Mull: the island that made me a camper convert
The latest instalment in my ongoing mission to visit every inhabited UK island – and what a chapter this was!
Just off Scotland’s west coast, the Isle of Mull is the second-largest island in the Inner Hebrides - and EASILY one of the most enchanting. With dramatic landscapes, white sand beaches, winding single-track roads (cue lots of tense breathing in on the skinny ones!) and only the bloomin’ real life BALAMORY(!), Mull makes a dreamy destination whether you're in search of adventure, great food or total peace and quiet. You can get there via a short ferry ride from Oban, Lochaline or Kilchoan, and once you’re on the island, it feels like a world away.
We spent three nights on Mull thanks to Wingbeat Escapes, who loaned us one of their luxury campers. Although “camper” doesn’t quiiiiite do it justice - think of it more as a boutique hotel suite on wheels, complete with a king-sized bed dressed in cloud-soft sheets, parquet flooring, and a perfectly-formed kitchenette with custom shaker cabinets and even a Belfast sink. Oh, and a shower too!
I’ll admit, when we first saw the size of the van (a long wheelbase), I panicked slightly at the thought of navigating Mull’s single-track roads. But a few chants of “If boys do it, how hard can it be?” later we were absolutely flying - and, better yet, most oncoming cars kindly reversed for us. A rare joy of being the bigger vehicle!!
If you’re now camper-curious, you’re in luck - you can use PIPPA10 for 10% off any Wingbeat Escapes booking (just book by 4th June for travel anytime in the next 12 months).
The Itinerary
Three nights made for a great little break, but four would be ideal - especially if you want to squeeze in visits to Iona and Ulva, or explore the northwest of the island, including the famous white sands at Calgary Bay. We didn’t have time to make it that far this time, but it’s firmly on my list for next time (along with a few food spots we sadly didn’t get to - I’ve included them in the itinerary below though!).
Speaking of food - Mull’s food scene was one of the biggest (and best) surprises of the trip. The island’s packed with brilliant independent producers (you’ll know by now how obsessed I am with Tobermory Fish Co’s smoked trout), and there’s a whole host of great cafés and restaurants. I’ve shared some of my favourites over on Instagram if you want a full rundown.
This itinerary is built around travelling by campervan and making the most of different campsites and stopovers - but it would work just as well if you're staying in a hotel or Airbnb on the island, albeit with a bit of extra driving each day.