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Mull is a truly magical place. It has a dramatic coastline and a variety of scenery, ranging from the high basaltic plateau of the north, to the rounded granite hills of the "Ross of Mull", in the south-west. The "Ross of Mull" is unspoiled by roads. This makes it an ideal destination for bird watching and observing the unique Hebridean wildlife, which roam free in their natural environment. Explore the many "white sandy" coves and beaches on the "Ross" and on Iona, which are washed by the waters of the Gulf Stream. Visiting the neighboring Islands below will also be a highlight for your holiday. 

Iona is a sacred Isle, steeped in Christianity and history. This famous Inner Hebridean island, only 3 miles long by a mile and a ½ mile wide, is accessible from a passenger ferry which runs between Fionnphort and Iona and takes approx 5 minutes. It possesses a unique atmosphere. Sanctuary from the bustle of life can be found at the famous abbey, which is the ancient burial ground for the forty-eight Scottish Kings. 

Staffa (meaning "Pillar Island"), can be reached by a short boat trip. It is one of the natural geological wonders of the world. Fingal's Cave is the most spectacular feature and was made famous by Mendelssohn's Music. Boat trips from Mull & Iona during summer season, weather permitting, see links page 

Bird watching and Wildlife  The Ross of Mull and adjacent offshore islands abound with interesting wildlife. Depending on the season, corncrakes can be heard and sometimes seen on Iona. The long indented coastline is the ideal place to watch oystercatchers, ringed plovers, common sandpipers, redshanks and curlews and the small flocks of Whimbrel passing though on migration.

Predatory birds including Sea Eagle, Golden Eagle, Hen Harrier, Peregrine, Merlin and short eared owl can be observed at most times of the year. Wild Greylag geese can be seen year round whilst in autumn and winter the rare Greenland white-fronted geese are present.

Of special significance and particularly enjoyable to visit are the smaller offshore islands of Staffa and Treshnish. On Staffa puffins can be encountered at very close quarters, whilst at Treshnish visitors will be stunned by the sheer number of breeding seabirds including guillemots, razorbills, puffins, fulmars, shags, gulls and kittiwakes. Many visitors have been fortunate in recent years to have spectacular views of dolphins and porpoises with the occasional glimpse of a whale on their way to and from these islands.

Seals are commonplace along the sheltered rocky coves of the Ross of Mull. Otters occupy every available stretch of coastline and sitting patiently downwind can be rewarded by extremely close views of these fine creatures. 

Red Deer are abundant throughout Mull and can be watched from numerous places including the road system. Wildlife safaris are available, see links page 

Flora and Fauna  Plant life is diverse and reflects the available habitats including, bog, moorland, calcareous grasslands woodlands, lochs and flower-rich machair. Lower plants, lichens, liverworts and mosses are of outstanding interest and are found mainly in the remaining remnants of Atlantic Oakwood's. 

Walking / Climbing
on the Ross of Mull  - Mull has a variety of walks, ranging from gentle stroll along sandy beaches, to the more energetic climb to the summit of Ben More. (Mull's only "Munro" and our highest peak at over three thousand feet).

Pottie/Knockvologan - Parking off-road at the junction of Fionnphort and Pottie roads enables the walker to follow the Pottie road uphill. The road becomes an unmade path and emerges on the Knockvologan road east of Fidden. From here it is possible to complete the loop, returning via Fionnphort, or continue to Knockvologan to explore the Highland Renewal nature reserve, and perhaps look for otters & seals. 

Camus Tuath - this former fishing station and granite quarry. The old quarry workers houses are now used as an adventure/outdoor centre by Iona Community during the summer. The rough and often boggy track, requiring stout footwear, leaves the A849 at the gate marked "Camus" Also on this track, by crossing the open moorland on your left, there is a secluded sandy bay, better know as Market Bay. The Royal family used to picnic here with the Royal Yacht Britannia. 

Ardalanish Bay and Uisken - By following the road sign to Uisken, just behind the village of Bunessan, you will drive for 3 miles to the end of the road, from hear you can enjoy a gentle stroll along the bay, or climb the hill East to the cairn(remember to bring a stone) Also on the same road is Ardalanish Bay,(I loved going here to explore when I was a kid) by turning right and driving for ¼ mile there is a car park on your left, from here you walk though the farm, being careful to shut gates behind you.

Shiaba - Taking the turning to Scoor, east of Bunessan, it is possible to drive the car as far as the ruined church and graveyard at Kilvickeon. Park here and walk up the track to Scoor House. From here follow the track and though the gate, climbing uphill to enter a field with a fank( stone wall for holding sheep), ignore the gate below the fank and follow the track, sometimes rather faint over the grass, to the top gate. Heading towards the edge of the ridge, turn left along ridge following a narrow track, aiming in the direction of the forest ride clearly visible across the valley. The track to Shiaba will be spotted below. Over 350 people lived here at the end of the eighteenth century and the remains of there houses and boundary walls that marked their crofts can still be seen. 

Ardtun - This is a short geological walk from Bunessan. The leaf beds of Ardtun. From Bunessan take the road sign posted to Ardtun and follow this till you come to a fork, turn left, heading towards the end of this road will be a gate way on your right, just before the last two houses are reached. From here head towards Dunan Mor with a cairn on top, heading Northwards down to the fields above the shore. Sheep tracks take you along under the low basalt cliffs, with the sea surging into it and bringing you to a deep, narrow inlet. From here you need to head towards the top of the cliff, and cut across the headland north-eastwards towards Ardmeanach. After a short walk you will reach an open gully between the cliffs, and well above sea level. Here by the sides of this valley are the fossilized leaf beds. 

Carsaig - Carsaig Bay is reached by road, four miles from the Fionnphort to Craignure road at Pennygael. Park your car at the old pier. The bay, is overlooked by limestone cliffs, is a fascinating place to explore, with its abundant fossils. From here there are two extended coastal walks, one going south-west to Carsaig Arches at Malcolm's Point, the other going East and North to Lochbuie. Each walk requires a whole day, but offers a chance to experience the uniquely Hebridean atmosphere of the south coast of Mull, with eagles, deer, wild goats & otters all to be seen, with breathtaking views to Colonsay & Jura. 

Burg & Fossil Tree ( MacCulloch's Tree) - This all-day walk starts from the National Trust for Scotland car park at the end of Tiroran on Loch Scridain. The track skirts the shore of the loch until it reaches the isolated cottage at Burg Farm, and the nature reserve Burg. Descending to the shore, the rough path leads round the headland of Ardmeanach to the Fossil Tree, discovered in 1819. The 40-foot high fossilized cross section of the tree is visible in the cliff face, beyond the second of 2 large water falls. 

Ben More - The highest mountain and only Munro on Mull, 966 metres, Ben More is usually climbed from the North-West side, starting from sea level. Park off the road at Dhiseig on Loch na Keal, and follow the well-defined path beside the burn. On a clear day the summit offers views extending as far as the Cuillins on Skye to the North, and Tiree, Coll and the Treshnish Isles to the west. An alternative but steeper ascent can be made from the south, starting from the head of Loch Scidain.