Back in June last year we visited Scotland and this time we spent time on the West coast in Oban, The Outer Hebrides and then a few days in Glasgow. Our third day trip from Oban took us back on to the Isle of Mull where we traveled to the town of Tobermory and then on another boat to the Isle Of Staffa and Treshnish Isles to see the puffins.
We departed from the Ferry Terminal in Oban and traveled by Caledonian Ferries to Craignure on the Isle of Mull.
It’s a 45-minute crossing so there’s plenty of time to relax and take in the views.
Tobermory
Upon departure from the ferry we boarded a coach to Tobermory. The journey took around 40 minues and gave us the opportunity to see the north part of Mull, We had around 30 minutes before we boarded the boat to Staffa.
Tobermory will always be known to a lot of children and their parents as Balamory; the CBeebies TV programme! Even now the town is still so recognisable to the one my children watched. The beautifully painted houses really stand out against the green hill behind this pretty seaside town.
Although we visited the beginning of June, Tobermory really was very quiet. We had about 30 minutes before the boat tour part of our trip and by the time we returned at gone 4 pm a lot of the town was closed. I know I would love to go back to this part of Scotland and explore further but next time stay on the Islands and set my own itinerary.
We boarded the boat at the pretty harbour and began the slightly choppy journey to Staffa; we didn’t pick the best weather for a sea journey!
Staffa
The Island of Staffa lies about five and a half miles to the north of Iona. It is world-famous for its dramatic rock formations, nesting puffins and for the cave known as ‘Fingal’s Cave’.
The approach to Staffa by sea is breathtaking, great basalt columns flanking the deep caves; nature at it’s best.
By the time we reached Staffa the weather had improved and we were able to land and disembark to explore the natural wonders of Fingal’s Cave.
A variety of seabirds can be seen on the journey and as well as seals and occasionally dolphins and porpoises.
The topography of Staffa means that it isn’t suitable for wheelchairs or for those with limited mobility. I decided not to get off the boat at Staffa. We had about an hour on the island and during this time I had the opportunity to see a little more of the island as the boats have to stay offshore as there is only room for one boat at a time.
This gave me the opportunity to see up close the stunning rock formations and to watch a pod of dolphins up close.
From Staffa we went to the Tresnish Isles and to the highlight of the tour; the puffins which quite frankly deserve a post all of their own!
Upon our return to Tobermory we had just under two hours to explore the town before returning by coach to catch the ferry back to Oban.
It was an early start and we were on the go all day but it really was a day to remember.
I have lived in Scotland all my life but never been to Tobermory. Definitely somewhere I should go, doesn’t it look lovely. Glad you enjoyed x
It rreally is a lovely place. I think we are all guilty of overlooking what is right on our doorstep and looking tyo the bright lights of places further afield
Tobermory is somewhere I’d like to visit – I recognised it from Balamory although I suspect that Balamory was on CBeebies too long ago now for Sophie to remember it. Those rock formations on Staffa are amazing and how lovely to see the dolphins.
My kids are now teenagers and they remember Balamory!