ISLE OF MULL

The largest of Argyll's Atlantic Islands with beautiful beaches, woodland gorges and broad bays on the west coast. Rugged and mountainous, Ben More (966m) is one of the highest points in Argyll's Atlantic Islands. Mull has one of the highest concentrations of golden eagles in Europe, and sea eagles have returned to its sea cliffs. There are wildlife safaris and whale watching cruises from Salen, Craignure and Tobermory, the colourful capital. Other attractions include Duart, Torosay and Moy Castles, Scotland's only island railway, and Isle of Mull Distillery in Tobermory. Access by ferry from Oban, Lochaline (Morvern)and Kilchoan (Ardnamurchan).

ISLES OF ULVA & GOMETRA

Ulva and its Siamese twin Gometra lie just off the west coast of Mull. A string of duns testifies to many centuries of habitation, and Gometra was once known as the granary of Iona. The southern shore has a similar basalt coastline to Staffa. Oysters, cultivated off the coast, are available for sale at the island's restaurant. Access by ferry from Mull.

ISLE OF IONA

Lying just one mile off the Ross of Mull across the Sound of Iona. The cradle of Christianity in Scotland since the 6th century, it is home to the beautiful abbey and many other religious buildings, and the burial ground of over 60 medieval Scots, Norse and Irish Kings. It is also an important site for wildlife. Access by ferry form Fionnphort, Mull.

ISLE OF STAFFA

A unique geological wonder. It is made of basalt lava that cooled slowly to form regular hexagonal columns up to 20m high - topped by a cap of hard amorphous lava. Approaching by boat, it has the air of a gothic Cathedral, but its architectural-looking forms are entirely natural. Staffa's cliffs are pocked by numerous caves, including the famous Fingal's cave that inspired Mendelssohn's Hebrides Overture. Boat trips to Staffa set out from Oban and Mull.

WILDLIFE

Isle of Mull

There are many wildlife operators on the Isle of Mull, all of which are keen to show off the delights of the island's natural gems. Mull's blend of mountains, coastline, moorland and bogs is a wonderful habitat for both flora and fauna.

Discover Mull, Dervaig
Eagles, otters, deer, wildflowers, ancient villages and much more - enjoy an 8 hour tour to the many hidden places on Mull.

Island Encounter Wildlife & Birdwatcher Safaris, Salen
Wildlife and birdwatch safaris - all seen with a local expert, binoculars and lunch are provided.

Isle of Mull Wildlife Expeditions, Ulva Ferry
Daily expeditions with wildlife experts to see otters, eagles, porpoises and much more. Lunch included.

Mull Sea Eagle Viewing Site
Mull is the best place in Scotland to see sea eagles and guided visits are available from April to the end of July to view the nest area of a sea eagle.

Hebridean Whale & Dolphin Trust, Tobermory
Whale and dolphin research, education and conservation charity with a visitor centre incorporating displays and interactive computers.

Isle of Iona

Alternative Boat Hire
Enjoy the wildlife on a traditional wooden open sailing boat.

MV Volante
From wildlife sightseeing to sea angling trips.

Staffa Boat Trips
See Fingal's Cave and the sea life surrounding it. Have some time ashore to explore this magnificent basalt island.

CULTURE

Isle of Mull

Ross of Mull Historical Centre, Bunessan
Discover local history and heritage, the people, how they lived, their songs and their stories.

An Tobar, Tobermory
Arts centre, gallery and café with a summer programme including concerts, exhibitions, workshops and talks - all with home-baking by the fire.

Mull Museum, Tobermory
A small museum with a lot of information about the history of Mull and its people.

Tobermory Distillery, Tobermory
Tour of the only distillery on Mull in one of the island's most picturesque locations.

HERITAGE

Isle of Mull

Duart Castle, Craignure
Home of the Chief of Clan MacLean with dungeons and state rooms and a 13th century keep.

Old Byre Heritage Centre, Dervaig
Come and see 'Miniature Mull' an exhibit bought to life by a film depicting Mull's history.

Isles of Ulva & Gometra

Ulva Heritage Centre
Visit this restored thatched croft house and information centre and sample oysters with Guinness.

Abandoned Villages
Due to the Highland Clearances, the abandoned villages are sad to see and, at Starvation Terrace, you can see the houses of the last evicted crofters for whom no place could be found.

Isle of Iona

Iona Heritage Centre
Fascinating exhibition of Iona's local history in the Telford Manse.

SPIRITUAL/MAGIC

Isle of Mull

Columba Centre, Fionnphort
Enter Columba's world before or after you visit Iona. You will encounter the man of Celtic times who changed history.

Isle of Iona

Iona Abbey & Nunnery
Walk among these ancient buildings, the home of Celtic Christianity. View the splendid high crosses and experience the tranquillity of this beautiful island.

Fisherman, Tobermory

Mull Museum, Tobermory

Staffa