Walking & Wildlife on Mull and Iona Map and Itinerary

DAY 1:Travel to Iona

Your journey begins as you depart Oban on the ferry crossing to Mull. As you pass the Island of Kerrera you start to see porpoises rolling in the turbulent waters while gannets and gulls lead you on to the port of Craignure in Mull. The journey to Fionnphort for the passenger ferry to the Isle of Iona is a delight. Indeed there is a good walk just south of Craignure at Port Donain where there is a lovely beach and the chance to see red deer. Keep a look out over the moorlands for a chance to view hen harriers quartering the heather.

Leaving your car at Fionnphort harbour you will now have 3 days without the stress of driving. Following your first night in your hand picked accommodation you will be ready to enjoy the delights of this most attractive little Island.

Overnight: Iona

Your accommodation is a real highlight of this trip and on Iona we utilise the best possible options. Some of our favourites include the following:

St Columba Hotel

Beautifully positioned close to the shore and adjoining the Abbey this mid19th Century Hotel is proud of it’s organic produce and local seafood.

Argyll Hotel

Looking after visitors for over 140 years, this old Hebridean building is full of character and a real home from home.

DAY 2:Walking on Iona

Iona South

The main site of historical importance is the 13th Century Abbey built on the site of St Columba's 6th Century monastery. The site is visited by modern day pilgrims and it is worthwhile spending time here to enjoy the peace and tranquillity. Wildlife to be seen includes wading birds such as Curlew as they rise with their calls from the beaches and moors.

Iona North

Here stands the peak of Dun I, the highest point at 101 metres. The main wildlife draw is the Corncrake, one of the rarest breeding birds in Britain. Even if you do not view the bird you may be lucky to hear it’s distinctive ’crex’ call that sounds like a finger being drawn along a comb.

Overnight: Iona

DAY 3:Boat trip to Staffa

Your holiday includes a trip out to the Isle of Staffa and Fingal’s Cave. The Isle is steeped in myth and legend and weather permitting you will have up to 1 hour ashore to enjoy the location that inspired Mendelssohn’s ‘Hebrides’ overture. Sea life abounds with a chance to spot seals, clown like puffins and maybe the fin of a passing basking shark.

Overnight: Iona

DAY 4:Travel to Tobermory, Mull

Following breakfast you are ready to travel back across to Mull to continue to Tobermory for your next 4 nights accommodation. En route there are many opportunities to stop off and explore the many walks on offer. You will undoubtedly wish to enjoy the views of Ben More, the highest mountain in Mull at over 3000 feet, giving it famed ‘Munro’ status. Golden eagles are a feature of these uplands and a site to behold as they soar along the ridges.

Overnight: Tobermory

Once again the accommodation is carefully chosen to enhance the quality of the trip. Here are some of our favourite properties:

Brockville Bed and Breakfast

This bed and breakfast is only a 5 minute walk from the brightly painted harbour. The high level of comfort coupled with the traditional Scottish welcome make this an ideal place to enjoy this charming town.

Strongarbh House Bed and Breakfast

Perched in a cliff top above the Tobermory Bay, this handsome Victorian Villa has it’s own spacious gardens linked to the harbour via it’s own private woodland path. Stylish bedrooms with all modern conveniences provide a relaxing retreat in the heart of town.

DAYS 5 - 7:Walking on Mull

There are many opportunities to walk in the immediate environs of Tobermory itself. Further the town is a base for whale watching and in the summer season it is possible to take a boat trip in search of these incredible sea mammals. We suggest the following walks which will be in your guidebook provided:

Aros Park

Just south east of Tobermory Aros Park has gardens of Rhododendrons, woodlands of beech, hazel and oak surrounding a lochan filled with lilies are a delight. A walk through the Victorian estate allows you to view a lovely waterfall and a chance to see woodland bird species and the occasional mink.

Ardmore Bay

In this area you have a good chance to see Britain’s largest bird of prey, the white tailed sea eagle. It is hard to miss these ’flying barn doors’ as they search the shore for food.

Treshnish Headland

Spectacular coastal scenery is the theme for this walk on the west coast, with sculpted sea stacks, caves and arches eroded by the pounding sea. Views out the west reveal the exposed Treshnish Isles strung out in a line. At any high coastal point it is always worth scanning the sea for whales, dolphins and porpoises as they blow, leap and roll through the food rich waters.

Overnight: Tobermory on each night

DAY 8 - Departure

Following breakfast you are ready to travel to Craignure for the ferry back to Oban where the trip finishes

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