Connor and Emily go wild for Mull & Iona

What a week it's been! Emily and I just got back from the most incredible five-day trip to the Isle of Mull, with a day spent on Iona where we loved learning about the amazing history and stories of the past. The journey started with the Caledonian Sleeper train from London, which was an adventure in itself. There’s something so nostalgic and relaxing about train travel, especially at night. We settled into our cozy cabin, and after a delicious meal and a couple of drinks in the Club Car we fell asleep to the gentle rocking of the train. When we woke up, we were in Glasgow—a whole new world compared to where we started. It was great having our tasty full Scottish breakfast onboard the train, meaning we could start our onward trip straight away. We were rested, fuelled and ready for our Argyll island adventure.
 
We boarded the ScotRail Highland Explorer to Oban. That train ride was a great way to see some of Scotland’s west coast. As we headed further north the scenery became more dramatic – iconic Loch Lomond and Loch Awe, continuous rolling hills, and ever-changing scenery. Emily kept pointing out places that looked great to come back and visit. By the time we reached Oban, we were both so eager to get to Mull. But first, we indulged in some proper fish and chips by the harbour, enjoying the views of the boats bobbing in the water.
 
The ferry ride from Oban to Mull was the perfect way to kick off our island adventure. We spent the entire time on deck, letting the sea breeze refresh us, and watching Mull's rugged coastline come into view. The mountains rising up from the water were just breathtaking. It felt like we were stepping into a different world, far from the hustle and bustle of city life at home.
 
Our first few days on Mull were a perfect blend of exploring with our hire car and relaxing. Our aim was to spot as much wildlife as we could, so we hiked to different bird spotting hideouts, wandered various stunning beaches and cliff tops. We discovered a hidden cove with white sand and turquoise water that became our go-to spot. It was like our own little paradise, complete with seals lounging on nearby rocks.
 
Our base was in a beautiful guest house just outside the well-known colourful Tobermory. It was a perfect location to enjoy some local shopping, restaurants serving fresh seafood (some of the best we’ve ever tasted!), delis for lunch, welcoming pubs, a local distillery, and the perfect base to reach many of the spots on Mull we wanted to explore including Calgary Bay, Treshnish and inland to Loch Frisa.
 
One day, we took a boat trip to the Isle of Staffa and got lucky - dolphins appeared, swimming alongside the boat, so close we could almost reach out and touch them. It was one of those unexpected moments that creates a forever memory. Staffa was incredible! We always wanted to visit and it did not disappoint – the natural rock formation is mesmerising.
 
Midweek, we took a day trip to the Isle of Iona, and it was like finding a hidden gem. The ferry ride over was short but scenic, with Iona’s coastline slowly coming into view. Iona is different from Mull – even more peaceful, with a timeless quality. We spent the day wandering around the ancient Iona Abbey, soaking in the history, and then found a quiet spot on the beach for a picnic. The water there is so clear it’s almost unreal. We sat there for hours, just talking and watching the waves.
 
Evenings on Mull were spent in cozy pubs, sampling local ales and chatting about the day’s adventures, whilst planning the next days. Each night, we’d find a new spot to watch the sunset, which always felt like the perfect ending to the day. The days felt so long as the sunset here in August is that bit later than back home in London.
 
As we took the ferry back to Oban on our last day, I felt a pang of sadness, knowing our trip was coming to an end, but so grateful to have experienced this unforgettable island trip. Mull and Iona had been everything we hoped for and more—wildlife, beaches, and a sense of peace that’s hard to find these days. Emily and I are already planning our next visit.
 
We’ve fallen in love with the Argyll islands, and I have a feeling this won’t be our last trip there.

*This content is brought to you by some fictional characters, but based on real island trips by our visitors.