Inner Hebrides Drive & Hike: Mull and Iona

8 Days & 7 Nights 5 Read 7 reviews

Explore the wildlife-rich walker's paradise of Mull & Iona by car and on foot
Look out for the local wildlife including eagles, whales, puffins and otters
Wander the 13th century abbey on Iona, founded by St Columba
Overnight in the colourful picture-postcard town of Tobermory
Take a boat trip to Fingal's Cave that inspired Mendelssohn's 'Hebrides Overture'

Explore the spectacular Inner Hebridean Isles of Mull and Iona on foot on this drive and hike adventure. This area is home to playful marine mammals and majestic sea eagles, as well as stunning Highland scenery just begging to be explored. Walk in the footsteps of St Columba on Iona and marvel at the colourful houses of pretty Tobermory on Mull. Take a boat trip out to the majestic basalt columns of Fingal’s Cave on Staffa and discover the inspiration behind Mendelssohn’s ‘Hebrides Overture’. Follow our suggested route by car and ferry with daily walks through Highland landscapes created by a ancient volcanic activity and ice age glaciers. With 3 nights on historic Iona and 4 nights in Mull we provide you with suggested walks each day. The trip includes your return ferry crossings from Oban on the Scottish mainland to Craignure on Mull, the passenger only ferry to Iona and also a boat trip out to the famous Island of Staffa. This trip is suitable for those with use of a car as there is little public transport and many of the walks are remote. Car hire is not included but if you wish we can book as an additional option.

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What To Expect

Travel restrictions and resources, to and from any destination

This self-drive walking holiday allows you to travel through the Isles of Mull and Iona enjoying island hospitality in a mix of hotel, B&B and guest house accommodation. Explore these beautiful Inner Hebridean islands on a variety of optional walks, from laid-back coastal paths to an optional hike up Ben More (the only Munro on the island). We include a boat trip to the spectacular island of Staffa, whose black volcanic cliffs and grassy slopes are home to puffins and guillemots. Visit iconic Fingal's Cave and its basalt columns that inspired Mendelssohn's Hebrides Overture!

Tour Type:

Discovery | Think of it as a ‘local’s guide’ to the best of the region. It includes a combination of activity and transportation to give you the freedom to explore and cover more ground at your own pace. We do all the research and organisation for you. All you have to do is turn up and enjoy!

Activity:

Drive and Hike | Exploration of picturesque and remarkable destinations by car combined with walks that highlight the best of a country or region.

This trip is suitable for:

Solo Travellers

Ideal if you have an interest in:

Islands

Activity Level & Terrain

This trip is graded easy to moderate and all walks are optional, allowing you to choose the walks that are suitable for you. This Drive & Hike itinerary is perfect for those who would like to combine sightseeing with some of the best local walks on the Hebridean Islands of Mull, Iona, and Staffa.

Daily distances are relatively short and range from 2 to 13 km. The terrain can vary between quiet country roads, good tracks and forest paths, beach walking, to some rocky shorelines and faint grassy paths. There is one optional walk that has been graded slightly more challenging in terms of ascent, terrain, and exposure, and that’s Ben More on the Isle of Mull. At 3015ft/966m, Ben More is the highest mountain on Mull and the only island Munro in Scotland outside the Isle of Skye. If you have a head for heights, the views from the summit are more than worth the effort!

Make sure not to underestimate the length of time it may take to complete routes on rougher terrain. To get the maximum enjoyment out of the trip we recommend a good level of fitness which can be achieved by completing walks of similar distance prior to your holiday.

Navigation

Most sections of the trail are not waymarked so at times it's difficult to see the path used by previous walkers. If in any doubt follow the blue dot in the app, while keeping a safe distance from the mountain or cliff edges, and you will have no problem finding your way. We also supply you with a map and guidebook allowing you to make the most of your time on the Scottish Isles.

Accommodations

We specifically choose the guesthouses to ensure that you enjoy every minute of your stay. They all offer a warm welcome to walkers, traditional hospitality and delicious local food.

Single Rooms & Solo Travellers

This independent walking holiday is available to solo walkers. If you require single rooms in your party we will of course try to accommodate your request, subject to availability and at a supplement. Please note that the single and solo supplements are high on this trip as the accommodations are in high demand and generally don't offer favourable single room occupancy rates. If we receive more favourable costs we will pass these onto you via a discount.

Meals

A hearty breakfast is included each morning. Lunch and dinner are not included so you are free to choose from the available options. Most of your accommodations will more than happy to provide a packed lunch on request and this can be booked on arrival. Alternatively your info pack includes details of local shops and convenient lunch stops on the way. Dinner is available either at your accommodation or nearby pubs and restaurants and your info pack will of course have details.

Included

7 Nights in hand-picked B&B's, guesthouses and small hotels
7 Breakfasts
Ferry crossings as in the itinerary (1 car and passengers)
Boat trip to Staffa
Information pack and route notes with maps
24/7 Emergency telephone support from our office

Excluded

Travel to / from Oban
Car hire (we can also arrange car hire for you)
Lunches, dinners, snacks and drinks
Personal equipment
Travel insurance (required)

Extras

Additional nights along the route
Car hire (we can also arrange car hire for you)

When To Go

This walking holiday is best enjoyed between early April and mid-October. Traditionally April/May has always been the most popular time of year because the theory goes that the weather is better and the midges have not yet appeared. Any time between April and October will be great.

Weather and Climate

Scotland enjoys a temperate climate, meaning it's relatively mild all year, except in winter when temperatures occasionally dip below 0 degrees Celsius for short periods. The Scottish Islands are renowned for variable weather so you should be prepared for everything; from 'dreich' days (a Scottish word for drizzly days that are a bit bleak) to days with beautiful blue skies and warmer weather. Whatever the weather it tends to be breezy so spare layers in your day-pack is always recommended.

From the end of April to October average daily temperatures vary from 9-15 degrees Celsius. Monthly rainfall varies from 10-16 mm per month on average. Generally, May-July are the driest and mildest months, but walking later in the year from Sep-Oct is pleasant in cooler temperatures and with great autumnal scenery as the leaves begin to change colour.

Getting to the Start

Getting to Oban

Glasgow Airport: the closest airport with 30 airlines serving about 90 destinations worldwide. For information on airlines and transport to and from the airport please visit http://www.glasgowairport.com/

Car: Easily accessible via the A82 following the West Side of Loch Lomond and then the A85 at Tyndrum (2.5 hrs). If you travelling from London the most direct route is via the M1/M6 to Scotland from where the M74 will take you toward Glasgow and the route North.

Rail: From Glasgow you can catch the train to Oban (3hrs) on the world-famous West Highland Line.

Bus: From Glasgow you can take the Scottish Citylink Bus to Oban (3hrs)

Getting to the Inner Hebrides

Your trip includes return ferry crossings from Oban on the mainland to Mull and return crossings from Mull to Iona. Times may be viewed on the Calmac website.

If you have a preferred sailing time for your ferry journeys, please let us know at the time of booking. Once the ferry journeys are confirmed, we can't guarantee new amendments or changes to the sailing times.

General Information

Ferries

The following ferries and boat trips are included in your tour package:

Day 1:

Car and passenger ferry from Oban (mainland) to Craignure (Isle of Mull)

Passenger-only ferry from Fionnphort (Isle of Mull) to the Isle of Iona

Day 3:

Boat trip to the Isle of Staffa

Day 4:

Passenger-only ferry from the Isle of Iona to Fionnphort (Isle of Mull)

Day 8:

Car and passenger ferry from Craignure (Isle of Mull) to Oban (mainland)

Travel Insurance

It is a requirement of booking this tour with Macs Adventure that you have suitable travel insurance that covers you for the activity and emergency evacuation and hospital care.

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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 amidst 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

Accommodations

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

St Columba Hotel | Hotel

All rooms have private bath and/or shower rooms. The hotel and restaurant are fully licensed with a wide range of local ales, malt whiskies, other spirits and a varied wine list. Comfortable sun lounges and a restaurant provide stunning views over the Sound of Iona to the Ross of Mull and the mountains beyond. The hotel has wireless internet for your laptop or you can make use of the internet room. There is a guest telephone box and some mobile networks have excellent cover.

Ardoran House | Hotel

Situated near to the harbour, this modern guesthouse offers wonderful accommodation. Comfy beds with sumptuous duvets await in this extremely well reviewed property. The views over the sea are sublime, and you may be lucky enough to hear the call of the rare corncrake. Relax in the spacious lounge and conservatory, designed with comfort in mind and enjoy stunning views over the Sound of Iona to Mull beyond. There is even a sauna and spa, a perfect way to end to a long walking day!

Skerryvore B&B | Hotel

Situated on the West side of Iona, one mile from the ferry, Skerryvore is an architect designed house, built in 2011. Overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and 18 hole golf course it has some of the best views on the island. You are assured the warmest of welcomes from Lindsay and Joyce, who will ensure that you have a most splendid stay. The house is set in its own large garden, with a seating area to enjoy the spectacular island views. All rooms are en-suite and come equipped with all one would require to assure a most comfortable stay in this wonderful abode, including satellite television, DVD player, hair dryer and alarm clock. There is also a guest lounge with panoramic views across the machair to the Atlantic beyond.

Day 2 Walking on Iona

Today you are free to explore the tiny and spectacular Isle of Iona. The main site of historical importance is the 13th Century Abbey built on the site of St Columbas 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.

You could also walk up to the peak of Dun I, the highest point of Iona 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

Accommodations

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

St Columba Hotel | Hotel

Ardoran House | Hotel

Skerryvore B&B | Hotel

Day 3 Boat trip to Staffa

Your adventure 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, puffins and maybe the fin of a passing basking shark.

Overnight Iona

Accommodations

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

St Columba Hotel | Hotel

Ardoran House | Hotel

Skerryvore B&B | Hotel

Day 4 Travel to Tobermory, Mull Day 5 Walking on Mull

There are many opportunities to walk in the immediate area around Tobermory itself. The town is also a base for whale watching and in the summer season it is possible to take a boat trip out to search for marine mammals. We suggest the following walks:

Just south east of Tobermory Aros Park has gardens of rhododendrons, woodlands of beech, hazel and oak surrounding a lochan filled with lilies. 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.

Around Ardmore Bay 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.

Spectacular coastal scenery is the theme a walk on the west coast and Treshnish Headland, 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

Accommodations

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Western Isles Hotel | Hotel

When you visit the Western Isles Hotel on the picturesque Isle of Mull, you’re guaranteed to enjoy one of the warmest welcomes in Scotland. Overlooking the harbour of Tobermory and facing out to Calve Island and the Sound of Mull, you’ll be treated to picturesque views from their harbour and sea-facing rooms, as well as from the Conservatory Bar. And as well as comfortable accommodation, you’ll enjoy fine cuisine in their restaurant, prepared from the best locally sourced ingredients to make your stay even more memorable.

Tobermory Hotel | Hotel

The Tobermory hotel is a Boutique-style family-run hotel offering quality service and a warm highland welcome. Each room has sea views, free WiFi, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with free toiletries.

Carnarburg Guest House | Guest House

Carnaburg Guest House is one of the the original 18th Century coloured houses on Tobermory’s 'Main Street'. This 200 year old building was originally within a row of fisherman's cottages and overlooks Calve Island, The Sound of Mull and the Morven Hills beyond.

Day 6 Walking on Mull

Around Ardmore Bay 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.

Overnight Tobermory

Accommodations

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Western Isles Hotel | Hotel

Tobermory Hotel | Hotel

Carnarburg Guest House | Guest House

Day 7 Walking on Mull

Around Ardmore Bay 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.

Overnight Tobermory

Accommodations

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Western Isles Hotel | Hotel

Tobermory Hotel | Hotel

Carnarburg Guest House | Guest House

Day 8 Departure