Fishing on Mull varies from deep water sea fishing from a boat for giant skate, to hiking up to one of the island’s many hill lochs where you may catch the colourful brown trout. 

If you are holidaying here and are relatively new to fishing, or perhaps trying fishing for the first time, then it is a good idea to head to Tackle and Books in Tobermory who sell a very good range of fishing tackle, including affordable starter rod setups as well as permits, which are required for the freshwater rivers and lochs. Experienced anglers are also well catered for here and may also get some good advice on areas to try.

Sea Fishing on the Isle of Mull

You may fish from the coast without any need of a permit and you can try your luck at any stretch of coastline around the island, however read on for some top tips on areas to try, captured below in a handy map so you can easily spot locations near to where you’re staying.

What can you catch when Mull sea fishing? 

Depending on the time of year, the most commonly caught species around the island will be pollock (year-round) or mackerel, which can be caught from June onwards most seasons. Most people will sea fish using a spinner or spoon, which when reeled back in through the water replicates the motion of a prey fish. Of course, there are numerous other species you have the potential to catch but pollock and mackerel are the most reliable!

Where to go sea fishing on Mull

Rubh nan Gall

One of the closest fishing points to Tobermory, a short walk from the harbour with good access to open waters at the northern end of the Sound of Mull.

Duart Point

Good fishing into deep waters at the southern end of the Sound of Mull, with the fabulous backdrop of the castle too.

Carsaig

Fish from the area around the old pier in spectacular surrounds of coastal cliffs. Parking is limited here.

Gribun Rocks

Very good fishing into deep water below the towering cliffs around Gribun.

Calgary Bay

Midway along the bay, there’s a rocky platform with good fishing potential at all tidal ranges.

Caliach Point

Deep water and currents in this northwestern most corner of the Isle of Mull make for good sea fishing.

What to take with you

Warm clothes and layers, as well as sunscreen and waterproofs are a good idea! A torch if you are fishing at sunset can be handy, as well as spare lures and a container for bringing home the catch – hopefully!  Please take care not to leave any litter or fishing items behind.

Freshwater fishing on the Isle of Mull

For all freshwater fishing, you will require a permit and the best resource to obtain these is Tackle and Books in Tobermory. They will have an up-to-date listing of fishing permits and locations for each season. It is important to note that it is not allowed to fish for migratory species, such as salmon and sea trout, on Sundays in Scotland.

What can you catch when Mull river and loch fishing?

Mull is blessed with some superb tranquil hill lochs that tend to be home to a good number of brown trout. However, the ‘good number’ often also means that the size of any one individual brownie is limited.

Most freshwater fishing is done with a fly, and some permits will stipulate this as a condition of fishing.  Many of Mull’s hill lochs offer an unspoilt experience with little in the way of paths and jetties, but offer an abundance of beauty and seclusion to enjoy. Some sea trout can actually be caught around Mull’s coastal waters too, but it is generally the island’s rivers that offer the better opportunities for these.

Where to go freshwater fishing on Mull

Consult each season’s permit options, but good places to start out are as follows:

Aros Park Lochan

Nearby to Tobermory and set within Aros Park, this maintained fishery has stock of rainbow trout and a well-placed fishing mark with access down to the shore.

Mishnish Lochs

This series of three interconnected lochs between Tobermory and Dervaig is a good introduction into Mull’s hill loch fishing. As well as shore fishing, you may also make use of boats with good opportunities for brown trout.

Loch Torr

Another fine loch with a maintained fishing mark at the loch’s southern end, there is signage pointing the way from the roadside down to the loch.

River Aros

A beautiful river with a variety of fishing opportunities, including the estuary environment at Aros.

River Lussa

Lots of great opportunities for river fishing in pretty deciduous woodland along the banks.

We hope this guide offers plenty of inspiration to get started with fishing on Mull. Just get in touch if we can help with more ideas or suggestions to make the most of your stay.

This month, we’ve got inspiration for the adventurous, as we bring you some of the best Isle of Mull hill walks to take on. Mull may only be home to one munro, the mighty Ben More, but it offers plenty of rugged and often pathless peaks for the adventurous hill walker to sink their boots into. Read on to discover the summits you could be ascending when you stay.

1 Ben More

It only makes sense to start with the island’s only munro, which is often bagged as the first or final munro by those keen to bag them all. Standing at 966m, it may not be the tallest of munros, but it is one of very few that you climb from sea level to summit, making it no small challenge. It’s also the only munro in Scotland accessible by boat!

The majority of hikers will begin their ascent from Dhiseig on the south shore of Loch na Keal, where a fairly well-trodden route ascends the mountainside, largely following the course of the Abhainn Dhiseig river as it flows down to the sea and cascades through pretty pools.

For a substantially more challenging, and exhilerating ascent, suitably competent climbers may ascend the remote and rugged nearby Beinn Fhada (702m) first, before scrambling at times across the A’Chioch Ridge to reach Ben More.

However you bag this munro, there’s a sheltered cairn at the top as you rest and refuel, while taking in outstanding views across to Mull’s outlying islands and inland to Mull’s mountainous interior and the mainland beyond, too.

2 Beinn Talaidh

Standing at 762m, Beinn Talaidh’s shape makes it a very visually appealing summit to tackle. Your route begins with a fairly long but straightforward hike through Glen Forsa, before the real ascent begins. There’s plenty of interest in the meantime, with the remains of the 1945 Dakota plane crash on the hillside, Highland cows roaming the grasslands and plenty of wildlife activity too. If you want to break the hike, the MBA’s Tomsleibhe Bothy offers a base to overnight in the glen.

3 Ben Buie

Another eye-catching peak, Ben Buie stands at 714m, but don’t let it’s less-than-munro status fool you into thinking this will be an easy climb! There are two popular ways to ascend – the first, beginning to the north at the Three Lochs in Glen More.

The second, arguably more challenging, but vastly more beautiful, route is a climb up from sea level at Lochbuie, trailing burns, crossing scree and navigating crags to reach the summit. The views are simply spectacular on a clear day.

4 Beinn na Drise

This Isle of Mull hill walk offers an easier climb, but still a really lovely view to reward you. Beginning from the island’s north west coast just north of Laggan Farm, follow a track initially, before following the course of the Laggan Burn most of the way to the summit at 424m. The trig point at the top offers excellent views over Loch Tuath and Loch na Keal.

5 Dun da Ghaoithe

Your initial ascent of Dun da Ghaoithe won’t feel terribly adventurous as you trace the route of a gravel track uphill to the series of masts, after which the path ends, but you only have about a third of the way left to go from here.

Continue pressing on uphill to the summit at 766m, where the reward for your efforts are spectacular views both across Loch Linnhe to the Grampian mountains on the mainland, and inwards on Mull across the mountainous central glens to Ben More too.

Discover plenty more epic hikes, from hill climbs to coastal routes, with our guide and OS map printables to walks on the Isle of Mull.

Immersive cultural experiences can transform a good holiday to a great one. Scotland is well known for its warm Highland welcome and on the Hebridean Isle of Mull, it’s no different. So if you’re keen to immerse yourself in the local culture, enjoy an authentic taste of all-things Scottish, read on for three fantastic cultural experiences on the Isle of Mull.

1 Clans and castles

There are believed to have once been as many as 2,000 castles in Scotland. Defensive buildings and the historic family seats of clans, castles have a huge place in Scottish culture and history. 

For visitors to Mull, there’s the chance to see several, from the ruins of Moy Castle at Lochbuie and Aros Castle on the east coast, to the well-preserved Duart Castle, which is open for tours, to the privately owned Glengorm Castle on the  island’s north coast.

Duart Castle in Mull’s south east lies within easy reach of the main ferry port in Craignure. The seat of Clan Maclean, the castle doesn’t simply offer an interesting take on history as you walk between its historic walls, peek into dungeon cells, glimpse the centuries-old bedchambers, climb to the upper turrets and marvel at the grand banqueting hall.

Duart Castle also offers a look at the clan system in Scotland, which for many years governed life in the Highlands. To this day, Duart Castle remains the home of members of the Maclean family, while forming the ancestral home for many more.

Duart Castle is open during the main season for tours and is well worth a visit during your stay. There’s a great tea room for lunch afterwards, followed by a walk in the Millenium woods, too.

If you’d like to find out more about Mull’s history, read our guide to island history here.

2 Tartans and tweeds

Down in the island’s south west corner, tucked into the hillside above the sweeping sands of Ardalanish beach, lies Ardalanish Weavers. Here you’ll find fabrics that are quintessentially Scottish, as it’s here that talented craftsmen and women weave beautiful tweeds, tartans and woollen garments from the wool of native Hebridean and Shetland sheep. 

The creative team dye the wool using natural colourings from the flora around them. When visiting the weavers, you’ll often spot large glass jars sitting out packed full of colourful plants, producing the natural dyes. The looms themselves date back to the Victorian period, showing a true glimpse back in time, at how these durable and beautiful fabrics were made for many years in the wild and windswept Hebrides.

When visiting, you can take a tour of the weaving mill and perhaps even watch a demonstration or two. So from the raw fleece, to the natural dye extraction, to the weaving process and beyond, you can immerse yourself in the full creative process at the Isle of Mull Weavers. 

Finish up in the mill shop, where their beautiful garments, blankets and bothy rugs are available for sale, or for the creatives amongst you, perhaps be inspired to buy a ball of their spun wool for your own creations.

3 Water and whisky 

Just beside the river that tumbles down the hillside before meeting the sea in Tobermory Bay, you’ll find the Tobermory Distillery at the southern end of the harbourfront. The first whisky production began here in 1798 and continues to this day, with the distillery producing an impressive collection of single malts and more recently, adding a range of gins to the stills too.

The guided tour takes you through the entire whisky-making process, often with some great local history thrown in too. You’ll proceed through the production area, with the chance to see the enormous copper stills in action.

A highlight of the tour for many is moving through to the cask room, where filled barrels of whisky slowly mature, with the type of barrel used imparting a distinct flavour into the final spirit, too.

For those who choose to, the final part of the tour is a tasting in their dedicated tasting room. Enjoy a dram or two and discover the difference in flavour between the light Tobermory whisky, compared to the smoky peated Ledaig.

The tradition of whisky making (and drinking!) in Scotland traces back as early even as 1500 and remains popular among locals and visitors alike to this day.

Feeling inspired for your visit to Mull? Delve into these eight island traditions to experience when you visit Mull and then choose your island holiday cottage.

Undoubtedly Mull’s most famous beach, Calgary Bay glistens with turquoise waters lapping gently ashore against a horseshoe of white shell-sand. Backed by machair, which puts on a stunning floral show in season, and cocooned between towering headlands to either side, it’s easy to see how Calgary Bay earned its popularity.

So, if you’re keen to visit and soak in the sights first-hand, here are seven things to do at Calgary Bay.

1 Explore Calgary Art in Nature Trail

If you start up the hill at Calgary gallery and café, there’s a fantastic trail that meanders all the way down to the beach. En route, you’ll discover all manner of unique art installations and sculptural creations lining the path down to the beach.

2 Enjoy an ice cream from the Boat Shed

A must for any beach trip, with a dash of Mull charm thrown in as you won’t be served from just any ice cream van, but from the boat shed – a quirky building beside the carpark, with drinks on offer too.

3 Beach-comb for tide-tossed treasures

The waves at Calgary Bay are generally fairly gentle, as the bay is nicely sheltered, but that doesn’t mean you can’t find some gems! Shells decorate the white sand, along with interesting seaweeds, driftwood and more. What will you find?

4 Brave a wild swim

Brace yourselves for a dip in the cool, clear waters and enjoy a wild swim at Calgary Bay – often with teeny tiny fish darting around with you!

5 Go rock pooling

Nets at the ready! At the ends of the beach, there are some great rocky areas that flood with the tide to form pools. Well worth a peek to see what critters you might find, or simply to enjoy a splash about!

6 Hike to Caliach Point

To the north side of the bay, a path leads along the top of the beach and out to an old granite pier, before steeply ascending to the headland above. From here, you can hike out along the tops, soaking up sensational coastal views, all the way to Cailach Point, passing abandoned villages, rugged cliffs and spotting the islands of Coll and Tiree in the distance.

7 Enjoy coffee at the café

After a day of fun at Calgary Bay, warm up with a cup of coffee, piece of cake or light lunch at the lovely Calgary Café, just up the hill. Sit inside or out and with plenty of parking, this is the perfect spot to refuel!

Calgary Bay isn’t Mull’s only island beach though. Along our 300 miles of coastline, there are many more to discover. We bring you a local’s guide to some of the most spectacular in our guide to Isle of Mull beaches.

The Hebrides may be a wild and beautiful place, but that needn’t come at a compromise when it comes to luxury too. For those seeking to treat themselves, here are five luxury experiences to enjoy while on Mull, from those that take you into Mull’s remotest corners and waters, to those that bring the magic of Mull to you.

Dine with a difference

No guide to luxury experiences on Mull would be complete without covering the foodie scene! Mull punches well above its weight for gastronomic delight, with local chefs serving up the freshest seafood, landed that day by a local fishing boat, amid menus that major on island ingredients, from wildflower-infused desserts to croft-raised Highland beef.

So where to sample the finest of island feasts? Epicureans will be in their element at fine dining restaurant, An Cala Cuin in Tobermory, Ar Bord in Dervaig or Ninth Wave in Fionnphort. It is essential to book well in advance. Or, for the luxury experience to enjoy at your homestay instead, don’t miss Hebridean Lodge, where you can order three delicious courses to take home and warm up when you’re ready.

Bespoke guiding

Whether you’re seeking one-to-one guiding to maximise your chances of wildlife encounters with a target species, a photography expert to help you capture high quality images, or an angling aficionado to help you secure the biggest catch of the day, Mull has a range of high quality guides who offer bespoke services to suit your requirements.

Private charters

Some of Mull’s most popular boat excursions – including the famous Mull Charters sea eagle trip – can be booked for exclusive use. Not forgetting the whisky and gin-tasting experiences offered by Tobermory Bay Tours, too!

There are also several operators catering solely to exclusive-use clients, whether you want to set sail on a traditional sailing boat with Alternative Boat Hire, or hit the waves and discover Mull from the water with Coastal Connection.

Exclusive access

Adventure needn’t come at the cost of a high quality experience, and this is just one great example where Mull delivers in spades! Picture wild swimming in a crystal-clear, deserted sandy bay. In the crisp and cold waters at the foot of a glittering waterfall. Or in a naturally formed plunge pool, miles from the nearest road.

An experienced local guide can open the door to these incredible opportunities well off the beaten track. Walk Mull offers bespoke guided hikes to some incredible wild swimming spots, tailored to your requirements.

And relax…

It would be amiss not to mention the spa facilities on the island when diving into all-things luxury experiences on Mull. Conveniently located in the south east of the island, the Isle of Mull Hotel & Spa promises a range of experiences for non-residents, from full day pampering to hot stone massages and more. The perfect treat after a challenging hike, or before embarking on the long journey home.

With these luxury experiences on Mull to inspire you, it’s time to book your luxury homestay to match. Delve into our hand-picked range of high quality island properties to find your cottage today. Please don’t hesitate to give us a call and we can create a personal shortlist of cottages to consider, tailored to your unique requirements.

What to expect from Isle of Mull weather when you come to stay? Quite possibly the million dollar question for many visitors to the island, along with the midge forecast! So, just what can you expect from Isle of Mull weather in each season?

Spring

Spring tends to bring a more mixed picture of Isle of Mull weather. Expect a fast-changing array of wind, showers and sunshine and often, a lot of rainbows! As the island wakes up after winter, the changing light and lengthening days sees the natural world spring back to life with spectacular bluebell and early wildflower displays.

Summer

May and June generally see the best of the bright weather on the island, but that’s not to say you won’t find a wet day, nor to say that July and August will be a wash out!

While there are no guarantees, the summer months tend to offer the best chances of drier and more settled conditions, but it’s still best to come prepared for all possibilities. It’s not unusual to hear locals say to expect all four seasons in a single day!

Autumn

Autumn can be a magical season here on the island. The roar of rutting stags carries on the wind and echoes through the glens, as the red deer descend from the higher summer grazing to more sheltered lowlands and the rut begins.

It’s a time of change for the weather too, with the days slowly drawing in and a higher likelihood of some wind and rain. The silver lining is that the waterfalls will often be flowing in full spate, making for some spectacular sights exploring the island as the bracken-covered hillsides turn copper and gold.

Winter

Winter is the season to coorie up in a cosy cottage and immerse yourself in Highland hospitality. A wee dram of the local malt by the fire to warm the wilder nights, and in clear skies, excellent opportunities to stargaze and – if you’re lucky – spot the Northern Lights.

There’s a good chance of some wild weather this season. But, the earlier arrival of sunset and later return of sunrise offer some brilliant photography opportunities amid rapidly changing skies, light and weather conditions.

What about the midges on Mull?

If you’re keen to avoid the midges altogether, then a winter break or visit early in the season (April or early May) will give you the best chances. Midges become more present on the island through the summer and autumn, although generally not in the big clouds you’ll find in the Highlands!

As so much of the island is coastal, there’s usually a breeze that keeps the midges at bay. You’ll notice them more in very still conditions and particularly in land, in woodland or by bodies of water, so plan your activities accordingly. A bottle of Smidge and a net if you’re worried should keep you right.

Whatever your choice of season, find your cottage and start planning your next adventure on Mull.

Inspired by questions we’ve had from guests so far this season, this month we want to bring you a round-up of some of the prettiest Isle of Mull river walks. 

Mull may have lochs and coastline aplenty, but it’s home to some stunning rivers and watercourses too, through open glen, dappled woodland and some peppered with cascading falls and pools too. 

So, we hope you enjoy our pick of five Isle of Mull river walks and perhaps feel inspired to try one when you next come to stay. Off we go!

1 River Lussa, Ardura

This one would be our pick among the prettiest Isle of Mull river walks that are also very straight forward too. Parking at the signed carpark just past the Lochbuie junction, pick up the easy gravel trail and you’ll soon find yourself wandering along the pretty river bank amid the oak woodland.

This walk is especially pretty in spring with wildflowers aplenty and gives a pleasing glimpse into regenerative tree planting of native species in the area too. Keep an eye out for the memorial for John Jones beside naturally formed-pedlar’s pool. 

This walk is a there-and-back route so you can venture as far as you fancy. Pressing on to the deer fence opens up fantastic views over the glen to the surrounding mountains, including Ben Talaidh.

2 Aros River, near Salen

Parking at the carpark just beyond the Aros Forestry Commission office just north of Salen Bay, this easy river walk begins. 

A straightforward gravel track leads you through a couple of gates with views across grassy hillside and forestry uphill, with the river flowing downhill to the other side of the track, coming in and out of view as the track meanders. 

Follow the track all the way to the wooden bridge for a lovely vista over the river looking both up and downstream.

3 Scallastle River, near Craignure

This one’s for the more adventurous walkers, with some hills involved. But the fantastic river and waterfalls more than make up for the effort required! Beginning from the signposted parking area just north of Craignure, begin uphill along a gravel track until you meet the Scallastle River, crossing a bridge here.

From here, the path narrows and climbs more steeply, following the river uphill and taking in some stunning waterfalls. The loop descends to rejoin the larger gravel track, where you then retrace your steps downhill, with lovely sea views over Loch Linnhe and the Sound of Mull.

4 River Forsa, Glenforsa

Just off the main road up the island’s east coast, there’s a designated parking area for walkers keen to set off into Glen Forsa, roamed by resident Highland cattle. A gravel forestry track leads you into the glen, offering spectacular mountain views and a good chance of spotting some of Mull’s big five wildlife.

A couple of kilometres into the glen, you can peel off the track to join the riverside. The return then follows the riverbank for the majority of the way, offering very peaceful views. Lovely at any time of the year, but particularly spectacular in a very cold spell when the river has been known to freeze, sometimes creating amazing ice formations.

5 Aros Park Upper and Lower Falls, Tobermory

This Isle of Mull river walk is easily reached from the island’s harbour town of Tobermory, either on foot following the scenic coastal path that leads to the foot of the Lower Falls, or by car, turning off the main road to Aros Park.

A series of pretty trails meander the hillside, looping from the main car park round to the Lower Falls before following their cascading path upstream. Here, the trail meets the entrance road and bridge, before crossing to continue steeply uphill to take in the dramatic Upper Falls too.

Find more walking routes to explore on Mull with our local’s guide including route maps.

Visitors to Mull often have Tobermory, the island’s harbour capital, high on the list for places to visit. But once you’ve combed the Main Street and enjoyed a coffee, what to do next? 

We’ve put together a guide to 5 stunning Tobermory walks, from coastal paths to waterfall trails, hill climbs to lochside ambles, to guide you.

Aros Park Lochan and Waterfalls

Aros Park makes a great destination whether you’ve got time for a quick leg stretch or a longer amble. 

The easy-going trail around the lochan takes only 30 minutes to complete, with lovely views over the lily pads and plenty of birdlife to see. Extend the trail by climbing the steep steps up by the abandoned power house and waterfall, which once generated power for the now long-gone Aros House. 

Extend your adventure yet further by also exploring the trails that lead along the lower falls, offering beautiful views at one end of the bay and back to Tobermory, and at the other to the dramatic upper falls as they thunder down the hillside.

Coastal Path from Tobermory Harbour to Aros Park

Starting from the Ledaig carpark at one end of Tobermory’s harbourfront, the path sets off along the coastline. Narrow in places and with steep drops down to the sea, the route hugs the coast and brings you all the way round to the beautiful Aros Park. 

You’ll enjoy lovely views across the water to Tobermory’s brightly painted harbourfront. There are some very impressive old cedar trees along the way too, as well as gently cascading streams and bridges, before delivering you to the foot of the lower Aros falls. From here, you can easily extend the walk by picking up one of the many trails around Aros Park.

Tobermory Harbour to Rubh nan Gall Lighthouse

Rubh nan Gall Lighthouse is on most visitors’ to Tobermory’s to-visit list and for good reason. Fortunately, from the CalMac pier end of the harbourfront, a path leads you all the way there and back again. With woodland to either side, the path traces the edge of a steep hillside with views to the water below.

Keep an eye out for otters and seals along the coastline. For the botanists among us, this pathway is laden with wildflowers during the season too, from wild garlic and bluebells in early spring to water avens and more later in the year. 

There are several benches from which to pause and soak up the views and, as you near the lighthouse, superb views over to the Ardnamurchan peninsula too.

Ardmore Point

Venturing a few minutes out of Tobermory on the road to Glengorm by car, you’ll reach the first of two parking areas signposted for Ardmore. Park at the first and then follow the main track as it leads seawards and gradually downhill.

As you descend, you’ll reach a signposted junction indicating footpaths to the shore, to Ardmore Point and onwards round to Glengorm. 

You’ll arrive at the ruins of Penalbanach village, where you can follow the path to visit the point, the most north-easterly part of Mull, or continue down to loop around the shore of Ardmore Bay instead.

Crater Loch

Although not technically in the town, this route had to make it into our round-up of Tobermory walks and is very popular with locals and visitors alike. 

Parking in the bays just off the road along the Mishnish Lochs, follow the signs to the gate that marks the start of the trodden path up to the Crater Loch, officially known as Lochan S’Airde Beinn. 

This is a short, steep walk over often soggy ground, so bring your waterproofs and good boots. The reward for your efforts though are superb views across North Mull’s hills and out to sea. Not forgetting the ‘crater loch’ itself, which only comes into view as you reach the top.

The descent of this walk makes for beautiful viewing too, with views over the three Mishnish Lochs and on to Speinne Mor, North Mull’s highest point. There’s a great chance of seeing some fantastic wildlife in these parts too.

If you’re feeling inspired by these Tobermory walks, find plenty more inspiration in all corners of the island in our guide to walks on the Isle of Mull.

Join us as we navigate the north, south, east and west corners of the island with these five fantastic coastal walks on the Isle of Mull. With options for all abilities, from gentle strolls to sand bar crossings, find a route to add to your holiday itinerary this year.

1 Rubh nan Gall Lighthouse from Tobermory

One of Tobermory’s most popular walks, and it’s easy to see why! Commonly referred to as the ‘Tobermory lighthouse’, it’s name is actually Rubh nan Gall and this there-and-back walk makes a perfect addition to a day in the island capital. 

Starting from the CalMac pier end of the Main Street, pass through the small gate and pick up the narrow path heading to the lighthouse. The path leads through steep-sided woodland with lovely views to the water below and there are a couple of benches along the way to pause and take in the view.

As you near the end of the path, the lighthouse will appear in front of you. Take your time enjoying the view and watching for seals that are often spotted in the area, before retracing your steps to the harbour.

2 Aros Castle and river estuary

This lovely walk lies along the island’s east coast and, being shorter in length, is easily squeezed into an action-packed day. Starting by the old stone bridge over the River Aros, follow the gravel track around past the traditional stone cottages and around the headland. There are superb views to enjoy at every tidal range and lots of visiting birdlife. 

As you round the corner of the headland, look up to the towering remains of the 16^th century ruin of Aros Castle. This area is covered in bluebells in the springtime. 

You can either enjoy this as a short there-and-back stroll to the castle, or make it circular returning along the single-track road with care. To do so, as the track continues on, take a left turning into the woodland to climb uphill, passing a few more houses and follow the lane to rejoin the main road, turning left to return to your start at Aros bridge.

3 Lochbuie to Laggan Sands

Parking on the seafront in Lochbuie, pick up a coffee from the Lochbuie Larder and a piece of cake to enjoy on the beach. Then follow the track that leads east past the church and onwards along the coast. 

You’ll pass rocky coastline, pockets of sandy beaches at different tides and the dramatic ruins of Moy Castle as you go. The track then hugs dramatic rockfaces as it rounds the final few bends to deliver you to the beach at Laggan Sands below.

There are often fallow deer to spot en route and Highland coos roaming the beach. At the far end, there is also an interesting mausoleum to visit too.

4 Knockvologan to Erraid

This walk is located in the island’s south west, just about as far as you can venture by car! Parking by the beach at Knockvologan – a beautiful shell-sand beach interspersed by pink granite outcrops – at a low tide a sandbar is exposed, connecting the beach to the tidal Isle of Erraid. 

Adventurous souls will enjoy the walk across to explore this tiny island, with the old lighthouse keepers’ cottages still occupied today. Once on Erraid, a variety of tracks traverse the island, with points of interest including the old lighthouse observatory, which is no longer in use, and the beautiful Traigh Gheal sandy beach. 

Just remember to pay attention to the tides and check tide times before you cross over, to ensure you have ample time to also make the crossing back before the high tide once again cuts Erraid off from Mull.

5 Calgary to Caliach Point

No guide to coastal walks on the Isle of Mull would be complete without a mention of Mull’s most popular beach – the beautiful horseshoe-shaped white sand of Calgary Bay. Aptly, this walk begins from this very beach, giving you the chance to enjoy the shell-sand from many vantage points en route.

Pick up the track that leads from the carpark end of the beach along the headland, which soon delivers you to an old stone pier. From here, the track cuts steeply uphill, climbing up onto the headland that you then follow round the coast. There are superb views back across Calgary Bay and for the adventurous, you can continue right out to the headland at Cailach Point.

Discover more route maps and walk ideas in our guide to walks on the island and book your cottage today.

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.