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Outdoor activities on the Ross of Mull

For anyone who loves the outdoors, the Ross of Mull is a very attractive area to visit and explore. The scenic coastline, unspoiled natural habitat, fascinating geology and local heritage offer much for the walker, kayaker, cyclist and wildlife enthusiast. The choice of beaches is superb, and an adventure playground for families with children. The Isle of Iona is just a 10-minute ferry ride away with more opportunities for walking and cycling. Find out more about Iona here>

At the end of a day of outdoor activity, your gear can be stored in the drying room and you can relax in comfort in the bunkrooms. We are happy to provide local information and have an extensive library about the local area in the bunkrooms sitting room. We have plenty of storage in the grounds for kayaks, bikes and any other outdoor equipment.

Fionnphort is the departure point for boat trips to the offshore islands, which are well worth exploring and perhaps get a sighting of dolphins, porpoises or whales as well as many bird species. The most popular islands visited are Staffa and Lunga, but there are many others to explore. Find information about boat trips here>  

Walking

The Ross of Mull is a fascinating peninsula to explore on foot with rugged outcrops of red granite and a stunning coastline with white shell sand beaches, rocky inlets and craggy cliffs. Walks can range from a gentle stroll along a beach to a trek up Mull’s only munro, Ben More. Some of the local walks may include deserted townships, ancient archaeology or interesting geology and we provide information at the bunkhouse or are happy to chat. On our blog we have reports of two walks: A winter walk at Uisken and a walk to Traigh Ghael through Tireragan Nature Reserve. For those who enjoy walking, a trip over to the Isle of Iona is highly recommended, where there are some excellent walks to beautiful beaches.

Kayaking

The secret nooks and crannies of the coastline of the Ross of Mull are excellent for kayaking, with some areas suitable for the beginner.  Bring your own kayak or get in touch with nearby Bendoran Watersports for kayak hire and guiding.  Sailing is also on offer. 

Cycling

Mull is popular with cyclists with fairly flat single-track roads mingled with hilly remote routes, always through breathtaking scenery.  The main roads are busy with traffic in the summer, however, there are a few routes around Fionnphort that are off-road or fairly quiet. For anyone with children on bikes, the Isle of Iona is safe and ideal for family cycling. The whole of Mull can be done in one circuit of around 100 miles. Read some tips from our guest Marianne about arriving in Mull by bicycle.

Wild Swimming & Snorkelling

The pink granite coves at Fidden and the beaches along the south coast such as Uisken are popular places to swim and snorkel. We are happy to advise on the best, and least chilly places to take a dip! Read our blog post about the Sound of Mull Wild Swim

Natural history and wildlife

Mull is popular with anyone with an interest in natural history with over 800 species of plants, at least 18 species of orchid, 700 species of lichen, 571 liverworts and mosses and 247 marine algae (seaweeds), making a total of 2,388 species of plant recorded. In addition, more than 2,000 species of fungi have been recorded on Mull: The Island has 261 different bird species. Apart from white-tailed and golden eagles, Mull is a stronghold for the hen harrier and other bird species (261 in all). Otters are also frequently seen, including occasionally in our own Loch Pottie. Basking sharks, minke whales, porpoises and dolphins are among the sea life that can be seen from the land. The Isle of Iona is a natural paradise, with flowering machair and a stronghild of the rare corncrake. We are nature enthusiasts ourselves and benefit from talking to guests with specialist knowledge, so we are always happy to chat about nature and pass on any local knowledge.

Often the best way to be certain to see wildlife and nature is to book a guided tour - visit www.wildisles.co.uk for all the outdoor guided tours on Mull and Iona

Bouldering and Rock Climbing

Mull has a reputation for being great for rock climbing and you might assume this is related to Ben More, the only Munro on Mull. In fact, those in the know say that the best crags on Mull are all on the coast, and the majority of them are hidden away at the western end of the Ross of Mull.