It’s no surprise that ferries serving the island reach capacity during peak times, whilst you shouldn’t be concerned if you’re a foot passenger, bringing across your vehicle can be the cause of a little anxiety at times.

So can you ‘do Mull’ as a foot passenger…?

I’m sure for most it’ll be a resounding ‘yes’ albeit with a little planning, however planning is key to making the most of any visit to the island.

In the holiday season buses connect with all the ferry services and are adjacent to the ferry terminal. Whilst you can target 1 area it’s definitely achievable to visit all areas from the same or multi-base itinerary.

Visitors primarily divide the island into around 3 segments, with the Ross, Pennyghael, Fionnphort & Iona versus Dervaig, Calgary and Salen to Tobermory. We’re most likely bias but Tobermory has the majority of restaurants, evening entertainment and attractions in the same area, that’s probably why it’s the most populated area on the Isle of Mull, which could lead you into imagining it’s a hive of activity and a thriving metropolis – which is far from the truth. Most of the time you’ll only see the main street full of folk is either a parade or when a visiting cruise ship deposits its passengers for a brief photo opportunity.

However restaurants, entertainment may not be high on your list !

We’re assuming you’re going to sail from Oban to Craignure, however there are crossings from Lochaline to Finnish and Kilchoan to Tobermory, the latter 2 having some parking facilities at the port.

Most likely your staple mode of travel on the island will be by bus, serving A848/A849/B8073 Tobermory – Salen – Craignure – Bunessan – Fionnphort & Tobermory to Devaig – Calgary.

Many attractions are close to the villages served by the bus so using your daily ticket will serve you well. Scheduling 1 or 2 of the Mull based wildlife tours will help you not only see the wonders of nature but also areas you probably would struggle to see without your own transport.

For those times when you must visit something off the beaten track or you can’t face the trek back up a hill the local taxi service can be called upon.

To escape the single track roads book a tour to Staffa or the Treshnish Isles. There a a couple of tours and may operate from different ports around the island.

Obviously if you’re staying with us we can advise and book for you ahead of time!

Remember activities and accommodation do fill up ahead of time.

I didn’t realise the view from the top deck of the bus was so good, I can see so much, no more braving the single track roads for me!

We’ve yet to mention, hiking or cycling across the island. Whilst many trek to Iona trying to recapture the pilgrimage of old, remembering to jump out of the way for the local traffic! Mull is perfect for cycling especially in a multi base trip across the island. However often cyclists don’t look quite as happy as you’d think when faced with another uphill stretch, I have been known to pop a bike in the van and take someone to their destination when they’ve reached their limit. Now you can obtain E-bikes further destinations are more accessible(as long as you can re-charge).