The brightly painted harbour front of Tobermory on the Isle of Mull

A day on the Isle of Mull

A photo diary: the ferry from Oban, the painted harbour at Tobermory, and the sun coming out on the way back.

1 min read

At a glance

Island

Second largest of the Inner Hebrides

Ferry

About an hour from Oban

On board

Foot passengers and cars

Capital

Tobermory, aka Balamory

On my second day in Scotland, I crossed to the Isle of Mull — a fantastic quick getaway for sea views and boat adventures.

This is a more visual post: the highlights of the crossing, Tobermory, and the photos I took along the way.

The day

01

Morning

The crossing

The only way there is by ferry, about an hour from the mainland. Head up to the viewing deck if the weather allows — or sit inside away from the wind and rain.

The red-funnelled CalMac ferry on calm water

02

Midday

Tobermory

The town of my childhood dreams. I watched Balamory most days as a little girl, and finally got to see the multicoloured houses — and yes, I sang the theme tune.

Painted houses reflected in Tobermory harbour

03

Afternoon

The journey back

The rain had cleared and the sun poked through the clouds, so I could see for miles.

A white lighthouse on a low island with mountains behind
Boats moored in a sheltered bay on Mull below green hills

Where to stay

Base

Oban

A great base for the islands and the western coastline, with the Mull ferry in town.

More Scotland

Five things to do in Oban

Chocolate, a wildlife boat, McCaig’s Tower, Dunollie and the distillery.