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Mull & iona
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Escape to another world on Mull & Iona, a unique combination of adventure and tranquillity
Mull and Iona, with their enchanting off shore islands, provide an exhilarating springtime escape.
Th e coastlines and shell-sand beaches fringed with turquoise seas, and the hillsides draped in bluebells, provide inspiration for artists and photographers and delight walkers and outdoor adventurers.
Th e abundant wildlife on these islands is legendary. Ott ers are frequently seen along the 300 miles of coastline and the springtime breeding season is a good time to spot the rare corncrake on Iona and white-tailed and golden eagles on Mull. Meanwhile, puffi ns and many other seabirds are returning to the off -shore islands’ nesting sites in large numbers, with boat trips allowing close encounters on Staff a and Lunga.
Th e landscape of Mull and Iona has barely changed in centuries and there’s an abundance of evidence of a rich and fascinating heritage. Att ractions such as Iona Abbey, Duart Castle and the evocative deserted townships of the clearances provide fascinating visits, with more to be learned in museums and heritage centres.
Tobermory is the “capital” of Mull and off ers a great day out with specialist shops and award-winning eateries. Popular att ractions such as the Mull Museum, the Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust, Mull Aquarium, An Tobar Arts Centre and Mull Th eatre all refl ect the unique heritage of the islands.
Gourmet local produce is a specialism of Mull and Iona. In the spring, new season hill beef and lamb become available, alongside shellfish from the clear surrounding waters. Visitors can purchase direct from the croft as well as local shops, and enjoy meals from a selection of quality eateries, from sea food shacks to fine dining restaurants.
With a packed programme of events, accommodation to suit all budgets and a very scenic 50-minute ferry journey from Oban, the islands of Mull and Iona are an irresistible choice for a visit.
mUll & IoNA HAND PICKED
Top things to see, do and experience
ToBErmorY Mull’s main town is the starting point for sea trips, speciality shopping, award-winning eateries, coastal walks and indoor attractions, including arts, museums and wildlife centres.
BEN morE AND BUrG The destination for mountain walking and those seeking wilderness. ben More is Mull’s only Munro, and the peak provides a fantastic viewpoint for the surrounding islands.
WIlDlIFE AND ADVENTUrE ToUrS Specialist guides will help you to explore Mull and iona’s great outdoors, and ensure that you fi nd the best places for close encounters with the abundant wildlife. www.visitmullandiona.co.uk/guides IoNA This tiny island (accessible via foot passenger ferry from Fionnphort) is known as the cradle of christianity. it is home to a 13th- century abbey, Scotland’s best preserved nunnery, amazing beaches and a real sense of tranquillity. www.welcometoiona.com
oFFSHorE ISlANDS from Mull, take an exhilarating sea tour to the offshore islands of Lunga and Staffa where you can encounter puffi ns and other sea birds, and the astonishing fingal’s Cave.
THE NorTH WEST CoAST Head this way for an art trail, whale trail, public gardens and dramatic coastlines . THE SoUTH EAST CoAST Take this route if you love castles, golf and stone circles. if you are searching for golden or white-tailed eagles, look to the skyline, or take a tour with an expert.
