The spectacular coastal scenery and superb wildlife of the west coast of Scotland.
Mull is renowned as the most beautiful and most varied of the Inner Hebrides, second only in size to Skye, with an indented coastline more than 300 miles long and with its highest point at Ben More, 3,172 feet above sea level.
Mull has a variety and abundance of wildlife hard to match elsewhere. More than 800 species of flowering plants grow on the island, including Sword-leaved Helleborine and Oysterplant. Birds include Hen Harrier, Golden Eagle, Twite and Black Guillemot, together with Corncrake on Iona and several pairs of White-tailed Eagles: a sighting of one of these massive ‘flying barn doors’ would be amongst the highlights of our trip.
Around the coast, otters and both Common and Grey Seals are regularly seen, whilst offshore there is always the chance of spotting a passing dolphin.
As well as exploring Mull itself, we will also spend time on the smaller islands of Iona and Ulva, and there is an optional trip to Staffa and Lunga. Iona is famous for its Abbey and the Christian heritage established by Saint Columba more than 1,400 years ago, while the privately owned ‘wolf island’ of Ulva is the location of ‘Sheila’s Cottage’ and a heritage museum that provides an insight into the history of the island.
The highlight of the optional trip to Staffa will no doubt be the magical Fingal’s cave, immortalised by Mendelssohn and an impressive natural wonder. Lunga is home to nesting Puffins, Guillemots and Razorbills.
Please note that holidays change, although sometimes only slightly, from year to year and previous trip reports may not reflect the planned itinerary, or other holiday details, for the current trip. Please ask us if you would like to know of any significant differences.