Island of Mull

[BM]

Hi folks,

My first proper post on the forum. I'm off to Mull for the Easter weekend and was wondering if anyone had an recommended "must see/do's" on the Island?

I've been across to the Island a couple of times before (but not for about 2 years!) and have had good sightings of Golden Eagles and Sea Eagles but as yet no Otters. If anyone knows of any particularly fruitful stretches of coastline where I can sit and wait it would be much appreciated (so much coastline and so little time!). I'm also hoping to get across to Staff and Lunga to see Fingles Cave and the Puffins (am I right in thinking April is the start of the breeding season?) but I suppose weather conditions will dictate! Also if anyone knows of any good wild camping spots .......

Let me know you're thoughts .........

[Jonny]

Originally Posted by BM

Hi folks,

My first proper post on the forum. I'm off to Mull for the Easter weekend and was wondering if anyone had an recommended "must see/do's" on the Island?

I've been across to the Island a couple of times before (but not for about 2 years!) and have had good sightings of Golden Eagles and Sea Eagles but as yet no Otters. If anyone knows of any particularly fruitful stretches of coastline where I can sit and wait it would be much appreciated (so much coastline and so little time!). I'm also hoping to get across to Staff and Lunga to see Fingles Cave and the Puffins (am I right in thinking April is the start of the breeding season?) but I suppose weather conditions will dictate! Also if anyone knows of any good wild camping spots .......

Let me know you're thoughts .........

Hello, I recognise that lion............Could this be the Beer Monster. Welcome to wab mate. I really envy you going to mull, I love the place. I would recommend climbing ben more and driving very slowly around the waters edge and scanning the water for otters. If you would like to borrow the os maps of mull let me know................Jon (Jon Pickett)

[BM]

Originally Posted by Jonny

Hello, I recognise that lion............Could this be the Beer Monster. Welcome to wab mate. I really envy you going to mull, I love the place. I would recommend climbing ben more and driving very slowly around the waters edge and scanning the water for otters. If you would like to borrow the os maps of mull let me know................Jon (Jon Pickett)

Indeed tis I ! I recognised your stormy sky too!

Yep, I've been up Ben More, it is a great climb ......... the views are outstanding! I'm hoping to head across for about 3 days and can't wait! I've tried the driving tactic a few times before but had no luck (eyes are always dragged upwards to the skies for Eagles!).

I've been informed that there are a certain locations on the island (I suppose they maybe particularly good feeding grounds or possibly a nexus (my word for the day!) of territories?) where the otters can be seen with some degree of predictability? Rather than driving I was just going to get up early and go and sit at one of these spots for the whole day and see what passes by! Worth a shot anyway ..... was looking for a bit on inside information!?!

[Tinkerbell]

Don't know if the same applies to Mull, but on Skye the Tourist Info office has a blackboard where folk post sightings of birds, mammals etc. together with details of where they saw them. Very up-to-date, and saves wasted journeys or time in the wrong place. Good Luck BM - it sounds as though you are going to have a great Easter - tell us about it when you return (and welcome to WAB).

[rlchew]

I've been to Mull a few times .... what a wonderful island!

I have also seen Otters there on several occasions but sorry I can not remember the precise locations. I believe Mull has a good population of Otters, so basically try any stretch of coastline with rocks, seaweed, etc. On Mull and elsewhere in NW Scotland, I have tended to be more successful at the beginning or the end of the day and on a rising tide. Good luck!

I am in NW Scotand again in June of this year and will be taking a day trip over to Mull to see the White-tailed Eagles.

A couple of useful links .... Mull Birds and RSPB viewing hide

Richard

[crisscross]

Thoroughly recommend the Treshnish peninsula (NW) - you can see a preview in my images; also Ulva, take a mountain bike, no vehicles once you get past the farm close to the ferry. There are some nice cottages on the Treshnish estate bookable in short periods, mostly gas, no electricity, but facilities at the farm if in desperate need of a washing machine.

There is a nice camping spot about 3km north of the ferry to Ulva (on the Mull side) where there is a waterfall quite near the road..only make sure you know how long it takes to get back to the ferry, we had a bit of a laugh as some campers had abandoned their whole breakfast and lunch sarnies at this spot.

Ulva would be nice for camping too with very very few bodies once a mile or two away from the crossing.

Look forward to seeing your piccies.

[PhilBriggs]

Just been packing tonight ready to head up to Mull to work for a few weeks.....hate it

There's a good chance you'll see otters on most part of the island, and a good time is when the tide is coming in which usually brings in the fish. Early morning or late evening spring tides are the best.

I've been going since I was a child and working there for several years and always seem lucky to see at least one or two.

Couple of my favorite spots are the old boats in Salen Bay, otters sometimes use them as holts, also good for gray seals.
Fishnish when its quiet.

Loch Na Keal and up to Laggen bay.

In the South head for Loch Spelve.

Best thing to do is watch the tide table, sit and wait, and take it all in as there is always something to see up there.

Phil
PS Watch out for irate cop's chasing naughty egg thieves.

[BM]

Cheers for all the info folks, just what I was after. Keep it coming.

If anyone is going to Tobermory for a day visit and wants a wee walk then I'd recommend heading along the track north of the pier through the woods towards the light house (Rubha nan Gall). Fantastic views out to sea and the woods are full of Ransomes giving that lovely (sometimes overpowering!) garlic smell. The last time I was there the shore was also littered with almost completely intact sea urchin tests. It's been a while since my last visit (pre-Balamory anyway ) so it may have changed!

I'm also going to see if I have time to visit the fossil tree (grid NM403277) on the Ardmeanach.

I'll take lots of pics and will post an update when I get back.

P.S. Phil I think I may have met you before! I worked for a short stint as Species Protection Officer (I think that was the job title ...... sounds a bit grand ) for the RSPB in Scotland .......

[BM]

I'm back! Had a fantastic (if slightly damp) time on Mull. Good views of Sea Eagles and a Goldie too. However the Otters still evaded us ! Maybe next time .......

Lot's of birds about and the whole island had that feeling that spring was springing. Primroses and violets on the banks, buds about to burst open and Geese on the wing.

I'd like to thank those of you who recommended the trip across to Ulva. We went across only planning to spend an hour and ended up staying the full day exploring the coastline and forests ........ it really is stunning ...... only just made the last ferry back! Weather was relatively kind but stormy skies made for some dramatic sunrises and sunsets!

Planning to go back later in the year to visit Staffa and Lunga. All in all I think this photo sums it up .........



Link to hi-res
....... I'll try and upload the rest to the Gallery.

[Jonny]

Glad you had a goodun...........You have to be really lucky to get good weather over there. Shame you did not see an otter though, still its a good excuce to go back again.................Jon