No trip to the Western Highlands is complete without a sampling the unique atmosphere of one of the islands.
Mull Many peoples' first choice with a wealth of day trips to chose from
 | On foot-Take the ferry to Craignure then either: a) miniature railway to Torosay castle and gardens and Duart castle |
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| b) take the local bus to Tobermory and spend a lazy day in one of Scotland's prettiest ports |
| c) visit Iona and its Abbey burial place of Kings and birthplace of Christianity in Scotland. |
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| By car - Any of the above are possible but include a loop round the western coast of Mull for the superb scenery. |
| Coach tour-There are various coach and boat tours that take in Mull, details are available in Oban. |
Glendorm Castle and at sunset
Kerrera Delightful little island just out from Oban, no cars on the island, but a lovely tearoom and ruined castle at the southern end. The tearoom is a two mile walk/cycle from the ferry or part of a 6 mile circular walk around the south of the island. The southern coast line is particularly interesting with rock beaches and headlands.
Easdale Perhaps the easiest of the islands to get to and for many one of their favourite places on the west coast. A small ferry crosses from Seil island, itself reached by the famous bridge over the Atlantic.
Lismore Lovely island in Loch Linnhe, ferry from Oban (occasionally) and Port Appin (regularly)
Luing Accessible from Seil
island, great wildlife.
Staffa One of those special places you'll never forget, situated off the west coast of Mull. Unless you have you're own boat you need to take a boat trip there and visit Fingal's Cave, one of the great sights of the world and inspiration for Mendelsons composition. Also if time permits take a walk to the north end of the island and be dive bombed by skies full of puffins. There are tours that combine Iona, Staffa and Mull in a day trip.
Boat service by Caledonian MacBrayne
www.calmac.co.uk 01631 566688 all prices quoted for 2006
You have to check in at least 30 mins before departure, even when you book (they won't let you on otherwise!). These times are during the summer only. If you are leaving your car in Oban, there is no where to park it by the ferry terminal. The best place is by Lidl, where there is a free car park (Tesco no longer free parking). If you take the 12.00 ferry to Mull you can go by train from Taynuilt.
There is a connecting bus service from Craignure to Tobermory for the 7.45 and 9.50 boats. For the return it connects to the 17.00 and 19.00 boats (but not for the 15.00 boat). Please ring to check the times. It's about £3 single for an adult.
Mull - This is just a sample of ferry times: Leave Oban 07.45 (not S or M), 9.50, 12.00. Return 15.00, 17.00 19.00. Day passenger return £6.95, bike £2, car day return £48.50 (but you pay extra for the passengers).
Lismore - Oban 8.45 Mon. - Sat and 10.45 Tues., Thurs. & Sat. Return 15.45 Mon.- Sat, 17.45 Tues. & Fri. Day return £4.80. Bike £2. Car £40. You can also go to Lismore from Port Appin, but this is passenger and bike only.
Tiree day cruise - Thursday only. Oban 0830 - Tiree 12.15. Leave Tiree 18.30, return Oban 22.15. Fare £21.85. Bike £4 (car £127). Ring n ride bus service on Tiree 01879 220 419. Also you can hire a bike from the pier for £10 a day (see bike hire section). If you like white sandy beaches, this is heaven. No midges, as its always too windy. Tiree is where we go on holiday ourselves in July.
Luing Island from Seil. Just a short crossing, leaving you to explore Luing, where you can hire bikes at the caravan park. Crossing every half hour from 7.45 till 18.00 on weekdays. Passenger £1.40 return. Car £5.70
There are also many non-landing cruises to Colonsay, Tiree and Barra, South Uist and Barra, Coll & Tiree. Also evening dinner cruises for around £25 all inclusive to Colonsay or Tiree & Coll. Children 5-16 half fare for cruises.
Other Boat Journeys
Kerrera - £3.50 return. Leaves from Galanach Road, approximately every 30 mins between 08.00 to 12.30, then 14.00 to 17.30 during the summer. In winter it is by demand when you turn the board round.
Lismore - from port Appin
Easedale, from Seil Island
Organised Trips from Oban 2006 prices from websites
The Mull Experience - tickets from Caledonian MacBrayne office in Oban - 01631 562244
Includes return ferry, Torosay castle, Duart Castle, the Mull Railway & coach travel in between. Leave Oban at 9.50 or 12.00 (not on Sat), adult £17.50, Child £8.50
Or just the ferry, Mull narrow gauge railway and Torosay Castle for adult £8.70, child £4.50. It is not clear yet whether these combined deals are available again, and this is 2005 prices.
Mull, Iona, Staffa Tours www.staffatours.com 0800 783 8470 or 01631 562 842
Mull & Iona bus/boat tour on ever decreasing boat sizes, leaving 9.50 on the boat daily from Oban, return 19.45. Adult £42, children £21. Or early bird options, leaving Oban at 7.45, or Treshnish isles ornithologists paradise, leaving 10 from Oban. Adult £44, child £20. (May till July)
Turusmara Tours www.Turusmara.com 08000 858 786
The Treshnish isles offer birdwatching for the beginner during the spring. From April to July there are hundreds of Puffins here, that are very photogenic from very close up. Amazing to just sit and be surrounded by puffins, little clowns, our kids favourite birds.
Treshnish Isles and Staffa. Oban 9.50 Tues& Thurs. Adult £46, child £22.50 family £120
Staffa & Ulva. Oban 9.50 daily. Adult £40, child £20 family £105
Treshnish Isles and Staffa. Oban 9.50 Tues& Thurs. Adult £45, child £22.50 family £120
Bowmans Tours 01631 563 221
Mull, Iona, Staffa. Oban 9.50 daily. Adult £34 child £18
Early bird Mull, Iona Staffa. Oban 07.45 daily. Adult £29, child £16
Mull Circular. Oban 9.50. Adult £20, child £12
Sealife Surveys www.sealifesurveys.com 01688 302 916 - prior bookings only
Whale, dolphin, shark, seal, puffin watching. All from Tobermory, Mull. Maximum 12 on the boat.