The Isle of Mull, a jewel in Scotland’s Inner Hebrides, is a fantastic destination for outdoor adventurers, and stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) offers a wonderful way to experience its natural beauty. From exceptionally sheltered bays to stunning open coastlines, Mull provides a diverse array of paddleboarding locations that promise memorable experiences.
Top Paddleboarding Locations on Mull:
1. Uisken Beach: The Ultimate Sheltered Haven
Uisken Beach, located on the Ross of Mull in the island’s southwest, is recommended by the Mull Directory as the best paddleboarding location. Its almost fully enclosed bay offers a superb environment, making its waters consistently calm, safe, and ideal for all skill levels, from beginners finding their feet to experienced paddlers enjoying a peaceful glide.
- Why it’s great: Uisken’s highly enclosed bay provides excellent shelter from wind and swell, ensuring consistently calm and inviting waters. The sandy beach offers easy launch and landing, and the clear, shallow waters are perfect for gaining confidence. You’ll enjoy picturesque views of the surrounding crofting landscape and the distant Paps of Jura.
- What to expect: Consistent flat water conditions, a beautiful sandy beach, and a true sense of tranquility. It’s an excellent spot for families and those looking for a relaxed paddle without the worry of strong currents or choppy conditions.
Finding serenity on the water at Uisken Beach. This incredible bay on the Isle of Mull lives up to its reputation as a sheltered paddleboarding haven, with crystal-clear, inviting waters.
2. Calgary Bay: The Idyllic Beginner’s Choice
Calgary Bay, on Mull’s northwest coast, is another highly recommended paddleboarding spot, particularly for beginners. Its crescent-shaped beach features white sand and clear, often calm waters. The bay is generally sheltered from the prevailing winds, providing conditions suitable for finding your balance and enjoying a leisurely glide.
- Why it’s great: Calm, clear, and relatively shallow waters, making it excellent for those new to paddleboarding. From the water, you’ll enjoy stunning views of the white sand, the open bay, and and the surrounding rolling hills. While there are trees and woodland further back from the beach, the immediate shoreline provides open views of the bay and its scenic backdrop.
- What to expect: Easy navigation, picturesque views, and opportunities to spot local wildlife such as seals and various seabirds. It’s a truly beautiful location, particularly on a sunny day.
The stunning white sands and calm, turquoise waters of Calgary Bay on the Isle of Mull. An idyllic spot, perfect for finding your balance and enjoying a peaceful paddleboard!
3. Fidden Beach (Ross of Mull): Views of Iona and Pink Granite
Located near the southwest tip of Mull, Fidden Beach offers another fantastic sheltered and shallow water paddling experience. It is notable for its incredible views towards the Isle of Iona and its distinctive pink granite formations that are visible along the shoreline.
- Why it’s great: Sheltered waters, striking sunsets that illuminate the granite, and a popular spot for informal camping if you wish to extend your adventure.
- What to expect: A picturesque marine landscape, ideal for relaxed paddling and enjoying the Hebridean scenery. You can explore the various small islets and rocky outcrops around the area.
Exploring the unique, rocky seascape of Fidden Beach on the Ross of Mull. With its countless islets and clear waters, it’s a fantastic spot for a paddleboarding adventure.
4. Kilvickeon Beach: Remote Beauty and Tranquil Waters
Also on the Ross of Mull, Kilvickeon Beach offers a more secluded paddleboarding experience. Reached by a pleasant walk, this stunning white-sand beach provides a sense of remoteness and tranquility, with generally calm waters ideal for a peaceful paddle.
- Why it’s great: Its secluded nature ensures a quiet and serene paddling environment. The clear, turquoise waters and pristine white sands make for a visually stunning backdrop. It’s generally well-sheltered, offering calm conditions on most days.
- What to expect: A walk is required to access the beach, which adds to its charm and keeps it less crowded. Enjoy peaceful paddling and the chance to spot diverse coastal wildlife in an unspoiled setting.
Paddling into paradise at Kilvickeon Beach on the Isle of Mull. Crystal-clear waters, white sands, and dramatic coastal cliffs – an unforgettable SUP adventure.
5. Sound of Mull (Tobermory & Calve Island): Accessible and Scenic Paddling
For those looking for a paddle with good access and views of a vibrant island town, the Sound of Mull, particularly around Tobermory, is an excellent choice. Launching from Ledaigs Carpark in Tobermory offers convenient access to the water.
- Why it’s great: Generally more sheltered than open coastal areas, offering a good route for a paddle while enjoying views of the colourful town of Tobermory and the nearby Calve Island.
- What to expect: A pleasant paddle with potentially more boat traffic, so awareness of other vessels is important. This area is good for a steady paddle and exploring a different side of Mull’s coastline.
Paddling past the iconic, colourful waterfront of Tobermory Bay! Enjoying the vibrant scenery from the unique perspective of a paddleboard on Mull.
6. Loch na Keal (Ulva Ferry & Inch Kenneth): Remote and Wild
For those seeking a more wild and remote paddleboarding experience, the waters around Ulva Ferry and Loch na Keal offer incredible opportunities to paddle towards islands such as Ulva, Gometra, or Inch Kenneth.
- Why it’s great: Undisturbed natural beauty, and potential for encountering wildlife such as otters and sea eagles.
- What to expect: Conditions can be more exposed than in sheltered bays, so checking weather and tides thoroughly is essential. This area is generally better suited for paddlers with some experience.
Loch na Keal by Trevor Littlewood, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
7. Salen Bay: Central, Sheltered & Accessible
Salen Bay, situated on the east coast of Mull, is a highly accessible and exceptionally sheltered location, making it an excellent choice for paddleboarders of all levels, especially beginners and families. Its calm, protected waters provide a safe and easy environment to get on the water.
Why it’s great:
- Very accessible from the main A849 road with convenient parking, allowing for easy launch directly from the pier or the small stony beach.
- The bay is well-protected, offering consistently calm water, ideal for learning or leisurely paddling.
- Excellent for wildlife spotting, with opportunities to see seabirds, otters, and even seals.
- It’s a great base for exploring the central part of the island, both on and off the water.
What to expect:
- Reliably calm conditions, even when other coastal areas might be too windy, making it suitable for all skill levels.
- A popular spot for local activity providers due to its favorable conditions.
The atmospheric boatwrecks of Salen Bay, Isle of Mull, offer a captivating sight along the coastline.
Essential Paddleboarding Safety on Mull:
The beauty of Mull’s coastline requires adherence to safety guidelines. Always prioritize safety to ensure an enjoyable and secure experience:
- Inform Someone of Your Plans: Before heading out, always tell a reliable person your intended route, where you are launching and landing, and your estimated return time. This is crucial for your safety, especially in remote areas.
- Check Weather and Tides: Scottish weather can change rapidly. Always check the forecast for wind speed and direction, as well as tide times, before heading out. Offshore winds can quickly push you away from shore.
- Wear a Buoyancy Aid: This is crucial for safety, providing essential flotation if you fall into the water.
- Use a Leash: A leash keeps you connected to your board if you fall, preventing it from drifting away. Consider a quick-release waist leash for tidal waters to avoid entrapment risks.
- Carry a Mobile Phone: Keep it in a waterproof pouch on your person (not just attached to your board) for emergencies. Be aware that mobile reception can be limited in some remote areas on Mull.
- Go with a Friend or Inform Someone of Your Plan: It’s safer to paddle with a companion. If going solo, always inform someone of your intended route and estimated return time.
- Wear Appropriate Clothing: Even in summer, Scottish waters can be cold. A wetsuit or drysuit is highly recommended to protect against cold water shock if you fall in.
- Understand Your Environment: Be aware of strong tidal currents, rocky areas, and potential hazards. If there is any doubt about conditions, it is best not to go out.
- Be Visible: Wear bright colours and avoid paddling in low light or poor visibility. Be aware of other water users, especially ferries and larger boats.
Paddleboard Hire and Tours on Mull:
If you don’t have your own equipment, or prefer a guided experience, options may be available:
- Salen Bay Hire: This company offers paddleboard rentals from Salen Bay, a picturesque and sheltered spot on Mull. They also rent kayaks.
- Guided Experiences: For those seeking guided water-based adventures, it’s worth researching local activity providers or larger outdoor companies that operate in the area. Some may offer paddleboarding or kayaking tours that provide equipment and local expertise.
The Isle of Mull is a fantastic destination for paddleboarding, offering a blend of stunning scenery, diverse wildlife, and varied conditions to suit different skill levels. By prioritizing safety and choosing your locations wisely, you’re set for an incredible adventure on these beautiful Scottish waters. So, grab your board and get ready to explore Mull from a wonderful perspective!
