The Isle of Mull is an excellent place to cycle, both on and off road. The roads are nearly all single-track with little traffic and amazing scenery. The Bellachroy is in an excellent location to explore north Mull by cycle.

Cycle north from the Bellachroy through Quinish and the Ardmore Forest to Tobermory on a series of off road tracks returning on the Tobermory to Dervaig road, approx 20 to 35 miles depending on which tracks you take through the forest. Tracks are waymarked through Forestry Commission land. Refreshments are available en route at the Glengorm Castle cafe.  Or take the road west to Calgary Bay and then follow the spectacular coast road to Salen returning via Tobermory (47 miles) or Glen Bellart (42 miles). Refreshments are available at Calgary and Salen.  A short variation of this route is to leave Dervaig on the road to Achleck and Kilninian returning via Calgary, 18 miles. For the less energetic take a short (and flat!) 8 mile ride along either side of Loch Cuin to Quinish or Croig.

The Bellachroy welcomes cyclists and has dedicated cycle accommodation for 6 cycles. We can provide an emergency recovery service for stranded cyclists back to the Bellachroy (tarmac roads only) and to the ferry at Craignure if required.

Cycle hire and spare parts are available from On Yer Bike in Salen. Ordnance Survey maps are available at the hotel. Packed lunches also available.

The Mull Sportive takes place every June and passes Dervaig and the Bellachroy. A great time for a cycling holiday on Mull!

Lace up those walking boots and experience the spectacular landscape of Mull, the rocky cliffs, the white sandy beaches and the freshwater lochs. The Bellachroy is ideally placed for exploring north Mull on foot. And you do not need to take your car – walk directly from the hotel or take the 494 bus that runs between Tobermory and Calgary Bay throughout the day (except Sunday) stopping outside the hotel. Examples of walks close to the hotel are:

• Dervaig to Quinish Point passing the fossilized trees near the deserted village of Ardantairbh, standing stones and a hill fort. Pause at Quinish point for  panoramic views of Coll and Ardnamurchan Point. Watch the wildlife and shipping entering and leaving the Sound of Mull. Return the way you came (approx 7 miles) or via the forest tracks of Glen Gorm and Loch an Torr (approx 10 miles).
• Calgary Bay to Caliach Point along the coast returning on a metalled road via Mornish (approx 8 miles). Exceptional wildlife viewing area between Rubha nan Oirean and Caliach Point. Cafe and good quality crafts at Calgary.
• North West Community Woodland car park (B8073) to the beautiful deserted white sands and blue water of Langamull beach and port (approx 5 miles). Great for sunbathing on a hot summers day. Even in bad weather this is a great place to explore. There is an optional detour to the deserted village of  Kildavie en route.

The Bellachroy can provide full details of these and other walks. OS Explorer map sheet 374 can be borrowed from the hotel. Packed lunches can also be provided.

The Isle of Mull abounds with wildlife. Its waters are home to minke whales, dolphins, porpoises, basking sharks, seals and otters. Red deer live in its woods and glens. Mull and its waters are an internationally important area for some key species of wildlife

Above all Mull is a birdwatcher’s paradise. Even those without an interest in ornithology will be awed at the sight of a Golden or White Tailed Eagle. The Bellachroy Inn is an ideal base for wildlife and bird watching. The Torlosk hill road, Calgary Bay, Loch Cuin, Croig and Loch Frisa are excellent locations within walking distance or just a short bus ride or drive away.

From the Torlosk hill road see Golden Eagles, Short-eared owls, Hen Harriers and Merlin. Listen to Corncrakes at dusk at Calgary Bay or Snipe ‘drumming’ at Croig. Loch Cuin is a good location for Greenshank, Redshank and Dippers. See the White Tailed Eagle at Loch Frisa. Wherever you go locally there is abundant wildlife.

Mull Eagle Watch is a unique conservation and public viewing partnership between Forestry Commission Scotland, RSPB, the Mull & Iona Community Trust and Scottish Natural Heritage. Ranger guided visits are held daily (except Saturday) from April to September at the Mull Eagle Hide, currently located near Craignure. This is the only place in Britain where White Tailed eagles can be viewed from an organised hide. Visit (http://scotland.forestry.gov.uk/visit/mull/mull-eagle-watch) for up to date information.

Slightly further away we can recommend the boat trip from Ulva Ferry to Staffa and the Treshnish Islands. Many varieties of sea birds can be seen along with common seals, minke whale and porpoise. A particular highlight from May to July are puffins nesting on land, these can be viewed here at very close quarters.

Mull’s Ancient History

Mull and its surrounding islands have been continuously inhabited since the end of the last ice age, around 12,000-7,000 years ago. The island holds evidence of every epoch of human history, from mesolithic times onwards: ancient cave settlements (most notably, Livingston’s Cave in Ulva), crannogs, brochs, early Christian monuments, Viking villages and castles.
To find out more about its numerous sites and findings, visit the Mull Historical & Archeological Society’s website: www.mull-historical-society.co.uk

Duart Castle

The ancestral home of the Clan MacLean does not disappoint, with dungeons, staterooms and a keep dating back to the 13th century. Discover the history of the castle and enjoy the spectacular views from the battlements. www.duartcastle.com

Neighbouring Islands

Staffa, the Treshnish Isles and the mystical Isle of Iona are readily accessible from the Isle of Mull.

The Treshnish Isles host a multitude of wildlife in their natural habits including seals, otters and seabirds including puffin colonies. Watch them take off and land on the cliffs in front of you.

Iona lies off the south-western tip of Mull and is home to the restored St Columba Abbey and Nunnery, where it is said that 48 Scottish Kings including Macbeth are buried in the chapel-like tombs. Alternatively, play a round of Golf on Iona’s 120-year-old course.

Staffa (believed to be the eastern end of the Giant’s Causeway) is also located off the south-western tip of Mull. Its volcanic rock formations, ‘staves’, are awe-inspiring and give the island its name. Over millennia, a magnificent 227 foot sea cave, called Fingal’s Cave, has been formed from basalt pillars. The legend goes that the composer Mendelssohn heard the theme of his Hebrides overture in the sound of the sea crashing through the cave.

The Isle of Mull is particularly fortunate in the number and range of good quality restaurants serving marvellous locally sourced food, particularly seafood. In addition to our own excellent restaurant at The Bellachroy there are four splendid eating establishments within easy distance. We have eaten at all of these and can personally recommend them. Here are our fabulous four:

ar bord (our table)

Dervaig, 0.25 miles from the Bellachroy.
Open from 1830hrs Wednesday to Saturday.  Booking essential.
This restaurant is family run from a private house.  The set menu on offer uses the best local and seasonally produced ingredients.  This restaurant is unlicenced, so please BYOB.

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Croft 3

Fanmore, 6 miles from the Bellachroy.

Opened in October 2022, Jeanette completed the restoration of this ruined byre with new extension. As owner operator Jeanette is running a working croft with an aim to be self sufficient. The menu is simple, focusing on seasonality and locality. Please visit website for opening and online booking.

This restaurant is (currently) unlicenced, so please BYOB.

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The Boathouse

Ulva, 12 miles from the Bellachroy.
Open for lunch Monday to Friday 1200hrs to 1600hrs & Sundays June, July and August. Closed Saturdays.
A simple restaurant sometimes described as a cafe serving seafood in a stunning location on the Isle of Ulva, 5 minutes by ferry from Ulva Ferry. Sit outside for magnificent views across Loch na Keal to Ben More. Seafood does not come any fresher or better than this. Reasonably priced.

Am Birlinn

3 miles from the Bellachroy on the road to Calgary
Open Wednesday to Sunday 1200hrs to 1430hrs & 1700hrs to 2100hrs. Closed Monday & Tuesdays.
Comfortable restaurant run by friendly husband and wife team. Extensive menu with a continental influence. The most sophisticated of our four. Whatever your choice from the menu you won’t be disappointed.

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