Places to Explore on Mull and Iona

Loch na Keal National Scenic Area (NSA) embraces the coastline on the West of Mull, from Gribun cliffs to Ulva and Loch Tuath and also includes Inchkenneth, Staffa and the Treshnish Isles. NSAs are designated by Scottish Natural Heritage as areas of outstanding natural beauty.

There's a road around the entire shore of Loch na Keal, so you can easily see it all. Visit Staffa and Lunga (one of the Treshnish Isles) by boat from Ulva Ferry or Fionnphort.

Reckoned to be the deepest in the Hebrides, at over 500 feet (150m), this cave used to be visited by almost every 'celebrity' who came to Mull (including Boswell and Johnson). Don't be left out !

The thumbnail shows the view from the mouth of the cave to Staffa

learn more about MacKinnon’s Cave

Carsaig Arches, on the south coast of Mull may be reached (from Carsaig) by a rugged four mile walk (each way) below towering cliffs. Well worth it, but go prepared for rough ground and any weather. See feral goats, the nun’s cave and (perhaps) eagles, en route.

learn more about Carsaig Arches

Ulva is a privately owned island with a thriving population of approximately 16 people who are involved variously in traditional sheep and cattle farming, fish farming, oyster farming and tourism. There are no tarmac roads on Ulva, so no cars, just the 4 wheel cross country bikes used by all inhabitants, young and old.

learn more about Ulva

The Outdoor Guide is compiled and produced by the Ranger Service. Copies are available free from the Visitor Information Centres in Craignure and Tobermory, and you can probably pick one up at your accommodation too.

Two versions are provided on this web site. One to view (4.15MB), and one which you can print A4 size (2.37MB) (back to back) to create an A6 leaflet when folded. You may need to adjust the margins to suit your printer. The print becomes a little small, but if you have an A3 printer you can make a full-size leaflet, A5 when folded

The highest of Mull’s hills, and the only one that is a 'Munro' (a Scottish peak over 3000 feet/915 m), Ben More is a prominent feature of many views on the island. The name is Gaelic for 'big hill'.

learn more about Ben More

The National Library of Scotland has been working with primary schools on Mull to explore how tourist guides will look in the future. You can see their answer here.

Six tours or walks on Mull are listed. Follow the link to see how you can take an active part. You need a PDA with GPS to run the 'mediascape' package. There are links from here to download if you have the hardware, or you can rent a PDA ready-loaded from the Craignure VIC. 01680 812377.

Staffa means 'Pillar Island' in ancient Norse, which only begins to describe the breathtaking formations of columnar basalt. It is an island of caves, of which the best known is Fingal’s Cave, a full 227 ft (69 m) deep and 66 ft (20 m) high.

learn more about Staffa