Fionnphort is the ideal location to be based to explore this beautiful, wild and rugged land and seascape; the Ross of Mull has so much to offer whatever your interest may be – bird and wild life, boat trips, photography, fauna and flora, fishing (sea and loch), geology, walking, hill climbing, Munro bagging, sailing, kayaking, exploring, ancestral history, religious history with Iona Abbey and other chapels and churches, beach combing and BBQ's, star gazing, fine dining, music, arts & theatre, or just pottering about and chillaxing…………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 on the Ross of Mull and beyond who have services to offer you: Places to Eat  Boat Trips and Excursions  Wild Life Tours Venues & Operators  Historical Places to Visit & Explore Walking on Mull

On your arrival we are happy to arrange any of the boat trips or excursions that you may wish to make - please just ask.

PLACES TO EAT 

There are plenty of places to eat on the Isle of Mull and we have listed some of those you can find on the Ross of Mull. Other places to eat on the island can be found here

The Ninth Wave Restaurant, Fionnphort Tel: (01681) 700757  (Opening 1 May 2013 for the new season, closed Mondays - reservations essential)
Web: www.ninthwaverestaurant.co.uk | email enquiries

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

The Keel Row is next door to Seaview and is owned by Brendan & Marilyn. The pub is set in a traditional stone walled Hebridean cottage with a cozy wood burning stove and serves a range of beers and malt whiskys.

The restaurant is modern in design, clean, bright and welcomes families; the menu is varied and plentiful. The restaurant operates on a ‘first come, first served basis’; if a table is not immediately available, have a wee dram in the pub or a pint outside in the front garden enjoying the views of Fionnphort beach and Iona until your table is available. Busy in the summer, we suggest you go early to avoid a lengthy waiting period. Open during the summer from 6 pm to 9.00 p.m. In the winter the restaurant side is closed and the opening hours are shorter; however a full bar menu is usually available between 6 and 8 p.m.

Smoking is not permitted; cash, cheques and cards accepted. Families and dogs are welcome. Reservations not accepted.

The Bunessan Bakehouse Cafe, Main Street, Bunessan Te: (01681) 700454

Opened in 2011, The Bakehouse is housed in the dark blue building (formerly The Reef Restaurant) on the main road through Bunessan and has quickly earned a reputation among the local community as a great place for freshly baked speciality bread and serves delicious home made soups, home baking and sandwiches. A great place to stop for a tasty snack or lunch.

Dining on Iona

There are places to eat on Iona also but as the last ferry back from Iona leaves at 6.30 pm you are limited to eating there during the day and late afternoon.

Martyrs Bay Restaurant and Bar

Café, restaurant and bar ideally situated at the pier on Iona. A self service cafe is available during the day serving home made baking, soups and sandwiches along with other hot snacks and drinks. On a sunny day make the most of the picnic benches out on the south facing patio. An extensive bistro/bar menu is available from 6pm. We have eaten here on many occasions over the years and can recommend the food, drink and the craic.

Address: Top of the Pier Isle of Iona PA76 6SP
Tel: 01681 700382 
E: martyrsbay@aol.com | W: http://www.martyrsbay.co.uk

Argyll Hotel

Specialising in organic, free range and locally sourced foods, the Argyll Hotel offers the best of culinary treats, changing daily specials, and a menu that caters for the vegan through to the rampant carnivore! Booking advised. We love visiting the Argyll during the summer months especially for their cream teas - bag a bench on the front lawn, order a cream tea (home baked scones and delicious apricot preserve, mmmmmmmm) and watch the dolphins cavorting in the Sound as the ferry shuttles backwards and forward. An idyllic piece of heaven.

Address: Argyll Hotel, Isle of Iona, PA76 6SJ
Tel: 01681 700334

St Columba Hotel

Simple Scottish food cooked with care and attention and brought to you with friendly and attentive service. Everything is cooked from scratch, our suppliers are as local as we can find them and we make use of organic ingredients wherever possible. Special diets catered for with notice. All baking done in house. Come and enjoy! We have enjoyed lunches here over the years and have always enjoyed their tasty and delicious offerings - the garden offers a very pleasant and peaceful outlook over the sound to Fionnphort on sunny dry days.

Address: St Columba Hotel, Isle of Iona, PA76 6SL
Tel: 01681 700304
 

Iona Heritage Tearoom

The Heritage Tearoom is part of the Iona Heritage Centre in the Old Manse and can be found on the walk up from the Nunnery towards Abbey next to Iona Parish Church. Open 11am – 4pm Monday – Saturday, serving home made soup, freshly filled rolls, home baking, teas, coffees etc: Also tables in the garden. Worth a visit and lovely home cooked food in a peaceful setting.

Tel: 01681 700576 and in winter 01681 700328

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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 40-45 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 for climbing the ladders to the top of the cliff and walking round the basalt columns to Fingal's Cave.

   MB Iolaire of Iona - Davey & Carol Kirkpatrick, Tigh na Traigh, Isle of Iona.
T: (01681) 700358 | W: www.staffatrips.co.uk |E: iolaire@staffatrips.co.uk
MB Ossian of Staffa & MV Ullin of Staffa - Gordon Grant Marine, Achavaich, Isle of Iona.
T: (01681) 700338 | W: www.staffatours.com | E: fingal@staffatours.com

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. Boat operator: Gordon Grant Marine - see above for details

Whale & Dolphin Watching: sightseeing, whale watching, wildlife trips, and sea angling, from the Isle of Iona and from Fionnphort. The MV Volante ('flying fast and free') is a fast modern charter vessel working out of her home port on the beautiful and historic Island of Iona, on the west coast of Scotland and is owned and skippered by Gordon MacCormick. Seasonal trips run daily, from the beginning of June, until the end of October.

   Boat: MV Volante - Gordon & Val MacCormick, Thistledo, Isle of Iona
T: (01681) 700362 | W: www.volanteiona.com | E: gordon@volanteiona.com

Alternative Boat Hire: Alternative Boat Hire skippered by Mark Jardine and his son run boat trips aboard a traditional wooden ex-working sailing fishing boat. Birthe Marie is an unashamedly old fashioned boat with a gaff ketch rig and a solidity that is reassuring. The whole concept of our trips is of an unhurried drinking in of the landscape. The boat fits into the coastal scene, disturbing little, quietly finding her way into places hidden from life ashore. The wind is what often decides where we will go; trips can be different each day of the week. We take old and young, experienced or complete ‘non sailors’, and can run exclusive small number trips or cater for groups up to 12 passengers. We run a mix of scheduled trips to cater for individuals and families and also operate ‘whole boat hire’ where the skippered vessel is chartered for exclusive use of the party however big or small.

·  Birthe Marie - Mark Jardine, Lovedale Cottage, Isle of Iona.
T: (01681) 700537  | W: www.boattripsiona.com | E: info@boattripsiona.com

Mull Charters Boat Trip: The owner Martin has developed this trip especially designed to get nature lovers and photographers as close as possible to the 4th largest Eagle in the world, the magnificent White Tailed Sea Eagle. These spectacular birds have wingspans in some cases of over 8 feet. Although much more accepting of human presence than Golden Eagles, most people’s experience of these birds consist of seeing them fly high overhead or sit for hours in a tree! On a Mull Charters trip we regularly have eagles taking fish from the surface of the sea as close as 25 feet away (yes really). Sometimes as they swoop down on their final approach they actually fly directly over the boat and as they take the fish you can hear the wind through their wings and the splash as they touch the water.

Lady Jane - Martin Keivers, Fascadail, Salen, Isle of Mull.
T: (01680) 300444 | W: www.mullcharters.com | E: info@mullcharters.com

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   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 with his wife Joy, is himself 'wild about Mull' and has a passion for all things wild - furry, woolly and feathered. Bryan has taken many bird and wildlife photos, many of which can be viewed on his blog BegBits which also details his daily sightings along with some amazing photographs. Bryan will be running tours on the lookout for golden eagles, white-tailed eagles, otters, seals hen harriers, mountain hares, adders and lots of weebees (little brown birds to the non-ornithologists amongst us), to name but a few. The waxwing photo on the right was taken by Bryan down the Carsaig road one winter.
Packed lunches are included in the cost of the tour which start with a pick-up at 9 a.m. from Seaview and finishing from 4.30 pm onwards. 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 or pop in to The Pennyghael Stores on your way through.

   RSPB SEA EAGLES EAGLE HIDE - 5 STAR VISITOR ATTRACTION

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 of prey 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.

We are very fortunate to have the 5 star VisitScotland Visitor Attraction RSPB Sea Eagle hide at this end of the island - just across Loch Scridain from Pennyghael. To visit the Sea Eagle Viewing Point at Glen Seilisdeir (pronounced Shellister - which means Glen of the Irises), 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 and to book your place contact (01688) 812566.

For detailed information about this magnificent bird of prey, visit the Sea Eagle website. For further information on bird watching on the Isle of Mull visit the Mull Birds website. We are happy to help and advise you with regard to other wild life tour operators on the island.

© Photo taken and permission kindly given by guest Mike Ashforth
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HISTORICAL PLACES TO VISIT AND EXPLORE

   DUART CASTLE | CRAIGNURE | ISLE OF MULL

Duart Castle, on the Isle of Mull standing proud on a crag at the end of a peninsula looking our across the Sound of Mull, is the ancestral home of the Clan Maclean, Lord of the Isles ancient stronghold. You can see Duart Castle on the ferry crossing from Oban to Craignure. Discover the history of the Castle and the Macleans - a worthy and interesting visit for anyone interested in castles, Scottish and clan history,and the isles themselves; visit the tea and gift shop to purchase from a wide range of gifts and Scottish merchandise, enjoy a cup of tea and delicious home baking, and with some luck be served by the Laird himself, the present Chief of the Macleans, Sir Lachlan Maclean, replete in his kilt. Several events are held at Duart Castle throughout the summer so it's worth checking their website for further information. Sadly neighbouring Torosay Castle is no longer open to the public although the delightful woodland walk from Craignure and Torosay is still open.
Further information : T: (01680) 812309 | W: www.duartcastle.com


   MOY CASTLE | LOCH BUIE | ISLE OF MULL

Moy Castle built in the 15th century by by Hector MacLean, stands on a low rock platform with a commanding view at the head of Loch Buie. It is a 3 storey tower with a garret. On the centre of the ground floor there is a well with a depth of 1.8 metres. The well is cut into the solid rock but always has fresh water in it and is at a level much above the outside ground level. There is currently no knowledge of the means of water supply to this well.

Renovation started in September 2006 to stabilise the interior and external stonework. The entrance door is locked now because of a risk of crumbling masonry. Even though access is restricted to the castle for safety reasons, the castle is still worth a visit as it makes a great day out combining it with a visit to St.Kildas Chapel by the car park, plus a leisurely walk along the shores and beaches to Laggan Sands and the Mausoleum of the MacLeans. The beach and shore line is fantastic for waders and other bird life as well as sitting and enjoying a picnuic, skimming stones and having a wee paddle. Further information about the estate can be found by contacting: Mrs. C P Corbett, Lochbuie House, Lochbuie, Isle of Mull. T: (01680) 814214 | W: www.lochbuie.com | E: patience.corbett@talk21.com


   The Mull Historical Society has a whole host of information about other historical buildings, ruins, brochs, crannogs, duns, standing stones and forts etc on the island. Further information can be found by contacting: Anne Cleave, Geadan Dubh, Ulva Ferry, Isle of Mull PA73 6LY T: (01688) 500111

Ross of Mull Historical Centre 

The Ross of Mull Historical Centre (ROMHC) is situated in Bunessan at Millbrae Cottage, next to the ruins of the old corn mill. You will see it on the right hand side as you come down the hill on your way to Fionnphort and enter the village of Bunessan. The Centre is primarily run on a voluntary basis with some grant aid, and the staff 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
Millbrae Cottage Bunessan
Isle of Mull
PA67 6DG
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.

    IONA ABBEY

For further information about the sacred isle of Iona and her historic Abbey. The ferry leaves Fionnphort pier, just one minute's walk from Seaview on a regular timetable throughout the year.

Iona Community: The Iona Community is a dispersed Christian ecumenical community working for peace and social justice, rebuilding of community and the renewal of worship.

Contact:  Iona Community, Abbey & MacLeod Centres, Isle of Iona,Argyll, PA76 6SN, Scotland, UK
T: (01681) 700404 | W: www.iona.org.uk | E: ionacomm@iona.org.uk

Iona Heritage Centre: Don't dash past this lovely building on your way to the Abbey, drop by for half an hour and discover more about the island. Iona Heritage Centre is located in a former manse in Baile Mor on the Isle of Iona (Argyll & Bute). Opened in 1990, the Centre provides a wealth of information about the secular history of the island with fascinating displays illustrating the islanders' lives over the last 200 years. The social and natural history of the island are revealed, with displays on the geology, fauna and flora of the area, art & celtic art, crofting, fishing, historical events and notable visitors. The manse is a substantial building, with two wings. It was built in 1828 with Iona Parish Church, one of thirty-two Parliamentary churches built across the Highlands and Islands to a design by engineer Thomas Telford (1757 - 1834). A Tea Room offers light snacks and refreshments throughout the day. Open 10.30 a.m. – 4.30 p.m. Monday-Saturday through the summer months. 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.

     ARDALANISH ORGANIC FARM AND ISLE OF MULL WEAVERS | ARDALANISH NEAR BUNESSAN | ISLE OF MULL

Ardalanish Organic Farm, overlooking Ardalanish Bay near Bunessan breeds Highland cattle and Hebridean sheep which are reared for organic meat and the sheep's' wool is used for weaving & knitwear. Ardalanish Farm lies in the remote south west corner of the Isle of Mull in the Inner Hebrides, extending west from the white sand of Ardalanish Bay. Native Kyloe Highland cattle and Hebridean sheep are reared on the farm and the sheep’s wool is used for weaving their unique and distinctive tweeds.

The farming practices at Ardalanish represent the belief of the owners in the primary importance of understanding the land and its needs and allowing ecological relationships to develop with animals that are already co-evolved with the environment. Along with the belief that the balance achieved with these methods produces a quality and an ethical standard which reflects the conditions that nature bestowed in this unique Hebridean landscape.

ABOUT ISLE OF MULL WEAVERS

The original Isle of Mull Weavers was founded by Bob and Kathy Ryan in 1987, and when they decided to retire in 2003 Bob helped to move the 1920's and 1950's looms to Ardalanish.

Working in this Hebridean landscape, using the natural black and brown wool of their own Hebridean sheep seemed like the most logical thing to do and so a new chapter began for the Isle of Mull Weavers. As well as their own wool the owners buy Hebridean, Shetland and Manx Loaghtan wool from across the Highlands & Islands of Scotland and occasionally from further South. The wool is sorted and graded at Ardalanish before being sent away for scouring in Yorkshire and then carding and spinning in the Scottish Borders. From there it is returned to Ardalanish for weaving before undergoing a final process of finishing in Galashiels. For Ardalanish, the production of textiles from British native breed wool is a step towards revitalising the traditional industry of weaving. The end product pays tribute to the sheep by making of their wool.

THE NEXT CHAPTER

On the 1st September 2011 Ardalanish was bought by Andrew and Anne Smith who previously farmed on the East coast of Scotland near Aberdeen. Although their idea was to find a smaller, quieter farm on the west coast, on their first visit to Ardalanish they fell in love with the area and committed themselves to taking on the farm and weaving mill. They are now learning all about weaving and the textile industry as well as continuing to farm the land and maintain the herd of Highland cattle and the flock of Hebridean sheep.

The beautiful colourful blankets in the guest bedrooms at Seaview come from here. Open to the public most days where their products and meat produce can be purchased - further information can be found by contacting:

Andrew & Anne Smith, Ardalanish Farm & Weavers, Bunessan, Isle of Mull
T: (01681) 700265 | W: www.ardalanish.com | E: info@ardalanish.com

     WALKING ON MULL

The Ross of Mull and her neighbouring islands have some fabulous walking, and many of them can be found on our Walks page.  Below you can also access walks throughout Mull by using the resources below.

     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. The Ranger for the Ross of Mull and Iona is Emily Wilkins.

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 their website for places to walk and cycle on Mull.

WalkHighlands

WalkHighlands is an extraordinary informative website run by husband and wife team Paul & Helen Webster whose main aim is to promote walking throughout Scotland. Their website includes walks of every level imaginable across Scotland as well as for the Isle of Mull & Iona. It is a great resource and point of reference for walkers of all abilities.


    Mull Magic Walking Tours
  
Mull Magic Wildlife Walks and Tours, is a small family-owned and run business with over 20 years background in walking and wildlife. Based in Tobermory on the Isle of Mull, Mull Magic is enthusiastic and passionate about the social and natural history of Mull and Iona and endeavours to educate and entertain on all of our walks and tours.

Further information available: T: 01688 301213 | E: enquiries@mullmagic.com 

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Contact Us:
John & Jane Noddings
Seaview Bed & Breakfast, Fionnphort, Isle of Mull, Argyll, Scotland, United Kingdom PA66 6BL
Tel +44(0)1681 700235 Mob: (07708) 556311 Email: john@seaview-mull.co.uk
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Last amended 07/02/2013
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