Discover the Isle of Mull
The island of Mull is a highlight of any visit to Scotland, with its castles, wildlife and sandy bays. Most people arrive on Mull by ferry from Oban, but did you know there’s a 15-minute CalMac ferry crossing from Lochaline on Morvern to Fishnish on Mull? Lochaline sits just 40 miles south of Fort William. So if you’re planning a Highland holiday, use the Lochaline Ferry to add Mull to your itinerary!
The Journey with the Lochaline Ferry
Your journey from Fort William to Fishnish on Mull could take a mere two hours, making a day trip a realistic proposition. To get to Lochaline from Fort William, you first need to catch the Corran Ferry which links Morvern and Moidart. Services are fairly frequent, with ferries operating every 20 to 30 minutes seven days a week. The ferry crosses Loch Linnhe from Nether Lochaber to Ardgour at the Corran Narrows some nine miles south of Fort William.
From Ardgour it’s a scenic 30-mile drive to Lochaline across the wild and remote Morvern peninsula. The last 18 miles from Strontian south to Lochaline is along single track roads. Morvern Community Council recommends allowing a minimum of an hour between disembarking from the Corran Ferry and the departure time of the Lochaline Ferry.
Arriving in Fishnish
The ferry journey from Lochaline to Fishnish across the Sound of Mull is short but stunning. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife, including porpoises, seals and even basking sharks depending on the time of year. You might be lucky and see Mull’s famous white-tailed eagles soaring above or even swooping down to fish. More than 18 breeding pairs nest on the island.
Fishnish sits roughly halfway between Tobermory and Craignure. There’s a small café at the ferry terminal as well as come public toilets. It’s a forested area, and if you fancy stretching your legs after the crossing there’s an excellent short circular walk from the ferry. The views over the water to the rugged hills of Morvern are outstanding.
Things to See & Do on Mull
There’s so much to see and do on Mull. Whether you’re there on a day trip, weekend break or week-long holiday, you’re sure to fall in love with this magical Hebridean island. The attractive fishing port of Tobermory is just 11 miles north of Fishnish. You’ll find brightly-painted houses, shops, cafés and galleries clustered around a sheltered bay, as well as Tobermory Distillery. If you have a sweet tooth, treat yourself to a sweet treat at The Little Bespoke Bakery.
Some of Mull’s finest beaches are found at the north of the island, and Calgary Bay is arguably the best of them all with beautiful soft sand, clear seas and a lovely sheltered location.
Take a boat trip
Another highlight of a trip to Mull is the chance to take a boat trip. Local operators offer specialised boat excursions, from wildlife sea safaris to island adventures. Take a boat trip to Staffa, the dramatic island that inspired Mendelssohn’s Hebrides Overture or dreamy Iona, home to Iona Abbey.
Mull’s is a must-visit destination for any food lover, and is famed for its delicious beef, lamb and fresh seafood. There's an abundance of eating places in which to enjoy the fabulous local produce. The Mull & Iona Food Trail features around 30 producers, places to eat, farm shops and producers’ markets.
With all this on offer, why wouldn’t you add Mull to your Highland holiday?
For current ferry timetable and fare information, and for bookings, visit CalMac's website.