| The slopes of Beinn Chreagach Mhor rise
behind the house and visitors exploring this area may discover the
soothing charms of tumbling burns and abundant wildlife.
One of the island's two golf courses is nearby, and Craignure/ Salen
offer shopping facilities, pubs, restaurants etc. .(5miles).
There are few parts of the world which
possess the magic and mystery of the Islands around the West coast
of Scotland. This is an area of breathtaking beauty with the combination
of mountains and sea providing a perfect backdrop in which to enjoy
many recreational opportunities.
Why holiday on an island? Is it because we experience a thrill
at being surrounded by water cut off from the rest of mankind? Is
it because there is a sense of safety and security living in a place
which is on a human scale? Is it because the unique and diverse
wildlife and scenery is the perfect antidote to the hectic pace
of life we all experience? Whatever the reason everyone can find
something on an Island holiday which will make them want to return.
Mull, "ANT'EILEAN MUILEACH" is one
of the most beautiful and accessible of the West Coast Scottish
islands, famed for the splendour of its scenery and the wide range
of its natural history. It benefits from a mild climate as a result
of the gulf stream and is one of the most accessible of the west
coast islands with daily ferry services from two ports. Whether
approached by Loch Lomond to Oban, or through Glencoe to Lochaline,
the journey in itself is a taster for what awaits the traveller.
Mull is at the centre of a whole group of islands, the best known
of the smaller islands being Iona, famous as the cradle of Scottish
Christianity, and Staffa, known for Fingal's cave. Other islands
within the group are Ulva, Gometra and the Treshnish Isles. There
are plenty of boat
trips available to make for a memorable day out, but for landlubbers
the views of the Islands from Mull itself can be spectaular. A Mull
sunset is never to be forgotten. The Island capital, Tobermory,
is a charming little town with a picture postcard harbour and interesting
shops.
For a good internet guide to Mull and the rest of Scotland try
"The
Internet Guide to Scotland" maintained by Joanne Mackenzie-Winters,
we think it's the best!
Mull is fortunate to have a number of good restaurants,
so that there will be no problem finding somewhere to eat during
your stay.
Aros - Tiny Aros boasts a 14th-century
castle ruin once home to the Lord of the Isles and offers opportunities
to watch swans and otters on the river, whilst just 2 miles away
the village of Salen has several shops, a tea room and a pub serving
food. Tobermory (8 miles) the “capital”of Mull is a
well-equipped colour- washed port with a splendid natural harbour,
shops selling local produce and crafts, museum,golf and fishing.
Boat trips from Ulva and Ross of Mull to the sacred Isle of Iona,
Staffa and Fingal’s Cave include opportunities for whale and
dolphin watching.
Fishing
sea and river fishing may be enjoyed within easy reach of the
cottages. Salmon, sea trout, brown trout and rainbow trout are all
plentiful.
Sailing, Diving and Hill Walking are also popular pursuits
on the Island.
Bike Hire is available on the island, should you
wish to take advantage of the opportunity to do some cycling while
you are here. Bikes can be hired from Mull Hire, Salen: 01680 300501
or The Ferry Shop, Fionnphort: 01681 700470.
Wildlife is abundant on the Isle of Mull and the surrounding
islands, which are a mecca for bird watchers with the local
puffins. In recent years the white-tailed sea eagle has bred sucessfully.
Wildlife trips can be arranged via the following:
Discover Mull: 01688 500256
Wings over
Mull: 01680812594
Island Encounters: 01680300441
There are many Historic and Archaelogical sites to be explored
on the island generally. Aros
Castle ruins are reputed to have been visited by Robert the Bruce.
Other famous castles on Mull are Duart and Torosay. A narrow
gauge railway links the ferry terminal of Craignure with Torosay
castle.
There are some attractive Garden Centres in the area, including
Balmeanach Centre, 01680 300342 and Glengorm, 01688 302368.
Shopping. There are lots of fascinating little
shops on the island, both in Tobermory, and elsewhere. Some of our
favourites are: Salen Silver, Salen tel: 01680 300494; Isle of Mull
Silver & Goldsmiths, Tobermory tel: 01688 302345; Mull Pottery,
Tobermory, tel: 01688 302347; The Gallery, Tobermory, tel: 01688
302114.
Mull has its own theatre, the Mull
Theatre, which puts on regular performances and is well worth
a visit.
Golf is well catered for with two 9-Hole courses on the
Island, at nearby Craignure,
and also at Tobermory,
which offers superb views as well as fresh air!
Forfurther information about the Isle of Mull, contact the local
tourist centres at Tobermory (01688 302182) and Craignure (01680
812377) |