Derryguaig Smiddy, The Old Post Office, Fisherman's Bothy, The Dorran, Balmeanach Farmhouse and Kilfinichen House are all located on the Kilfinichen Estate. The estate lies to the west of Ben More, and comprises the lands of Kilfinichen, Tiroran, Tavool, Balmeanach and Derryguaig, on the western side of Mull. Kilfinichen's literal translation is Chapel of St. Fhionnchain, and the estate includes the area of ground known as the Ardmeanach peninsular - a beautiful and remote corner of the island.
As well as being home to an array of wildlife, the land is farmed, with both sheep and cattle residing on the estate. There is rich cultural history here, dating back to prehistoric times as well as some geological wonders including a fossilised tree, that was formed in a lava flow some 50 million years ago.
Derryguaig Smiddy sits on the south side of Loch na Keal, in an elevated position with far reaching views over the loch and island of Eorsa. Balmeanach Farmhouse enjoys a similar setting just past the Gribun cliffs on Loch na Keal, while Fisherman's Bothy, Old Post Office and Kilfinichen House are some 8 miles to the south, with views of Loch Scridain.
Nearest village: Derryguaig Smiddy is 20 minutes drive from Salen (8 miles), Balmeanach Farmhouse 12 miles from Salen, while Fisherman's Bothy and the Old Post Office are around a 35 minute drive from the villages of Bunessan, Craignure and Salen
Drive to ferry terminal at Craignure: Derryguaig Smiddy 35 minutes (via Salen); Balmeanach Farmhouse 45 minutes (via Salen); Fisherman's Bothy and the Old Post Office are a 35 minute drive (via Glen More)
Map and Directions
We send out a property information document with directions to the house, and other useful information, to all guests who book with us.
Things to Do
This is a superb area for wildlife, with otters seen patrolling the coastline, and a wonderful array of flora and fauna. Red deer will often be seen on the hills, and there's excellent opportunity to see the island's famous birds of prey, from hen harriers to golden eagles. Visitors to the area can take a wildlife tour with an experienced guide, or can just bring a pair of binoculars and walk the wonderful coastline whilst looking for the magnificent sea eagles the island is well known for. Outdoor enthusiasts, geologists and photographers certainly won't be short of things to do.
Hikers will be in their element with some of the island's finest walks in the local area. Explore The Burg, otherwise known as the wilderness peninsular, which occupies the remote lands to the north of Loch Scridain, or set out to find MacKinnon's Cave, thought to be the deepest in the Hebrides and only to be navigated at a low tide! The cliffs of Gribun and Ben More, the island's only munro, are easily accessible and there is some of the most spectacular mountainous scenery to enjoy here.
To continue the theme of Highland pursuits, pony trekking on native breed ponies can be found just around the shore of Loch na Keal at Killiechronan, plodding high into the hills or cantering through the waves. Or, to experience the water from a different perspective, embark on a boat tour to Iona from Fionnphort, Mull's most south westerly village, or sail to Staffa and the Treshnish Isles, where puffins can be encountered in season (mid-April to July).
The island's capital and harbour town, Tobermory, lies around an hour's drive north, with excellent opportunities to sample the local oysters and seafood, as well as a good range of artisan shops and attractions, including the museum.
