Fionnphort is the ideal location to explore this beautiful, wild land and seascape; the Ross of Mull has so much to offer folk whatever your interest may be – bird and wild life, sea life, photography, fauna and flora, geology, walking, sailing, exploring, genealogy, history, religion, beach combing, sailing…………the list is endless.  

The magic of Mull is knowing that every day whatever you are doing and wherever you are, there are always little gems to discover and enjoy – from the changing light and colours to the changing tides and weather. To help you fully appreciate and enjoy your time with us on Mull, we have listed a handful of trips, places and names of folk who have services to offer you. 

Boat Trips and Excursions

Wild Life Yours, Venues & Operators

Historical Places to Visit & Explore

Places to Eat

Local Shops

On your arrival we are happy to arrange any of the boat trips or excursions that you may wish to make. Please just ask. If you are interested in our Bird Watchers Breakaway Packages, please click here…………………..

Wild flowers on Lunga

BOAT TRIPS AND EXCURSIONS

Trips to the Isle of Staffa: Departs twice daily from Fionnphort & Iona from April through to end of October. Sailing time is 35-50 minutes with an hour spent ashore on Staffa (Weather and sailing conditions permitting) to visit the wondrous Fingal’s Cave (spectacular basalt columns) and see the bird & wild life, especially the puffins. Please wear warm waterproof clothing and practical footwear. 

·    MV Iolaire of Iona
Davie & Carol Kirkpatrick, Tigh na Traigh, Iona Tel: (01681) 700358  www.staffatrips.f9.co.uk 
email: dk@staffatrips.f9.co.uk

MV Iolaire
boat to Staffa

MV Ossian

Trips to the Treshnish Isles: For those of you who are really interested in ornithology and the natural history of these beautiful, unspoilt islands sail out to the island of Lunga and spend two hours ashore visiting the large colony of puffins nesting there along with other sea birds. Inhabited until the 1850’s, Lunga still has a number of ruined crofters’ homes amongst the wild flowers and bird colonies. On leaving Lunga, you will then make the trip to Staffa to visit Fingal’s Cave where you will also have the opportunity to view seals, dolphins, basking sharks and whales in their natural marine habitat around these stunning islands.  

This trip lasting approx 5½ hours operates daily (except Saturday) from Fionnphort and Iona from May until early August. Please wear warm waterproof clothing and practical footwear. A packed lunch and/or snacks are also recommended as there are no facilities on the island. Toilets are on the boat.

·    MV Ossian of Staffa & MV Ullin of Staffa
Gordon Grant Marine, Achavaich, Isle of Iona. Tel: (01681) 700338
web address - see above email: fingal@staffatours.com

View from Lunga

Whale & Dolphin Watching: sightseeing and wild life trips, sea angling, out of hours ferry service (from & to Iona).

·    MV Volante
Gordon & Val MacCormick, Thistledo, Isle of Iona Tel: (01681) 700362
www.volanteiona.com email: gordon@volanteiona.com

MV Volante

Alternative Boat Hire: experience the joys of sail power – inshore trips under sail or power in a traditional wooden open boat exploring inlets and bays, watching sea birds and seals, fishing with a hand line. Can take up to 11 passengers with schedules trips (2 -3 hours) or you can hire the whole boat. Operates from mid April to late September, for further details:

·    Freya
Mark Jardine, Lovedale Cottage, Isle of Iona, Tel: (01681) 70053
www.boattripsiona.com

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Freya

Freya
traditional wooden sailing boat

WILD ABOUT MULL

'Wild About Mull' is the ultimate wildlife tour on the Ross of Mull. There is no longer any need to travel for miles to the north end of the island for a wild life tour as the south west of Mull now has its own resident wild life tour guide with Wild About Mull along with all the wild life, birds and birds of prey you can hope for.
 
Bryan Rains who helps run The Pennyghael Stores (next to The Kinloch Hotel) in Pennyghael with his partner Joy Hardy, is himself 'wild about Mull' and has a passion for all things wild - furry, woolly and feathered. Bryan has taken many of the bird and wildlife photos featured on our wild life photo gallery along with the photographs opposite, so have your cameras at the ready.

Bryan will be running tours on the lookout for golden eagles, white-tailed eagles, otters, seals and hen harriers to name but a few.

Packed lunches are included in the cost of the tour which start at 10 a.m. from Fionnphort, picking up en route if required, and finishing between 5 and 5.30 p.m. We can book you a place on the tour with Bryan - please just ask when making your B&B booking with us. Alternatively you can contact Bryan on (01681) 704229, visit his website (link above) or pop in to The Pennyghael Stores on your way through.

Wings Over Mull Birds of Prey & Conservation Centre

Wings Over Mull is home to a varied collection of birds of prey from around the globe with daily flying displays and a visitor’s centre housing a wealth of information on conservation, rehabilitation, local initiatives and the history of falconry. The Centre currently has over 40 birds from 25 different species including all the British owls and falcons. For further information contact:

·    Sue & Richard Dewar, Auchnacroish House, Torosay, Craignure, Isle of Mull Tel: (01680) 812594 www.wingsovermull.com or email: dewars@wingsovermull.com

Sea Eagles

The Isle of Mull is the best place in Scotland to see the white-tailed eagle, more commonly known as the sea eagle. It is Britain’s largest bird with a wing span in excess of 8 feet; its poetic Gaelic name is ‘Iolaire-suile-na grein’ which translates to ‘the eagle with the sunlit eye’. They are regularly seen in flight from public roads throughout the island.

To visit the Sea Eagle Viewing Point (a temporary hide available for guided visits between April & August) you will need to book your place which operates on a first come-first served basis of up to 20 people a session.

For further information contact (01688) 302038 or click here to visit the Sea Eagle website. For further information on bird watching visit our other website www.seaview-mull.co.uk You can also view our wildlife photo gallery.

We will be happy to help and advise you with with regard to further information about wildlife tours around the island on your arrival at Seaview.

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Long eared owl



Red Deer

Shy Otter
 

Great Skua
 

Sea Eagle
Isle of Mull
 

HISTORICAL PLACES TO VISIT AND EXPLORE

Torosay Castle www.torosay.com A family run baronial stately home with magnificent gardens.

Duart Castle www.duartcastle.com Tel: (01680) 812309 The ancestral home of the MacLean clan, Lords of the Isles ancient stronghold.

Mull Narrow Gauge Railway www.mullrail.co.uk Tel: (01680) 812494. Scotland’s original and only island passenger railway, running from Craignure to Torosay Castle.

Duart Castle on approach to
Isle of Mull

Ross of Mull Historical Centre 

The Ross of Mull Historical Centre (ROMHC) is currently situated in Bunessan overlooking the village and loch, located beside the village hall. (The Centre hopes to be re-located in the near future to the old cottage and mill situated on the right hand side of the road as you drive into Bunessan). The Centre is primarily run on a voluntary basis with some grant aid, and their researcher Lynda MacCallum will be delighted to share with you the treasure trove of information about the life and times, past and present, of the people of the Ross of Mull and Iona. Visitors wishing to trace their ancestors are well advised to start by contacting and visiting the Historical Centre.

The centre’s contact details are:

Ross of Mull Historical Centre
Pier Road
Bunessan
Isle of Mull
PA67 6DP
Tel: (01681) 700659
Email: enquiries@romhc.org.uk

The Centre’s website www.romhc.org.uk has information about its role and function along with its future plans and a short history of the areas, historic buildings and a genealogy section. 

The Historical Centre published seven excellent walking guides of the area introducing history, geology, flora & fauna, wildlife and anecdotes of the local area. Some of the walks are way marked and cover the following areas: Creich (including Torr Mor Quarry, Fionnphort, & Kintra), Fidden (including Pottie), Uisken (including Knocknafenaig & Ardalanish), Ardfenaig (including Camas), Kilvickeon, Ardtun (including Knockan) and Bunessan (including Suidhe).

At Seaview we have a reference set of the walking guides – copies are also available to buy should you wish to purchase any on your arrival. They are also available for purchase at Craignure Tourist Centre and in local shops on the island. The proceeds from the sale of the walking guides are used to help fund the Historical Centre.

Both John and Jane are happy to help you decide the best walk for the day taking into account weather conditions, time and ability as well as provide you with tips to help your enjoyment of the walks as they have completed the majority of the walks themselves. Our other website www.seaview-mull.co.uk contains extensive wildlife and walking information on it too.

The Old Mill at Bunessan

Iona Abbey Tel (01681) 700512

See also the webpage link on the left hand side entitled ‘Iona’

Iona Community www.iona.org.uk Tel: (01681) 700404. Pilgrim’s hostel and activity centre with Christian emphasis

Columba Centre, Fionnphort Tel: (01681) 700640. A modern interpretation centre focusing on the life and work of St. Columba and the religious community he founded in AD 563.

Iona Heritage Centre Local history centre situated in the Old Manse on the road to the Abbey. Fascinating displays illustrating the islanders’ lives over the past 200 years. Also displays on geology, flora & fauna, art & Celtic art. Open 10.30 a.m. – 4.30 p.m. Monday-Saturday. Admission charges apply; discounts for senior citizens, students, groups, under 12’s free.

The Heritage Tearoom is also part of the centre, serving home made soup, freshly filed rolls, home baking, teas & coffees. Open Monday-Friday: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

For further information contact: www.isle-of-iona.com Tel: (01681) 700328.

Front view of
Iona Abbey

Mull & Iona Ranger Service

Established in September 1999, the Mull & Iona Ranger Service was formed to offer residents and visitors an information service on all countryside matters such as walks, fishing, wildlife, cycling, access and camping as well as an opportunity to share in the knowledge of the cultural and natural heritage of our islands through guided walks, talks and outdoor activities.

For further information contact:

·    Jan Dunlop, Forest Enterprise Office, Salen, Aros, Isle of Mull Tel: (01680) 300640 www.mict.co.uk (click on Ranger Services)

Forest Enterprise

The Forestry Commission welcomes access to the forests it manages. Forests provide opportunities for walking, cycling, fishing, bird watching and a whole host of other activities enjoyed by people of all ages.

For further information contact:

·    Forest Enterprise Office, Salen, Aros, Isle of Mull Tel: (01680) 300346 or visit www.forestry.gov.uk

Highland Renewal

Highland Renewal is a Scottish Charity created to manage an estate known as Tireragan on the south west corner of Mull. The area is unique in terms of its woodlands and other habitats and the charity concentrate their efforts on the conservation management and use the land as a community resource for education, interpretation and enjoyment.

For further information contact:

·    Highland Renewal, Bendoran Cottage, Bunessan, Isle of Mull Tel: (01680) 700582 or email: info@highlandrenewal.org or visit www.highlandrenewal.org

Isle of Mull Weavers & Ardalanish Organic Farm

Ardalanish Organic Farm, overlooking Ardalanish Bay near Bunessan is run by Minty and Aeneas Mackay. Highland cattle
and Hebridean sheep are reared for organic meat and the sheeps' wool is used for weaving & knitwear. Organic vegetables are also grown. Open to the public - further information can be found by contacting Minty & Aeneas Mackay, Ardalanish Farm, Bunessan, Isle of Mull PA67 6DR Tel: (01681) 700265 www.isleofmullweavers.co.uk

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Highland cattle winter feeding at Ardalanish
Organic Farm

PLACES TO EAT 

v     The Keel Row Pub & Restaurant – Fionnphort Tel: (01681) 700458

The Keel Row is ideally located next door to Seaview. The pub is set in a traditional stone walled Hebridean cottage with an open fire and serves a range of beers and malt whiskys.

The restaurant, recently refurbished is clean, bright and welcomes families. The food is varied and plentiful. Reservations are not taken and the restaurant operates on a ‘first come, first served basis’. If a table is not immediately available you can wait in the pub or on the picnic benches outside enjoying the views of Fionnphort beach and Iona until your table is called. Busy in the summer, we suggest you go early to avoid a waiting period. Open during the summer from 6 pm to 9.00 p.m.

In the winter the restaurant is closed and the opening hours are shorter; however a bar menu along with a ‘special dish of the day’ is usually available between 6 and 8 p.m. Smoking is not permitted. Cash, cheques and cards accepted.

v      Martyr’s Bay Restaurant – Isle of Iona Tel: (01681) 700382

How about dinner with a difference? An evening stroll on Iona, enjoy the peace and the beauty of the island once all the day tourists have gone home. Either spend the day on Iona and dine in the evening or catch the last ferry over from Fionnphort at 6.15 pm and then come back on the evening 'taxi' boat at 9 pm. Reservations are always between 6.30 and 7 pm to allow you time to eat your meal.

Martyr’s Bay Restaurant is owned and run by the Grant family and is situated on the left side of the Iona pier and specializes in fresh local meat and seafood. The portions are huge – you might have to ask for less. The local lamb and seafood platter are both excellent and come highly recommended, having sampled them ourselves; and for those of you with a sweet tooth, the fruit pavlova is scrummilicious!!!!

This option is very much weather permitting and you will need to book by 5.30 pm on the day. Jane and John are happy to make this reservation for you either in advance or on the day of your arrival.

No smoking in the restaurant; cash, UK cheques and cards accepted. Evening serving times: 6.30 pm onwards; café open usually open all day during the summer.

v      The Reef Restaurant – Bunessan Tel: (01681) 700291

The Reef Restaurant is located ten minutes drive from Seaview in the centre of Bunessan. Look out for the blue building. The Reef specializes in fresh local seafood in the evenings with a limited menu during the day. This is a new business venture for a local fishing family, having opened its doors to customers in 2005; reservations sometimes required.

No smoking permitted; cash, UK cheques and cards accepted. Opening times variable – John and Jane are happy to advise.

v      The Kinloch Hotel- Pennyghael Tel: (01681) 704204

The Kinloch Hotel is situated 14 miles from Seaview at Pennyghael – either a nice evening drive out for a cosy supper or an ideal stopping place for a bar meal enroute to Seaview on the drive through from Craignure or Tobermory. The drive gives you fantastic views of The Burg, Ben More and Loch Scridain especially during the summer months. Watch out for the wild life including the herons in the back garden. Good simple pub food with a friendly service.

Cash, UK cheques and cards accepted; reservations not always necessary but we are happy to ring a head for you.

Mediterranea – Salen Tel: (01680) 300200 Website: www.mullonthemed.com

Mediterranea Italian Restaurant – a taste of the sun. Enjoy the Mediterranea experience – real Italian cuisine with a Sicilian twist. Lovingly hand made using fresh local produce and original Italian ingredients. We have dined at the Mediterranea on a number of occasions since first opening and love the atmosphere and the delicious food. The Mediterranea is located in the centre of Salen between Craignure and Tobermory – an ideal place to eat either on your return from a day out at Tobermory or the north end of the island or as a drive out from Seaview in the summer for an evening. Take the scenic route from Pennyghael and enjoy the west coast drive and stunning views before sampling authentic Italian cuisine. Allow an hour and a half for the drive.

No smoking permitted; cash, UK cheques and cards accepted. Reservations recommended – we are happy to make them for you.

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LOCAL SHOPS

v      The Ferry Shop – Fionnphort

Next to Seaview. Groceries, Post Office, Newsagents, Exchange Bureau, souvenir gift and craft shop,  book shop specializing in Scottish history and wild life, photocopying service, internet access; hardware department at the rear of the main shop.
Open: 7 days a week Monday – Saturday 9 am to 6 pm; Sunday 11 am to 5 pm.

v      Silversmith & Jeweller – Tel: (01681) 700780

5 minutes drive from Seaview. Situated one mile from Fionnphort beside the main road just past the loch on your right. Open Monday – Saturday: 10.30 am to 6 pm. Jewellery, silverware, enamelling and cards. Commission work undertaken; repairs to gold & silver. Email: eleanor@nicdhughaill.fsnet.co.uk

v      Spar Shop – Bunessan

Located in the centre of Bunessan village. Busy Post office and grocers – during the summer months sometimes open until late.

v      Bayview Stores – Bunessan

Village Grocers situated in the centre of Bunessan

v      Tobermory    

56 miles from Fionnphort – allow 2 hours drive each way.

Tobermory is the capital of Mull (as well as being a Wimbledon Womble for those that remember them) – is now also the home of the BBC Children’s colourful ‘Balamory’ television series. It’s a long way to go shopping! We suggest you combine it with some sightseeing – take the scenic route to Salen via Pennyghael and come back via Craignure through the glen (see if the kids can spot the haggis hiding in the hills!).

Shops include various gift shops, art studios and craft shops, Tobermory Chocolate Shop, ironmongers, chandlers, jewellers/silversmiths, bakery (Island Organic Bakery), Mull Pottery, delicious fresh fish & chips on Fisherman’s Pier or visit the local distillery for a wee dram.



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Last amended 20/04/2008

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