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Home , Ben More (Mull), Iona, Oban

WALKING & WILDLIFE ON MULL AND EXPLORE THE WILD INNER

WALKING & WILDLIFE ON MULL AND IONA - SELF DRIVE HOLIDAY Explore the spectacular Inner Hebridean Isles of Mull and Iona on foot. SUMMARY Encounter the prolific sea life of whales, dolphins and basking sharks while watching the soaring eagles that make their home in these islands. Walk in the footsteps of St at the historic Iona , and marvel at the rich coloured houses of Tobermory in Mull. A boat trip out to the majestic Fingal’s Cave on will surely impress where the cry of the resident seals echo the inspiration behind Mendelssohn’s ‘Hebrides Overture’. Follow our suggested route by car and ferry with daily walks through differing landscapes created by a mixture of ancient volcanic activity and Ice age glaciers. As you explore the islands, the natural landscape seem in perfect harmony with the long, rich history of this magical area. With 3 nights on historic Iona and 4 nights in Mull we provide you with suggested walks each day.

The trip includes your return ferry crossings from on the Scottish mainland to on Mull, the passenger only ferry to Iona and also a boat trip out to the famous Island of Staffa. Each night you will be accommodated in quality and traditional B&B and Guest Houses. Further we will supply you with a guide Tour: Walking & Wildlife on Mull and book of walks and a comprehensive information pack with our recommendations. This trip is suitable for Iona those with use of a car as there is little public transport and many of the walks are remote. Car hire is not Code: WSSMI included but if you wish we can book as an additional option. Type: Self-Guided Walking Holiday Price: see website Single Supplement: see website Dates: March - October HIGHLIGHTS Days: 6 Nights: 7 Start/Finish: Oban  Indigenous wildlife including eagles, whales, dolphins and otters Grade: Easy to Moderate  Explore the 13th Century IS IT FOR ME?  Picture postcard village of Tobermory in Mull This holiday allows you to travel through  Majestic geology of Fingal’s Cave that inspired Mendelssohn’s ‘Hebrides Overture’ the Isles of Mull and Iona staying in friendly traditional B&B accommodation. Each day provides a new experience and WHY CHOOSE A SELF GUIDED WALKING HOLIDAY WITH US? we suggest many walks on the Islands. Enjoy the wildlife and spectacular land- Macs Adventure is a small, energetic company dedicated to delivering adventure excellence. We have scapes that make this area so special. hand picked the best possible accommodation in order to make sure that you experience the best the Islands have to offer. We are passionate about delivering outstanding walking holidays where every last WHAT’S INCLUDED? detail is taken care of. Each holiday we offer is unique, tailor made to meet your requirements. Ferry crossings: Return crossings from Oban to From your first contact with Macs Adventure you will deal with a local specialist who knows the region Mull and from Mull to Iona. Boat trip to the Isle of intimately. Self guided walking holidays are a wonderful relaxed way to discover the magic of an area. Staffa. Free to travel at your own pace and wander off the beaten track, you will discover the beauty of the Accommodation: Friendly B&B’s and Guest houses landscape, the warmth of the people and the long history of this spectacular land. In the unlikely event you Meals: A hearty breakfast included. Lunch and dinner not included but always available at accom- should require emergency support our office is always more than happy to help with your queries. modation or nearby.

Information Pack: Guide Book as well as a pre- departure information pack.

WALKING & WILDLIFE ON MULL AND IONA EXPLORE THE WILD

Leaving your car at harbour you will ITINERARY: WSSMI DAY 3 now have 3 days without the stress of driving. Following your first night in your hand picked Boat trip to Staffa Walking on Mull and Iona accommodation you will be ready to enjoy the Your holiday includes a trip out to the Isle of delights of this most attractive little Island. Staffa and Fingal’s Cave. The Isle is steeped in Walking Days: 6 myth and legend and weather permitting you will Overnight: Iona Nights: 7 have up to 1 hour ashore to enjoy the location that inspired Mendelssohn’s ‘Hebrides’ overture. Your accommodation is a real highlight of this trip Average Daily Distance: Approx 5-10 miles per Sea life abounds with a chance to spot seals, day. and on Iona we utilise the best possible options. clown like puffins and maybe the fin of a passing Grade: Easy to Moderate Some of our favourites include the following: basking shark.

St Columba Hotel Overnight: Iona Day Route Beautifully positioned close to the shore and DAY 4 adjoining the Abbey this mid19th Century Hotel is 1 Travel to Iona proud of it’s organic produce and local seafood. Travel to Tobermory, Mull

Walk on Iona- Overnight Up to Following breakfast you are ready to travel back 2 Iona 10 Hotel miles across to Mull to continue to Tobermory for your Boat trip to Staffa— per Looking after visitors for over 140 years, this old 3 Overnight Iona day next 4 nights accommodation. En route there are Hebridean building is full of character and a real many opportunities to stop off and explore the Depart Iona by ferry for 4 Mull—Overnight Tober- home from home. many walks on offer. You will undoubtedly wish mory, Mull to enjoy the views of , the highest DAY 2 5 Walk on Mull—Overnight mountain in Mull at over 3000 feet, giving it Tobermory Walking on Iona famed ‘’ status. Golden eagles are a 6 Walk on Mull—Overnight Tobermory feature of these uplands and a site to behold as Iona South they soar along the ridges. 7 Walk on Mull—Overnight Tobermory The main site of historical importance is the 13th Overnight: Tobermory 8 Depart Mull by Ferry for Century Abbey built on the site of St Columba's Oban and onward Travel 6th Century monastery. The site is visited by Once again the accommodation is carefully modern day pilgrims and it is worthwhile chosen to enhance the quality of the trip. Here spending time here to enjoy the peace and are some of our favourite properties: tranquillity. Wildlife to be seen includes wading DAY 1 Brockville Bed and Breakfast birds such as Curlew as they rise with their calls Travel to Iona from the beaches and moors. This bed and breakfast is only a 5 minute walk Your journey begins as you depart Oban on the from the brightly painted harbour. The high level Iona North ferry crossing to Mull. As you pass the Island of of comfort coupled with the traditional Scottish you start to see porpoises rolling in the Here stands the peak of Dun I, the highest point welcome make this an ideal place to enjoy this turbulent waters while gannets and gulls lead you at 101 metres. The main wildlife draw is the charming town. on to the port of Craignure in Mull. The journey Corncrake, one of the rarest breeding birds in Strongarbh House Bed and Breakfast to Fionnphort for the passenger ferry to the Isle Britain. Even if you do not view the bird you may of Iona is a delight. Indeed there is a good walk be lucky to hear it’s distinctive ’crex’ call that Perched in a cliff top above the Tobermory Bay, just south of Craignure at Port Donain where sounds like a finger being drawn along a comb. this handsome Victorian Villa has it’s own there is a lovely beach and the chance to see red spacious gardens linked to the harbour via it’s Overnight: Iona deer. Keep a look out over the moorlands for a own private woodland path. Stylish bedrooms chance to view hen harriers quartering the with all modern conveniences provide a relaxing heather. retreat in the heart of town. WALKING & WILDLIFE ON MULL AND IONA EXPLORE THE WILD INNER HEBRIDES

DAYS 5 - 7 traditional hospitality and delicious local food. Dogs On this trip we only utilise accommodation with a Walking on Mull Scottish Tourist Board rating of 3 star and above. Unfortunately we are unable to accommodate walkers with dogs as many of the There are many opportunities to walk in the This provides peace of mind with the knowledge accommodation providers do not accept pets. immediate environs of Tobermory itself. Further that you are staying in good quality properties. the town is a base for whale watching and in the Single Rooms summer season it is possible to take a boat trip TRAVEL INFORMATION in search of these incredible sea mammals. We Single occupancy rooms may be booked though suggest the following walks which will be in your this will incur an additional charge. Getting to and from Mull and Iona guidebook provided: Meals Your trip includes return ferry crossings from Aros Park Oban on the mainland to Mull and return A hearty breakfast is included each morning. crossings from Mull to Iona. Times may be Just south east of Tobermory Aros Park has Lunch and dinner are not included so you are viewed on the Calmac ferry websites gardens of Rhododendrons, woodlands of beech, free to choose from the available options. Many hazel and oak surrounding a lochan filled with of your accommodations will more than happy to Getting to Oban: lilies are a delight. A walk through the Victorian provide a packed lunch on request and this can estate allows you to view a lovely waterfall and a be booked on arrival. Dinner is available either at AIRPORT: Is the closest airport with 30 airlines serving about 90 destinations chance to see woodland bird species and the your accommodation or nearby pubs. Indeed it worldwide. For information on airlines and occasional mink. should be pointed out that Mull and Iona offer transport to and from the airport please visit some of the best possibilities to dine on the Ardmore Bay www.glasgowairport.com. freshest of Scottish seafood. CAR: Easily accessible via the A82 following the In this area you have a good chance to see Navigation West Side of Loch Lomond and then the A85 at Britain’s largest bird of prey, the white tailed sea (2.5 hrs). If you travelling from eagle. It is hard to miss these ’flying barn doors’ The walks on the Mull and Iona are generally the most direct route is via the M1/M6 to as they search the shore for food. NOT way marked and some degree of from where the M74 will take you navigational skill is required. We provide a toward Glasgow and the route North. Treshnish Headland guidebook with basic maps for the walks RAIL: From Glasgow you can catch the train to Spectacular coastal scenery is the theme for this however should you wish to back this up then we Oban (3hrs) on the world famous West Highland walk on the west coast, with sculpted sea stacks, would recommend purchasing OS Landranger Line. caves and arches eroded by the pounding sea. maps 47, 48 and 49 BUS: From Glasgow you can take the Scottish Views out the west reveal the exposed Treshnish Citylink bus to Oban (3hrs) www.citylink.co.uk. Isles strung out in a line. At any high coastal Grade point it is always worth scanning the sea for This route is graded moderate as it passes whales, dolphins and porpoises as they blow, through some remote country and is not way Getting around the Islands leap and roll through the food rich waters. marked. Though a guidebook is provided, We strongly recommend bringing a vehicle to navigation skills may be helpful. Overnight: Tobermory on each night allow full access to the various walks on Mull. Equipment Travel Insurance HOLIDAY INFORMATION Your information pack has a detailed equipment We strongly recommend taking out travel list which includes standard walking gear such as insurance to cover cancellation or curtailment of Accommodation good walking boots or shoes, warm and your holiday. We specifically choose the guesthouses to waterproof clothes and a day pack. ensure that you enjoy every minute of your stay. They all offer a warm welcome to walkers,

WALKING & WILDLIFE ON MULL AND IONA EXPLORE THE WILD INNER HEBRIDES

 A detailed info pack and guidebook for the curtailment of your travel arrangements due to M.A.C.S RESPONSIBLE TOURISM group leader. the insolvency of Macs Adventure Ltd. There is  Emergency telephone support from our office no requirement for Financial Protection of day Minimise Impact & Maximise Benefit in the event of a problem. trips, and none is provided. This insurance is  Ferry crossings as per itinerary - (1 car per only valid for packages booked that DO NOT Our operating policies, office policies, holidays booking) include flights. and tours are all designed to minimise impact  Boat trip to the Isle of Staffa. and maximise benefit to the environment and Consumer aware: Your booking is insured by IPP Ltd and its panel of insurers. - This insurance local communities. Excluded is only valid for passengers who book and pay Action & Advocacy  Lunches, dinners, snacks and drinks. directly with/to Macs Adventure Ltd. For further Travel Insurance. information please go to www.ipplondon.co.uk. We believe that by engaging our team and  This Insurance has been arranged by clients in environmental and community projects  Personal Equipment. International Passenger Protection Limited and we can make a real difference.  Luggage transfers. underwritten by Insurers who are members of the Carbon & Communities Options Association of British Insurers & Lloyds Syndicates. Travel and our business activity does of course  Car hire— We can arrange if required. contribute to carbon output and climate change. ABTA Member  Single supplement. We have put several policies in place to minimise Statement our carbon footprint. HOW TO BOOK Macs Adventure Holidays is a Member of ABTA. Sensitive & Sustainable ABTA and ABTA Members help holidaymakers to get the most from their travel and assist when Macs Adventure has worked hard to ensure that Once you have read all the information in this things don’t go according to plan. We are obliged our holidays are sensitive to the community you factsheet or on our website and decided on your are visiting and sustainable over the long term. preferred itinerary, visit our website or give us a to maintain a high standard of service to you by call to confirm availability. You can then book ABTA’s Code of Conduct. For more information securely online at www.macsadventure.com, by on ABTA, the Code of Conduct and the More about M.A.C.S. Responsible Travel phone on +44 (0) 141 530 8886 or download a arbitration scheme available to you if you have a Policy... booking form and post it to Macs Adventure, 44 complaint, contact ABTA, 30 Park Street, London Speirs Wharf, Glasgow, G4 9TH, UK or fax it to SE1 9EQ, tel 020 3117 0581 www.abta.com PRICE & AVAILABILITY +44 (0) 845 527 5688 BOOK WITH CONFIDENCE Price Detailed up to date prices for all our Holidays are available on our website www.macsadventure.com Financial Security In accordance with "The Package Travel, Availability Package Holidays and Package Tours This walking holiday is best enjoyed between Regulations1992" all passengers booking with March and October. You will find up to date Macs Adventure Ltd are fully protected for the availability on our website. initial deposit and subsequently the balance of all monies paid to us, including repatriation if Included required (this insurance will not cover repatriation to the country of origin for the passengers  7 nights of hand picked accommodation outside of the EU), arising from cancellation or