Tobermory, a planned village of 1787 and built by the British Fisheries Society, is the largest settlement on the island and has attractive painted houses, each in a different colour. The name is from Tobar Mhoire -'St Mary's Well' from the well and chapel above the village and it has one of the finest harbours in the Hebrides, sheltered by Calve Island.

There are also villages at Salen; Bunessan; Fionnphort, gateway to Iona; Dervaig; Lochdon; and Craignure. Adjacent to the island is long (see separate entry), the cradle of Scottish Christianity-ferry from Fionnphort on Ross of Mull. There was a pilgrim's way from Grass Point to Iona, the route marked by a series of standing stones.

There are forest walks and cycle routes in Aros Park, Ardmore and Fishnish and Garmony (contact TICS or Forest Enterprise tel: 01680 300346). Island Encounters offer wildlife and bird-watching expeditions, and there are boat trips to Staffa and the Treshnish Isles, leaving from Fionnphort and Iona, as well as to Coll and Muck. Walking, cycling, pony trekking and climbing. There are two golf courses. Sea and loch fishing - permits readily available - and diving. The Mull Experience offers a day trip to Mull, including ferry to Craignure, trip on the Mull Railway, chance to explore Torosay Castle, and a visit to Duart Castle (For info tel: 01680 812421).

Other nearby islands include Ulva, Gometra, Inchkenneth, Staffa and of course Iona. Ulva and Gometra, incidentally, also have basaltic columns similar to those found on Staffa.

Mull & Iona: Highways & Byways
"If you are the type of traveler who likes to park your car or bike alongside the road and get off the beaten path, this book is for you.". This guide presents information on the more secluded venues and places of interest in Scotland, including good areas for walking and cycling, and provides detailed descriptions of the areas in question.

Order your copy from Amazon.com or Amazon.co.uk

For more books on the Isle of Mull visit our Scottish Books - Guides Section - Isle of Mull

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