Preparing for Mull

What's the Weather like ?

The weather on Mull (like the rest of the West Highlands) can change very quickly. Here at the tip of 'The Ross' we enjoy drier weather than other parts of Mull, but it is often windy too. Tiree, often said to be the sunniest spot in the British Isles, is only 20 miles away ! On a fine day the Sound of Iona, with its turquoise water, can look just like the Aegean. But even in the middle of summer it can rain hard and winds may be high.

In short, the weather is unpredictable, and you should come prepared.

What should I bring ?

The weather is unpredictable, and you should come prepared

Whenever you come, always bring warm outdoor clothes, a truly water-proof anorak, hat and gloves. Stout waterproof shoes or walking boots are essential for serious walking, although you could get by on a pair of well fitting 'Hunter' wellies for short walks. For indoor wear you won't need anything more than 'smart casual' clothes, unless you have something special to go to.

Summer

Summer days are long, in June & July it is light by 3am and not dark until 11pm. There are great opportunities for longer walks.

Midges can be a problem, mostly between July & September. Bring some repellent. Those based on 'DeeT' are effective (but bad for plastic, so take care with your specs). There's also the 'Woodland Fresh' cosmetic range by Avon which is effective but not quite as long lasting as deet. It smells nicer, though. Midges don't like strong sunlight or wind, so there are plenty of 'midgeless' days.

Winter

Winters are typified as 'long, dark, and wet'. It is not particularly cold (lying snow is unusual), but the wind chill can make it feel much colder than it is. The days are short, so the opportunity for long walks is less than in summer. Make sure you have a change of warm outdoor clothing.

Motoring on Mull

Many of the roads on Mull are single track, so be prepared and keep to the code. If you are not too hot at reversing, get some practice before coming to Mull ! Your average speeds will be lower, so allow plenty of time (about an hour from Craignure to Fionnphort, 37 miles).

Petrol (gasoline) is even more expensive than on the mainland, so fill your tank before the ferry. There's a 24-hour filling station at Dunbeg, between Connel and Oban. The Oban Tesco (superstore) also has a filling station.

On Mull there are petrol stations at Craignure (2), Salen, Tobermory and between Bunessan and Fionnphort (2).