For a whole generation of children, Tobermory is the cheery setting of TV series Balamory, and it’s easy to see why its producers chose this delightful fishing port as a location.
But there’s more to Mull’s capital than just a collection of colourful buildings. Visitors will be treated to some exceptional views, a strong arts and crafts scene, and quality shops and restaurants, all set around the port that was based on a design by acclaimed civil engineer Thomas Telford. It is now a wonderful launching point for whale-watching and wildlife-spotting cruises.
Away from the town, Mull (the third largest island in the Hebrides) is a delightful mix of silver beaches, woodland trails and impressive peaks. Revel in the clear air and sky, superb coastline walks and majestic bird and marine life.
Places to stay while touring in Tobermory
The best motorhome sites in Scotland will leave you perfectly placed for exploring the delights of this picturesque country. For visits to Tobermory, you could stay at Pennygown Holiday Park – it’s a pet-friendly campsite that has spacious hardstanding pitches with hook-ups, and fantastic views over the Sound of Mull.
Another option is Shieling Holidays – this shorefront site is well positioned for the ferry at Craignure. Hardstanding pitches with hook-up are available. Dogs are allowed by prior arrangement.
Crannich is a pretty site on a working farm lying between Salen and Dervaig. Campsite facilities include electric hook-ups, hardstanding pitches and showers with heated towel rails.
What to do in Tobermory on day 1
8.30am – Get set! Bake!
What better way to start the day than with some delicious baked goods? The Tobermory Bakery, on Main Street, has a superb choice of cakes, pastries, filled rolls, pies and doughnuts.
9.30am – Whale of a time
Suitably fortified for the day, it’s time to join a four-hour Wildlife Adventure cruise, exploring the scenic waters between Mull, Ardnamurchan and Coll. Sailing with an experienced skipper and wildlife guide, visitors will have a chance to spot minke whales, basking sharks, dolphins, eagles, seals and a huge variety of seabirds. Vessels set sail from the pontoons at Tobermory, and trips cost £75 per adult.
1.30pm – Pizza the action
Time to grab a slice of tasty pizza at The Foodie Shack on Viewpoint Drive. Try the classic pepperoni or the Margherita, or perhaps nduja, Hebridean blue cheese and hot honey.
2.30pm – Mull Museum
Walk back to Main Street and into the past at Mull Museum, where history buffs will find fascinating insights into the island’s roots. Visitors can also see the museum’s archive and library by appointment. Entry is free, donations are welcome.
4pm – To the lighthouse
Enjoy a treat at Isle of Mull Ice Cream, also on Main Street, where fabulous flavours include Boozy Black Forest Gateau and Mascarpone Maggie B’s Tablet & Salted Caramel. Then you should be all set for the gentle 2km walk to the lighthouse at Rubha nan Gall. It takes about 25 minutes and offers a beautiful stroll among trees, with views of the Sound of Mull and the Ardnamurchan Peninsula.
What to do on Day 2
9.30am – What’s the story?
Capture photos of those famous colourful buildings on Main Street and browse the excellent shops, offering everything from gifts and art at Island Crafts to waxworks at Glassy Candles of Mull, and books, maps and fishing gear at our personal favourite, Tackle & Books.
10am – Mulling it over
Join an all-day (10am-5pm) Mull Nature Explorer tour to the wilder parts of Mull. The tour (in a nine-seat MPV) includes a 30- to 60-minute stop-start walk, with a chance to spot white-tailed and golden eagles, otters, hen harriers and seals. Tickets are £80.
12.15pm – A wee dram
If a full day of exploring isn’t for you, back in Tobermory, nominate someone else to drive and you can head for the Tobermory Distillery.
Here you can join a guided tour and find out all about the distillery’s long history – the business dates back to 1798 – and production, with a chance to try two of its award-winning whiskies. Tickets cost £18.50.
1.30pm – Lunch is served
Stop for a meal at the family-run Galleon Bistro, offering dishes such as West Highland Beef Cheek.
thegalleontobermory.co.uk
3pm – Park life
Beautiful Aros Park is a half-hour walk on the trail by MacGochans bar. Stroll through woods and past waterfalls.
7pm – Fresh off the boat
Enjoy the seafood at Café Fish. The roast shellfish platter – langoustines, lobster tails, crab claws, mussels, oysters and queen scallops – sounds delicious!
Sailing to Mull
Ferry routes to Mull are all operated by CalMac Ferries. The most direct, Oban to Craignure, takes 45 minutes. Ferry passengers travelling with leisure vehicles need a confirmed space booked in advance. If you arrive at ports without a reservation, you won’t be able to wait in the standby queue. But if there is space left on the next sailing, you can buy
a ticket from the port office.
After more travel inspiration? Then see how Sue Taylor got on when she embarked on a tour to Western Scotland. You can also take a look at our guide to 48 hours in Loch Ness if you’re planning to visit another part of Scotland.
Lead image: Visit Scotland/Paul Tomkins
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