4 September 2026
Looking for your next Scottish island adventure? Follow photographer and content creator Eddie Fitzpatrick (@eddiefitz7) as he spends five days exploring Mull and Iona with CalMac. This itinerary combines colourful harbour towns, historic castles, spectacular beaches, unforgettable wildlife and one of Scotland's most iconic island day trips. With regular ferry crossings connecting Oban, Mull and Iona, it's easy to recreate Eddie's journey at your own pace. So, where next?
Mull and Iona offer two completely different island experiences in one unforgettable trip. Mull is known for its colourful harbour towns, rugged landscapes and abundant wildlife, while Iona offers a slower pace, centuries of history and a peaceful atmosphere that leaves a lasting impression. It's the kind of journey that encourages you to slow down, stay a little longer and see more of Scotland's islands.
✓ Explore two unique islands in one trip
✓ Discover colourful Tobermory and historic Duart Castle
✓ Experience spectacular beaches, waterfalls and coastal scenery
✓ Spot wildlife on land and at sea, from Highland cows to puffins
✓ Follow Eddie Fitzpatrick's tried-and-tested itinerary
After sailing from Oban to Craignure, spend your first day discovering some of Mull's most iconic sights.
Explore one of Mull's most iconic landmarks, where centuries of history are matched by panoramic views across the Sound of Mull.
Wander along the colourful harbour, explore independent shops and don't forget your camera – it's one of Scotland's most photogenic island towns.
If golf is your thing, this is a course worth packing your clubs for. The island scenery is every bit as impressive as the game.
Chosen by Eddie as his base for exploring Mull, the Isle of Mull Hotel is well placed for discovering the island over several days.
Looking for something different? Browse more Opens in new windowaccommodation options on Mull.
Eddie chose to finish the day with fish and chips overlooking the coast, and after a day like this, it's hard to argue with that decision.
Hungry for more? Opens in new windowDiscover cafés, restaurants and local food across Mull.
Swap bustling harbours for peaceful beaches, waterfalls and quiet corners of the island. Today's route takes you to some of Mull's most beautiful landscapes, with a few memorable surprises along the way.
A short walk leads to one of Mull's most spectacular waterfalls, where dramatic cliffs and sea views make the effort well worthwhile.
Soft white sand, turquoise water and wide-open views make this one of Mull's most beautiful beaches.
A peaceful corner of Mull where castle ruins, coastal scenery and local history come together.
Keep your camera handy! You might just spot Highland cows wandering along the shoreline – a sight that's hard to forget.
A local favourite and one of Eddie's highlights – be sure to stop by if you're passing through Lochbuie.
After a full day outdoors, Eddie swapped walking boots for the Isle of Mull Hotel spa. Honestly, we can't think of a better reward.
Today is all about getting out on the water. Join a Turus Mara boat trip to explore some of Scotland's most spectacular coastal scenery and wildlife.
Step inside this world-famous sea cave, where towering basalt columns and crashing waves create one of Scotland's most extraordinary natural wonders.
Depending on the season, you'll have the chance to get remarkably close to puffins and other seabirds in their natural habitat.
Take the short ferry from Fionnphort to Iona and discover an island where history, beautiful beaches and a slower pace of life come together.
The crystal-clear water and white-sand beaches give Iona a surprisingly tropical feel on a sunny day.
Discover one of Scotland's most important historic sites, known for its centuries of history and peaceful setting.
Explore one of Scotland's oldest and most significant burial grounds, steeped in history and legend.
A scenic walk leads to this peaceful beach, where colourful pebbles, dramatic coastline and sea views make it well worth the journey.
If you fancy another round, this unique island course is one of the most memorable places to play golf in Scotland.
The Rookery Café
Argyll Hotel
Refuel with a bite to eat before catching the last ferry back to Mull. If you time it right, you'll be treated to a spectacular sunset on the crossing – a pretty special way to end the day.
After five unforgettable days exploring Mull and Iona, it's time to head back to the mainland. Catch the ferry from Craignure to Oban and enjoy one last chance to take in the island scenery before saying goodbye (for now).
Mull and Iona completely exceeded my expectations. From incredible wildlife and dramatic landscapes to beautiful beaches and welcoming local businesses, it's one of the most memorable trips I've taken in Scotland.
@eddiefitz7
Want to see the adventure for yourself? Follow Eddie's journey across Mull and Iona and get a glimpse of the wildlife, spectacular landscapes and island moments that made his trip so memorable.
Want to see the adventure for yourself? Follow Eddie's journey across Mull and Iona and get a glimpse of the wildlife, spectacular landscapes and island moments that made his trip so memorable.
Eddie’s itinerary is a fantastic introduction to Mull and Iona, but one of the biggest rewards of travelling here is having time to go beyond the headline attractions. Stay an extra day or two and you'll uncover even more spectacular scenery, local experiences and hidden gems.
Looking for inspiration? Browse our island experiences by destination, interest or region and discover even more ways to make your trip your own.
Eddie’s itinerary is a fantastic introduction to Mull and Iona, but one of the biggest rewards of travelling here is having time to go beyond the headline attractions. Stay an extra day or two and you'll uncover even more spectacular scenery, local experiences and hidden gems.
Looking for inspiration? Browse our island experiences by destination, interest or region and discover even more ways to make your trip your own.
Mull and Iona are rewarding destinations all year round. Spring and summer are ideal for wildlife, boat trips and beach days, while autumn and winter offer quieter landscapes, dramatic coastlines and a slower pace.
The best way to experience it all? Come back and explore the islands in a different season.
Mull and Iona are rewarding destinations all year round. Spring and summer are ideal for wildlife, boat trips and beach days, while autumn and winter offer quieter landscapes, dramatic coastlines and a slower pace.
The best way to experience it all? Come back and explore the islands in a different season.
After everything I saw on the trip, the place I kept thinking about afterwards was Iona. Some places are beautiful, but others stay with you. Iona is definitely one of those places.
@eddiefitz7
Inspired by Eddie's adventure? Recreating this itinerary is easier than you might think. You simply book each leg individually, making it easy to follow the route at your own pace. For 2 adults and 1 standard car, the ferry crossings featured in this itinerary cost £65.60 in total.
