VISITED: 23-02-2024

I recently embarked on a memorable trip to Tobermory, a picturesque town nestled on the Isle of Mull in Scotland. From stunning natural landscapes to historical landmarks, Tobermory offered a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation.

I was invited to stay at the Mishnish Hotel and also a lovely invite for fine dining at An Cala Cluin.

Here are the sights I managed to take in, I am sure I missed out on many more but I only had one full day and a few hours in the last morning before catching the ferry back home.

Calgary Bay: A Beach Lover’s Paradise

My Tobermory adventure began with a visit to Calgary Bay, renowned for its white sands and crystal-clear waters. Many people I spoke to told me this was a MUST stop, so I made sure it was my very first stop.

Upon arrival at Calgary Bay, there’s a small car park quite close to the beach. Adjacent to it stands a hut, beside which sits a donation box soliciting a three-pound contribution, presumably for the area’s maintenance. Fortunately, I had some change on hand, so I deposited my three pounds and proceeded down to the beach. Given the early hour, I found myself alone, and the weather was beginning to improve. Departing from Tobermory, the day had started off dull and slightly rainy, but as I approached the beach, the sky began to clear, and the sun emerged. 

This beach boasts stunning white sand and crystal-clear water, making it an ideal spot, especially during the summer months. Today, it was particularly enjoyable. I relished my leisurely stroll, soaking up the fresh air and the soothing sound of the waves. For anyone visiting this island, a visit to this beach is a must.

Eas Fors Waterfall: Nature’s Spectacle

Next on my “To Visit List” was Eas Fors Waterfall, a hidden gem nestled amidst lush greenery.

Arriving at this waterfall, here’s a handy tip for you. If you’re traveling from Calgary Beach, just down the road, past the bridge, a few seconds on your left, you’ll find a small square of land perfect for parking your car. I didn’t notice this until I was leaving the waterfall, as I had naughtily parked in a passing place. Luckily, at this early hour, there was minimal traffic.

The sound of the waterfall as I approached was breathtaking, and visually, it was stunning. You can admire it from any vantage point here, whether walking up to the higher level or descending to the lower part. The surrounding views were equally breathtaking, and once again, luck was on my side. The clouds dispersed, and the sun emerged, illuminating the scene. This hidden gem was a delightful find, and I felt even more fortunate to experience it alone, absorbing the sounds, the scenery, and simply being in awe of such a lovely waterfall.

Tobermory Lighthouse

Perched atop a rocky promontory overlooking the town, the Tobermory Lighthouse stood as a beacon of maritime history.

After visiting the beach and the waterfall, I decided to return to Tobermory, as I hadn’t fully explored it yet. I arrived late on Friday night, and on Saturday morning, I headed to the beach and the waterfalls first to enjoy them without the crowds. Pulling up in Tobermory, I parked outside the hotel where I was staying and set off for a walk to the lighthouse.

Despite being advised by a tour guide at breakfast to save the lighthouse for the next morning, I chose to visit as many places as possible that day. Just a heads up, the walk from Tobermory to the lighthouse can take anywhere from 35 to 45 minutes each way, depending on your fitness level, and the path can be quite muddy if it has been raining, so wearing boots might be a good idea.

The walk to the lighthouse is quite pleasant. You’re surrounded by trees, and every now and then, you encounter a fantastic view. As I mentioned, the ground can get a bit muddy, so that’s something to keep in mind depending on the weather. As you approach the lighthouse, you can’t really get too close or inside it due to a locked gate, but the view is still impressive.

Overall, it was just okay for me. I enjoyed the walk and seeing the lighthouse, but now that I’ve experienced it, I’m not sure if I would revisit it on my return trip. However, if you’re interested in that sort of thing, it’s worth checking out, and be sure to wear some boots.

Tobermory

So it was time to explore Tobermory and its harbor. I’ve always had a fondness for harbors, with my love of boats and the sea stemming from childhood memories of fishing trips with my grandfathers and dad. Rain or shine, standing by the water always brings me joy.

Unfortunately, some of the shops were closed due to the time of year, so I didn’t get to explore them. Instead, I leisurely strolled around the harbor, taking in the sights at a relaxed pace. I could easily see myself returning here again.

As for the hotel I stayed in, the Mishnish Hotel, pictured as the yellow one in the photo above, my room boasted a wonderful view. I could sit by the window, admiring the sunrise, and even spotted a rare appearance of a little otter.

Salen Shipwreck

So on Sunday morning, before heading to catch my ferry home, I woke up early and drove down to find the Saleen shipwrecks. These were another must-see attraction on my list before departing, and I was able to visit them.

Upon arrival, there is an extra-large passing area, or a very small car park sufficient for two cars, so just be aware of that.

I was fortunate once again to be the only car there, allowing me to make my way down to these shipwrecks.

The level of detail visible was fascinating, and it served as a poignant reminder of the destructive power of the sea. I found myself pondering questions like: Who owned these ships? What were they used for? What journeys did they undertake? And which other harbors did they visit? I’m sure they have fascinating stories, but at that moment, all I knew was that visually, they were stunning, despite being shipwrecks.

Moy Castle

My final stop was Moy Castle. I didn’t delve too deeply into the history of this castle; all I knew was that it was another site I should try to visit before leaving.

The drive from the shipwrecks to Moy Castle took just under an hour, and the road you take is very narrow, with sharp bends going up and down for part of it. This was a bit scary for me, and I’m grateful I chose to do this early as there were very few other cars on the road at that time.

Upon arriving at the castle, there were no parking spaces. This is where I need you to pay attention to what I’m about to say. I believe this is private land surrounding the castle, as a local resident, possibly a farmer, came out to speak to me.

Fortunately, the gentleman was very nice, and I asked him if I could just stay for two to three minutes to take a few photos and admire the castle. He agreed, so I made sure to limit my time there. My advice to you is to try and find a parking area before turning up the road, so you don’t disturb any local residents. Additionally, if you’re not a confident driver, I would suggest avoiding this castle, as the road here, as I mentioned, was a bit daunting at times.

Overall, I’m glad I saw the castle, but please consider the local residents. If you’re not a big fan of castles, maybe this one is worth skipping. However, if you are, park outside and walk in. The walk is only about 15 minutes at most.

Overall Thoughts

Overall, this weekend was fantastic for me, providing much-needed rest despite all the driving around the island and focusing on the roads. The scenery while driving is absolutely breathtaking. I didn’t capture as many photos as I would have liked, as I avoided stopping in passing places to prevent potential traffic congestion. However, the areas where I did manage to stop offered some truly breathtaking views. The list of places I visited above only scratches the surface of what this island has to offer, and there are still a few things I didn’t manage to do.

Everyone I interacted with here, every driver I passed, was incredibly friendly. While I’m sure they get tired of tourists, my experience this weekend was nothing short of amazing, and I can’t wait to return to explore the sites I missed or simply enjoy another pleasant stay on the island.

Hopefully, I’ve provided you with some ideas, hints, and tips for places to visit and insights into driving conditions, and you’ll now consider adding Tobermory or the Isle of Mull to your list of future destinations.