Planning a trip to Mull in Scotland? Discover your ultimate Isle of Mull itinerary for two days which covers all the best highlights of the island.
The second-largest island in Scotland’s Inner Hebrides, Mull offers a little bit of everything from hilly landscapes to pristine beaches, ancient castles and an abundance of wildlife.
This itinerary breaks down all the best attractions on the island into two manageable days. It’s best suited to those who don’t drive, but it can be easily customised with bonus activities to suit your preferences.
Read on to discover your ultimate 2-day Isle of Mull itinerary!
Mull itinerary, day 1: A picturesque town and lighthouse
Tobermory
Kickstart your Mull itinerary in Tobermory, the biggest town on the island.
Characterised by a row of colourful houses along the harbourfront, Tobermory was the inspiration behind the UK children’s TV show, Balamory so you might already be able to recognise a few places!
Spend a lazy morning strolling along the main street on the waterfront and dipping in and out of shops and cafes. Some favourites include Tobermory Chocolate Shop, Tobermory Bakery & Tearoom and Isle of Mull Soap Company.
Pop in for a drink at the Mishnish or get a coffee and a light bite at the cafe in the Free Church of Scotland.
Isle of Mull Cheese and the Glass Barn
Isle of Mull Cheese is a fantastic spot for lunch. About a 12-minute walk from Tobermory, it’s a beautiful cafe and traditional artisan cheese shop selling award-winning cheddar from its very own farm.
The cafe is housed in a glass barn. The structure was once a local village hall before it was rescued, upcycled, and now holds a living vine within it. Come for delicious toasties, freshly baked cakes and of course, lots of cheese!
Rubha nan Gall Lighthouse
One of the most beautiful spots to visit close to Tobermory is Rubha nan Gall Lighthouse. An hour’s walk north of the town, the lighthouse is an ideal place to take photos and watch the ferries crossing the Sound of Mull.
It was built by David and Thomas Stevenson in 1857 and it’s still in excellent condition. Behind it is the Keeper’s Cottage, now a holiday rental you can book if you’re looking for a remote retreat.
The only way to reach the lighthouse on land is by following the trail which starts next to the Tobermory ferry terminal. It’s an easy out-and-back track that’s well-maintained and offers picturesque views towards the Ardnamurchan peninsula in the distance.
Mull itinerary, day 2: Wildlife watching and waterfalls
Staffa Tours
Start the next day of your Mull itinerary with a visit to the Treshnish Isles. Staffa Tours runs a selection of boat tours to some of the most fascinating destinations in the local area.
Most tours starting from Mull depart from Tobermory (with the odd one departing from Fionnphort). From there you can cruise around the Treshnish Isles, an archipelago of small islands and skerries in the Inner Hebrides.
A popular one to visit is Staffa, which is home to puffins from April to August.
It also has the magnificent Fingal’s Cave. Formed from natural hexagonal pillars of black basalt rock, the sea cave has inspired many visitors in its time, including the composer Felix Mendelssohn and the poets William Wordsworth and John Keats.
Other attractions include Iona, known as the birthplace of Celtic Christianity. The abbey still stands today.
On the boat tour, look out for wildlife such as dolphins, minke whales, gannets, harbour porpoises and very occasionally, orcas!
Fisherman’s Pier Fresh Fish & Chips
Either as a late lunch or early dinner (depending on its opening hours at the time you’re there), you can’t go wrong with some of the best fish ‘n’ chips in Scotland!
Winner of the prestigious ‘Les Routiers’ award, this humble van sits on Fisherman’s Pier in Tobermory and serves fresh fish and scallops cooked to order.
You can sit on the steps next to the clock tower and tuck into your steaming hot takeaway. Just watch out for opportunistic seagulls!
Aros Park
If you’re keen to stretch your legs without going too far, head to Aros Park. Here, you’ll find a woodland with pretty waterfalls and viewpoints of Tobermory and Ardnamurchan over the Sound of Mull.
There are also several moderate walking trails through the park to explore, including the Lochan Trail and the Waterfalls Trail.
To get to Aros Park from Tobermory, don’t Google Map it as you’ll likely end up walking along a main road. Instead, follow the well-marked trail starting from the far end of Ledaig Carpark in Tobermory Harbour.
Follow the path along the coastline with views over to Calve Island. Keep an eye out for the resident seal colony there. The route takes about two hours in total to complete.
Bonus things to do on Mull
Have extra time or want to mix this itinerary up a bit? Here are a few bonus things to do on the Isle of Mull to inspire you:
Tobermory Distillery
If you enjoy a tipple, Tobermory Distillery is a must-visit. Established in 1798, the historic Hebridean distillery is still going strong today, and you can sample some of its offerings.
Love whisky? Do a Warehouse 1 Experience which gives you a sneak peek behind the scenes of the distilling process and includes a tasting straight from the barrel. Or explore the subtle nuances between two single malt whiskies in a whisky tasting.
Gin lovers might prefer the slightly newer gin-tasting experiences which include three Hebridean gins. Afterwards, pick up your favourite bottle at the on-site shop.
Beach hopping
The Isle of Mull is home to some gorgeous, secluded beaches along its 300 miles of coastline. If the weather is in your favour, why not go beach hopping?
Some of Mull’s best beaches include:
- Calgary Bay – accessible and popular, it also features nature artworks
- Fionnphort Beach – views straight across to Iona
- Knockvologan Beach – accessible at low tide and beautifully sandy
- Laggan Sands – an expansive beach that’s good for bird watching
Duart Castle
Jutting out on a peninsula near Craignure sits Duart Castle, the ancient seat of Clan MacLean. Positioned on the crags overlooking the Sound of Mull, the castle is a striking fortress which dates back to the 13th century.
You can visit the castle and look inside its 14th-century keep, magnificent Great Hall and staterooms. There’s also a clan exhibition where you can learn about the history of the MacLeans.
After exploring the castle, make sure you stop for refreshments at the tea room and pick up a souvenir at the gift shop.
Ben More
Ben More is the highest peak in the Scottish Isles and the only Munro on Mull. There’s a challenging hike to the summit which takes between 5-8 hours to complete.
The easiest trail starts from Dhiseig Car park. It’s unmarked but well-trodden so if you do want to attempt it, make sure the weather is clear and you take someone with you.
Once at the top, you’re treated to spectacular panoramic views across Mull and the Western Isles.
Isle of Mull itinerary FAQs
Here are some quick travel tips to help you plan your trip to Mull:
How do you reach the Isle of Mull?
The only way to reach the Isle of Mull is via the CalMac ferry. The most direct route departs from the fishing town of Oban on the mainland, arriving at Craignure on Mull.
An alternative route is Lochaline to Fishnish.
For the purpose of this itinerary, it’s recommended that you get the ferry from Kilchoan on the Ardnamurchan peninsula. It’s the most direct route to Tobermory, the main town on the island. It’s also the easiest route to take if you don’t drive.
How do you get around the Isle of Mull?
Mull is the second-largest island in the Inner Hebrides, so if you want to see as much of it as possible, you’ll want to drive.
It’s also possible to cycle. Either bring your own bike on the ferry or rent one when you get there. Cycle Mull offers electric bikes for hire to help you navigate those hills with ease!
As for public transport, there’s a regular bus service from Tobermory to Craignure. For more specific destinations all over the island, taxis are a better bet but they’re expensive.
Where is the best place to stay on the Isle of Mull?
For impeccable breakfasts and hospitality, stay at Harbour View B&B in Tobermory.
The Western Isles Hotel has fantastic views to enjoy. Glengorm Castle is a must for those who want an accommodation on Mull fit for royalty.
What are the best restaurants on the Isle of Mull?
Macgochan’s is a great casual dining venue whereas Mishdish does delicious seafood in a slightly more formal setting. Pop next door to the Mishnish, a historic pub that’s a popular haunt for local sailors.
Isle of Mull itinerary final thoughts
There are plenty of things to see and do on the Isle of Mull – particularly if you’re a nature lover. It’s easy to see why this island in the Inner Hebrides is growing in popularity.
While you can spend much longer on Mull exploring every mountain and coastline, two days gives you ample time to see all the best highlights without rushing.
This itinerary intentionally keeps you close to Tobermory, so it’s suited to those who don’t drive. If you do have your own vehicle, you can create your own mini road trip to include Craignure, Fionnphort and more!