The Isle of Mull, a magnificent gem in Scotland’s Inner Hebrides, beckons with its wild landscapes, abundant wildlife, and charming towns. But before you can explore its dramatic coastline or spot a soaring eagle, you first need to get there! Unlike some of its island neighbours, Mull is easily accessible, primarily via a reliable ferry network. Planning your journey in advance is key to a smooth and stress-free arrival, especially during the bustling summer months.
The Main Arterial Route: Oban to Craignure
For most visitors bringing a vehicle, the primary gateway to Mull is the Caledonian MacBrayne (CalMac) ferry from Oban to Craignure. Oban, often dubbed the “Gateway to the Isles,” is a vibrant mainland town with good road and rail links. The ferry crossing itself is a scenic hour-long journey, offering fantastic views of the mainland coast, Lismore, and the approaching hills of Mull.
Why this route is popular:
- Capacity: It’s the largest and most frequent ferry service to Mull, accommodating a significant number of vehicles and foot passengers.
- Convenience: Oban is well-connected by road (A85 from Glasgow/Perth) and has a direct train line from Glasgow Queen Street.
- Amenities: Both Oban and Craignure have facilities for travellers. Craignure, Mull’s main ferry port, offers a small shop, a pub, and public transport connections to other parts of the island.
Top Tip for Oban-Craignure: This is an incredibly popular route, especially from May to September. Booking well in advance is absolutely essential if you are bringing a car. CalMac releases its timetables and booking slots usually several months ahead, and prime times (weekends, school holidays) sell out quickly. Foot passengers generally don’t need to book in advance, but it’s always wise to check for any service disruptions.
The Backdoor Routes: From Morvern and Ardnamurchan
While Oban-Craignure is the main artery, two smaller, more intimate ferry crossings offer alternative, often quicker, access points if you’re exploring the remote peninsulas north of Oban:
- Lochaline (Morvern Peninsula) to Fishnish (Mull):
- This is a shorter, 15-minute crossing, ideal if you’re travelling from Fort William or Lochaber. The drive to Lochaline itself is picturesque but involves winding single-track roads.
- Ideal for: Those touring the Morvern or Ardnamurchan peninsulas, or wanting a quicker crossing to the central Mull area.
- Booking: While still advisable for cars, it’s generally less congested than the Oban route, though it’s a smaller vessel. Check the CalMac website for this route.
- Kilchoan (Ardnamurchan Peninsula) to Tobermory (Mull):
- This crossing takes about 35 minutes and lands you directly in the colourful capital of Tobermory, in the north of the island. The drive through the Ardnamurchan Peninsula to Kilchoan is stunning but very remote and takes time.
- Ideal for: A leisurely exploration of the Ardnamurchan, or if your accommodation is in Tobermory or northern Mull and you prefer a direct arrival.
- Booking: Again, recommended for vehicles due to the smaller ferry size. You can find details on the CalMac website for the Kilchoan-Tobermory route.
Important Ferry Considerations:
- Timetables: CalMac timetables change seasonally. Always check the official CalMac website well in advance for the most current schedules and service updates, especially around public holidays or for planned maintenance.
- Ferry Disruptions: Weather in the Hebrides can be unpredictable. Check the CalMac Service Status page and their social media for real-time service updates on the day of travel.
- Vehicle Size: If you have an unusually large vehicle (e.g., a motorhome with a trailer), ensure you declare this when booking as it affects space allocation.
Driving to the Ferry Terminals
- To Oban: From Glasgow, take the A82 north to Tyndrum, then the A85 west to Oban. This is a scenic drive through Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park. Allow ample time, as Scottish roads can be winding, and there are many scenic viewpoints enticing you to stop! You can plan your route using online tools like Google Maps.
- To Lochaline: From Fort William, take the A861 south, then the A884 to Lochaline. This route offers stunning loch views but is largely single track.
- To Kilchoan: From Fort William, take the A861 south, then the B8007 towards Ardnamurchan. This is a very long, single-track road, incredibly beautiful but demanding for drivers.
No matter which route you choose, the journey to Mull is an integral part of the adventure. With a little planning, you’ll soon be breathing the fresh island air and ready to discover all the wonders this incredible Hebridean isle has to offer. Safe travels!
){kind=link}