The Isle of Mull is the second largest
of the Hebrides, lying just off the west coast, more or less half-way up.
It is an island of peninsulas which give it a long and varied coastline
offering the visitor endless days of exploration and discovery. The economy
is a healthy mix of farming, fishing, and tourism giving the visitor with
a view of genuine island life while providing lots of interesting recreations.The
mountains which stretch across
the middle of the island rise to over 900m and are well-loved by hill walkers
such is the variety of routes and views to be enjoyed.
Tobermory was built as a fishing port
in the late 18th century and is now the main village on Mull. It is a picture-postcard
of a place with the brightly painted buildings along the pier and the high
wooded hills surrounding the bay. The village has a good variety of shops,
hotels, and other accommodation as well as being the administrative centre
for the island. The harbour is always busy with fishing boats, yachts and
the ferry to and from Kilchoan during the summer months. There is reputed to be the wreck of
a Spanish galleon somewhere in the mud at the bottom of Tobermory bay.
The ship was part of the defeated Armada of 1588 and was fleeing the English
fleet when she anchored in Tobermory to take on provisions. Following a
dispute over payment the ship caught fire which caused the gunpowder to
explode. She was supposed to have been carrying millions of gold coins
when she went to the bottom but no-one has ever managed to find any sign
of the ship or the treasure. Tobermory is the starting point for
several wildlife expeditions, both on land and also by sea. Main events of the year are : April
- Music festival. July- Highland Games - Mendhelson on
Mull. Aug - West Highland week. Oct. - Rally The Philips tour of Mull Rally actually
starts on Tobermory main street and winds its way at high speed through
the narrow winding streets. To travel to
Tobermory, Mull, and Iona you have to make a ferry journey . This is provided
by Caledonian MacBrayne,
and the routes are from Oban
to Craignure,Lochaline
to Fishnish,Kilchoan
to Tobermory and Fionnphort
to Iona. Click on these names to see the timetable, or for general
information, click on Caledonian MacBrayne.
