multiple ferry sailings a day to choose from and three different routes on and off the island (from Oban to Craignure, or from Lochaline to Fishnish and Kilchoan to Tobermory).

Should the bigger ferries be disrupted due to weather, then CalMac often suggest you divert and come via Lochaline to Fishnish instead. This ferry operates to a timetable but doesn’t need to be booked in advance and often sails in poorer weather than the bigger counterparts. The port staff are very helpful and will do their best to help with your travel plans.

Season’s change

Mull is an island with a thriving population of almost 3,000 residents who live here year-round. So while there is of course a seasonal element to the island with some businesses and attractions just open from April to October, not everything grinds to a halt.

Our village shops remain open year-round for groceries and some of the restaurants and cafes operate over the winter months too. What a winter visit to an Isle of Mull cottage does require though is planning ahead.

Not everywhere will be open, so call ahead to check availability and make dinner reservations. Tobermory, the island’s harbour capital, has several pubs and restaurants that keep their doors open year-round, and several are dog friendly too.

Likewise, most boat trips are weather dependent, which means the arrival of winter and its more unpredictable weather means those wrap up until the following spring. Plan ahead to be sure you can do the activities you want to enjoy during your visit with the help to our guide to local boat trip operators and seasonal wildlife highlights.

If you’re not sure, just ask us. Being based here on the island means we have the local knowledge to help you get the most out of your holiday.

Starry eyed

One of the biggest appeals of an Isle of Mull cottage in the winter is the chance to curl up beside the fire after an evening of stargazing. With very little light pollution, we have amazingly dark skies. On a clear night, you’ll see countless constellations and stars. And for the luckiest winter visitors, you might even see the Northern Lights.

This spectacle relies on solar energy and clear skies coming together so you can soak up nature’s dance show. The winter is undoubtedly the best time to try your luck at spotting the Northern Lights, and it all starts with a place to stay.

Start planning your winter break on the Isle of Mull.

Best known for its stunning scenery and epic wildlife, the Isle of Mull is also home to many exciting outdoor activities too. There’s plenty to appeal to adventure-seeking visitors on both land and sea. Here are a few local guides and tours to dive into during your stay.

1 Wild swim in waterfalls

Walk Mull is the wild swimming expert to seek out for this one. Offering guided hikes that take in some of Mull’s best-kept-secret wild swimming spots, you can take your pick between coastal dips and some amazing waterfall pools, safely guided by a local expert.

2 Take to the water

With the expert help of Bendoran Watersports, you can canoe, kayak and more around the Ross of Mull’s enchanting pink granite coastline and secluded shell-sand coves. Perfect for your fix of vitamin sea with an adventurous twist.

3 Enter an event

This one’s a little different, but throughout the year, the island plays host to many sporting events. Whether you take on the epic cycle ride for the Isle of Mull Sportive, or bring your four-legged-friend to tackle the Canicross at Glengorm, there’s something for everyone to challenge themselves with.

4 Paddle the bays

With stand-up paddle board hire available in both Salen Bay and Tobermory Bay, the choice is yours! Expect amazing coastal views and plentiful wildlife either way, making this SUP experience stand out from the rest.

5 Blast across the beach

You’re sure to get an adrenaline fix as you canter through the waves on Killiechronan beach, riding sure-footed native Highland ponies. Mull Pony Trekking make it possible for experienced riders, with gentler treks along the coast or high into the hills available too.

Ready to embrace your spirit of adventure? Book your Isle of Mull cottage today.

Please note that adventure activities have inherent risks and dangers and are undertaken at your own risk. Always use a fully qualified local guide and ensure you have the required experience and are fully prepared for any activity you choose to undertake.

There’s no better way to soak up the island’s scenery than on foot, surrounded by the dramatic landscapes that cocoon you and at one with the sound of the birdsong and breeze. And there’s no better way to enjoy the experience than with Isle of Mull walks with cafes at the end. The perfect way to warm up and reward your efforts, whether after a gentle stroll or a more challenging hike. Here are five to inspire you.

Lochbuie

Follow the meandering single-track road past Loch Spelve, Loch Uisg and the dramatic hills of Creach Beinn and Ben Buie to arrive at the shore of Loch Buie. You can leave your car in the parking spot by the sea and then the adventure begins.

Follow the coast east along the well-marked footpath that hugs the shoreline, passing the ruins of Moy Castle and rounding the corner to reach the long sweeping beach at Laggan Sands. At the far end, you can look around the interesting mausoleum, too.

Then, retrace your steps initially, before taking a right turn just before Moy Castle and following the track to join the road. Turn left here and walk along the road, taking care if there’s passing traffic, to the bridge, where the standing stones are signposted. From here, follow the markers across sometimes boggy land to reach the Lochbuie stone circle – a dramatic sight with the towering hills beyond.

Retrace your steps to re-join the road, which delivers you back to where you began at the shoreside parking area and the door of the Old Post Office, Lochbuie’s charming cafe serving excellent light lunches, coffee and cakes in season.

Glengorm

In the north of the island, around 15 minutes drive from Tobermory lies the beautiful Glengorm estate, complete with a stunning, privately owned castle. Head through the white gates as you approach the estate and then turn right for the walker’s carpark (signposted). Leaving your car, return to the lane and turn right, following the lane to a bridge, where a few walk choices are signposted.

Dun Ara and the Bathing Pools makes a lovely there-and-back route, with a very small detour to see the Glengorm standing stones visible from the usual grassy path. There are some stunning wildflowers to spot through the season as you go, as well as plenty of sheep and sometimes Highland cows too, which are farmed on the estate.

As you return to the bridge on your way back, you’ll arrive at a beautiful stone steading building with a courtyard seating area. Here you’ll find the superb cafe at Glengorm – home to excellent cakes for mid-morning or late afternoon and a superb lunch menu, featuring lots of produce from the estate.

Calgary

After securing your spot in the wee carpark just beside Calgary beach, the adventure around the headland begins! To the right-hand side of the beach, follow the grassy footpath that takes off around the headland, passing the old granite pier before the path climbs further up the hillside.

As you make your way westwards around the headland, you’ll have far-reaching views out to sea and towards the islands of Coll and Tiree. The walk also passes several ruined settlements that were victims of the Highland Clearances, before reaching Caliach Point.

After scanning the seas for marine life and watching waves break below, retrace your steps to return to Calgary beach. Here, you can either grab a drink and ice cream from the Boatshed or venture up the hill through the Art in Nature path to reach the tea room (both seasonal).

Tobermory

One of the most popular Isle of Mull walks with cafes at the end is the there-and-back footpath from Tobermory harbourfront to Rubha-nan-Gall lighthouse. Starting from the far end of the Main Street by the CalMac ferry pier, pass through the signposted gate and begin your adventure along the lighthouse path.

Tucked between a steep hillside and the sea, the narrow path feels very dramatic. It’s especially beautiful in the spring, when the steep hillsides are blanketed in the white blooms of wild garlic and the soft tones of bluebells. You’ll enjoy lovely vistas to the Ardnamurchan peninsula as you walk. There are several benches dotted along the path to enable you to pause and take in the view.

The lighthouse itself is a beautiful building, surrounded by rock pools at low tide. When you’ve had your fill of vitamin sea and perhaps spotted a passing seal or two, retrace your steps to Tobermory’s harbourfront. Here, a fantastic choice of cafes await, from the Tobermory Bakery to the chocolate shop.

Craignure

An easy-going there-and-back walk that affords spectacular views, this is one of the best Isle of Mull walks with cafes at the end when you arrive on the ferry in Craignure. Parking in the car park in the village, follow the road south west and you’ll soon reach a left-turn at North Lodge that marks the beginning of the walk to the Torosay Estate.

Offering a wonderful combination of views, the track passes through farmland with far-reaching vistas to the Scottish mainland and even Ben Nevis in the distance. Further along, the walk takes on a new character as you plunge into beautiful woodland, spectacular in spring and autumn, with lots of notable and unusual tree varieties.

Enjoy a beautiful view of Torosay Castle, which lies ahead, although the castle itself is closed to the public (the gardens are open the first Sunday of the month in season). Returning the way you came, arrive back into Craignure and enjoy a choice of great cafes: Arlene’s, Blether’s or the new chocolate factory.

We hope these Isle of Mull walks with cafes at the end have inspired you. Find more walking guides with route maps here, and book your cottage today!

One of the questions we are most often asked at Isle of Mull Cottages HQ is just how to get here.

Many visitors, particularly if coming from the south, will head straight to Oban, a charming town on the west coast of the Scottish mainland. From here, you can hop aboard the MV Isle of Mull or the MV Loch Frisa for the short sail across to Craignure on Mull, which takes around 50 minutes to an hour. You’ll pass the islands of Kerrera and Lismore, with its famous lighthouse, en route. This Isle of Mull ferry service carries both vehicles and foot passengers and is definitely one to book well in advance.

But this isn’t the only Isle of Mull ferry route – in fact, we are fortunate to have three different crossings from the mainland over to Mull, all operated by CalMac.

The next option many visitors coming from Scotland opt for is from Lochaline in the Morvern Hills on the mainland, over to Fishnish on the east coast of Mull. This Isle of Mull ferry is even quicker, taking around 20 minutes to ply the waters back and forth across the Sound of Mull.

Vehicles are carried on this service too and on a sunny day, it’s well worth leaving your car and heading onto deck to soak up the superb views, both of the mainland and Mull. There’s even the chance to catch a glimpse of the local pair of sea eagles if you’re lucky!

The final route on and off Mull is from the wild and beautiful Ardnamurchan peninsula to the north of Mull, with a ferry carrying both vehicles and passengers leaving Mull’s harbour town of Tobermory to sail across to Kilchoan. Although on the mainland, Kilchoan feels easily as remote as Mull, with scenic single-track lanes, stunning hills and exquisite beaches to discover with only small detours from your planned route – ideal if you’re heading northwards after your holiday on Mull.

For both the smaller ferry crossings from Lochaline and Kilchoan, you can now buy tickets in advance, but you don’t need to pre-book your space. They operate on a turn up and go basis, so you simply check the timetable and queue for the next available sailing. Their smaller size does mean relinquishing some of the luxuries of larger vessels – there’s no café on board, so come prepared with snacks and drinks.

For all three of CalMac’s Isle of Mull ferry routes, CalMac operate a winter and a summer timetable, with more sailings to choose from each day during the busier summer months. However, the island is served by a busy ferry service for almost every day of the year, with multiple sailings to choose from even in winter.

So, whether you plan to escape to Mull for a great value winter break as you chase the Northern Lights, or a summer holiday when the daylight seems to last forever, you can plan your Isle of Mull ferry with ease. Find out more about getting to Mull and getting around once you arrive on the island.

Mull may be best known for its wildlife, but there’s plenty to delight the plant lover too, whether keeping your eyes peeled for unusual orchids amid the summer wildflowers, or for rare alpines that grow on remote peaks. And when it comes to Isle of Mull gardens to visit, botanists will be in their element, with not one but several lovely gardens to visit.

Here’s a round-up to leave green-fingered guests feeling inspired, with a special focus on the stunning gardens at Lip na Cloiche, which are no strangers to the pages of many horticultural magazines!

Lip na Cloiche, North West Mull

A celebration of Mull’s microclimate, you’ll be amazed at what you find growing here! Towering echiums more often seen in the Canary Islands pop up throughout this terraced garden, which climbs the steep hillside with borders and banks packed with unusual and beautiful plants, as streams cascade and tumble down to the sea. The likes of agapanthus and hibiscus join the more tropical ranks, which grow surprisingly well in this Hebridean garden.

Throughout the garden, found items are reimagined as plant supports, from bed frames to old forks, while glass fishing floats form a feature beneath the espalier apple trees. In the early summer, Himalayan poppies pop up and adorn the garden in beautiful blues, as well as lemon and pink pastel tones, while the tree echiums send up spires of blooms beloved by the bees as summer continues.

Cottage garden favourites, from geraniums to astrantia and pale blue to deep red hydrangeas, spring up in the borders, with the likes of hellebores, corydalis and euphorbia bringing plenty of early season interest too.

And while flowers have taken centre stage thus far, there’s no forgetting that Lip na Cloiche is also a garden packed with trees. From the paperbark maple to crab apples and ekianthus, trees – often flowering – elegantly punctuate each part of the garden.

Take a peek into the manicured vegetable garden and venture beyond the chicken coops to the hay meadow. Flowing grasses intermix with wildflowers here, offering a lovely spot to sit on a bench and soak up the sea view, surrounded by birds and pollinators.

You can usually find Lucy working in the garden somewhere if you’re keen to learn more about its creation. Entry is by donation and the garden raises funds for local causes each year, often including the RDA. There are stalls of plants for sale to take home with you too if you’ve space in the car!

Other Isle of Mull Gardens to Visit

Torosay Castle Gardens, South East Mull

You’ll need perfect timing to experience this magnificent castle gardens, as it’s only open for the first Sunday of the month during the growing season.

But visit and you’ll be well rewarded, with enchanting Japanese inspired gardens where acers hug the water, magnificent tree ferns line pathways and gorgeous rhododendrons, azaleas, roses and hydrangeas add colour all through the season.

From large landscaped gardens to the ornate terraces with fountains and the walled vegetable garden, there’s plenty to explore.

Ross of Mull Community Garden, South West Mull

A productive community garden project brimming with locally grown fruit and vegetables in season, and also host to community gatherings through the year to seed swap, sell plants and get everyone involved in growing.

Ulva House Garden, Isle of Ulva

Not quite an Isle of Mull garden itself, this one is close by! With towering specimen rhododendrons and azaleas, a walk through this garden traces it back to its roots when it was once the private garden of the big house.

While wild elements have now crept in, the garden remains tended by a team of volunteers and retains plenty of magic. Well worth exploring when you hop across to the Isle of Ulva from Mull’s west coast. A great one to team with a visit to Lip na Cloiche, as Lucy’s garden lies just along the road from the Ulva ferry.

With the Mull Music Festival that kicks off a series of popular events on Mull now behind us (you can catch the next one from the 26^th – 28^th April 2024!), what better time to look ahead to the Isle of Mull events to come this summer.

From sporting fixtures to Highland traditions, there’s plenty for all the family to see and do, so check out these Isle of Mull events to add to your holiday plans.

Ready, set, race

On the 4^th June, Mull will be abuzz with the whirring of wheels as cyclists take to the roads and take on the challenge of the sportive. Covering 87 miles, this is no mean feat and there’s sure to be a celebration on the finish line.

The following month, on the 22^nd July, there’s another challenge to sink your feet into – the Mull Half Marathon!

Game on

One of the year’s most popular of all Isle of Mull events are undoubtedly the Tobermory Highland Games. Taking place on the 20^th July, this is your chance to immerse yourself in Scottish culture, with pipes played, cabers tossed and plenty to whet your tastebuds too.

Show time

Of course, no Highland calendar would be complete without the annual summer show, and on the Isle of Mull, we have two of them! Held on consecutive weeks, first comes the Bunessan Show on the Ross of Mull, followed by the Salen Show on the island’s east coast in early August (4^th and 10^th respectively).

From stock judging to show jumping and fun dog shows to prize winning potatoes, these events have all the hallmarks of a country show. Topped off with local food and drink to delight the taste buds and traditional Highland tunes to set the tone. A great day out for all the family and a tribute to Mull’s crofting ties.

Find out more about Isle of Mull events throughout the year in our events guide here.

Not yet booked a cottage? Find your last minute escape by searching by date here, or bag one of our last minute offers here.

Picnic on the beach

Just beside the fisherman’s pier you’ll find a small sandy beach, perfect for the dogs to have a paddle while you enjoy a picnic lunch on the sand, or a bite of fish and chips.

Enjoy a dram

With guided tours around Tobermory’s own distillery at the end of the harbour, followed by a tasting or two.

Jump aboard

With both Staffa Tours and Sealife Mull operating boat trips from the Tobermory pontoons out to sea, and the brilliant Tobermory Bay Tours offering hour-long scenic cruises, there are plenty of opportunities to experience Tobermory from the water.

Go fish!

At the catch-and-release aquarium, with lots of intriguing native creatures of the deep to encounter and touch pool sessions that younger visitors will love to get stuck into.

On the market

Mondays see the return of Tobermory’s take on a farmer’s market, with fresh produce, island meat and fish often available, as well as yummy treats cooked there and then and all manner of gifts and homewares crafted by local makers.

Step back in time

At the Mull Museum, open daily with just a donation required to come and have a look around. Trace your clan’s past, discover the history of Mull and see Tobermory through the centuries.

Culture fix

Venture up the hill to An Tobar to peruse the gallery and enjoy a coffee and cake, perhaps even returning later on to enjoy one of their regular musical and theatrical events.

Raise a glass

Of Tobermory’s own craft beer, brewed on the Main Street at ToBEERmory.

Walk on the wild side

Start your day bright and early and set out with a local wildlife guide, with tours departing from Tobermory to cover all corners of the island and give you great chances of meeting its famed wildlife.

Retail therapy

From locally made soap and pampering bath products, to artefacts made from antler, pretty pottery and even jewellery too, the Main Street offers a wealth of choice from local, independent purveyors.

Where better to whisk family and friends for a truly magical Christmas one year than one of Tobermory’s finest homes? Oakfield House towers above the town with far reaching views across the Sound of Mull to Calve Island and the Ardnamurchan peninsula, the most westerly part of the Scottish mainland, beyond. And yet, Tobermory’s charming harbour, illuminated each night with reams of festive lights and the glow from the windows of the pubs and restaurants, lies only a short walk down the hill.

Oakfield House wows guests all year round with its spectacular interiors, which preserve the magic of this home’s impressive history, built in 1889 for Tobermory’s Lord Provost, while also providing for all the modern luxuries and conveniences a guest might wish for, with five spacious bedrooms, each served by a private bathroom, not one but two sitting rooms, a magnificent sea view dining room and an impeccably-appointed kitchen in which even the most indulgent of Christmas dinners can be catered for with ease.

Tastefully decorated to offer a wealth of festive cheer, Oakfield House promises a true home from home experience for your loved ones this Christmas. Make it yours this Christmas.