This trip operates from 1 April 2019 in association with Turus Mara
Travel to Ulva - and explore this enchanting island just off Mull's western coast, before sailing to Staffa, a geological phenomenon. Sailing from Oban, you'll make your way to Mull, surveying its striking scenery as you travel to the Isle of Ulva. You'll immerse yourself in this little haven - eight square miles of tranquillity - where there's not one hint of tarmac. There's time to explore Sheila's cottage - a traditional thatched croft house, which displays Ulva's history from Mesolithic Man to today, before setting off for Staffa. Staffa is a natural wonder. An island of towering hexagonal columns of basalt. You'll explore the cathedral made of rock - Fingal's Cave and its congregation of seasonal, cheeky puffins that sit high above.
Day Itinerary* | |
9.20am | Ticket Collection in Oban Terminal. Simply bring your reference number that you receive after booking. |
9.50am | Caledonian MacBrayne ferry departs Oban for Craignure on the island of Mull. On route there is breath-taking scenery steeped in history, including a fantastic view of Duart Castle built in the 13th century. |
10.40am | Arrival at Craignure, Mull, where you will be greeted by Turus Mara staff, where your transfer to the Ulva ferry awaits, along with your onward travel Staffa and the Treshnish Isles on a Turus Mara vessel. |
11.30am | Hop on the little ferry across to the now Community owned Island and Ulva. You have plenty time to explore various of the island's walks and enjoy Ulva's tranquil ambience. Keep your eyes peeled for both golden and sea eagles as the two species make the island their home. You also have the chance of spotting otters, red deer, hen harriers and a host of other wildlife. Make sure you allow time to sample some fresh, locally caught seafood in the award winning Boathouse restaurant. |
2.00pm | Depart Ulva Ferry via the South Side of the now Community owned Island of Ulva, passing Ben More, Mull's only Munro (mountain over three thousand feet). En route the historically important Isle of Inch Kenneth, associated with Iona in medieval times and more recently with the Mitford Family. The whole tour takes place within the Loch na Keal National Scenic Area and as we head further to sea there are great views of the Burg Peninsula and south to Iona and the Ross of Mull. |
3.15pm | Land for an hour on the much celebrated island of Staffa. Marvel at the unique, awe inspiring, phenomenon that is Fingal's Cave. Imagine you can hear the first few bars of Mendelssohn's symphony in the eternal surge of the sea. From around the end of April until early August there is also the opportunity to spend some time with Staffa's puffins - several hundred nest on the island. |
4.20pm | Rejoin the Turus Mara boat for the return journey to Ulva Ferry. This part of the trip often spends time viewing MacKinnon's Cave on Staffa and the west side collumnar structures as well as getting a little 'Puffin Therapy' at close quarters with the colony at the north end of the Island. We then head in, if conditions are favourable, via Loch Na Keal giving great views of both Gometra and Ulva. |
5.45pm | Back onto the Turus Mara minibus for Craignure. |
7.15pm | Departure on Caledonian MacBrayne ferry from Craignure where food and drink will be available. |
8.05pm | Arrival back to Oban. |
*All times may vary and are at the discretion of the operator subject to conditions prevailing at the time.
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