Isle of Mull or Skye

G

GerryD

Suspended / Banned
Messages
3,547
Name
Gerald Davies
Edit My Images
Yes
I've got one week left in Scotland and I am stuck between a trip to the isle of Skye :D or the Isle of Mull. :D

Skye offers some excellent landscape :) opportunities where Mull offers the better wildlife :) opportunities.

I'm in Fort William at the moment, giving my legs a chance to recover after claiming Ben Nevis :hug:. So both islands are very accessible for me. I can only afford to go to one island.

Please give me your recommentations as to what you think is the best island photographically. :)
 
1 vote for Skye, but then ive never been to Mull :lol: Skye has the landscape and you can get a good amout of wildlife (sea eagle boat trip from Portree harbour) :thumbs:
 
I'd vote for Skye as well. I love the place, not that Mull isn't beautiful, I just find Skye a magical place.

I've got some images from my recent trip on my flickr site

www.flickr.com/bigdavetaylor

Dave
 
Woohoo - I'm off to Isle of Skye in a couple of weeks - I've only seen very impressive landscapes photos from there - I doubt it will disappoint :)
 
Skye is fantastic, but I would go for Mull, only because you can take the foot ferry to Iona, which is a magical place.
 
Mull. There's a chance you'll see otters. And you will see seals. And Iona.
 
Mull..........:thumbs:
 
I have never been to Mull, but I must say Skye shouldn't disappoint. It's a fantastic place to visit.
If you do go, visit Neist point. It's a favorite spot of mine. I've been twice, and both times I saw basking sharks, so Skye's not all bad for wildlife!
 
Skye has more variety but Mull will not disappoint and as it less travelled (relatively) you may get some more unique images.

Well done on claiming the Ben :clap: Was it like Piccadily Circus? :D Some nice hills on Mull too!

:thumbs:
 
HIMUPNORTH said:
Skye has more variety but Mull will not disappoint and as it less travelled (relatively) you may get some more unique images.

Well done on claiming the Ben :clap: Was it like Piccadily Circus? Some nice hills on Mull too!

:thumbs:
Click to expand...

Cheers Hun. Nice when completed but a bit nervy on top due to weather not being best and glasses starting to freezeover :eek:. It wasn't to crowded when I got on top but they where like ants marching up behind me. Just missed the rush.

CarlukeDave said:
I'd vote for Skye as well. I love the place, not that Mull isn't beautiful, I just find Skye a magical place.

I've got some images from my recent trip on my flickr site

www.flickr.com/bigdavetaylor

Dave
Click to expand...
Cheers Dave, I'll take a good look at your photos later, I've had a sneak preview and some good photos there. I'm on a 56k connection at moment and its so sssslllllooooooooowwwwwwwwwww,

ekimeno said:
Woohoo - I'm off to Isle of Skye in a couple of weeks - I've only seen very impressive landscapes photos from there - I doubt it will disappoint :)
Click to expand...

Cheers ekimeno. I pretty sure Skye won't disappoint. Difficult choice.

Caledonia said:
Skye is fantastic, but I would go for Mull, only because you can take the foot ferry to Iona, which is a magical place.
Click to expand...

Cheers Caledonia. There's a few mentions of Iona on this thread and its spiked my interest.

contrastingLight said:
Skye is fantastic, especially elgol worth a trip if you haven't been before.....
Click to expand...

Thanks, somewhere else to add to my wish list :)

mobilevirgin said:
Mull. There's a chance you'll see otters. And you will see seals. And Iona.
Click to expand...

Otters :) Definetly worth taking the risk to try and find :thumbs:

sawman said:
Mull
Click to expand...

fracster said:
Mull..........:thumbs:
Click to expand...

Definative answers from Sawman and Fracster. Looks like you guys love the place.

The Matt said:
I have never been to Mull, but I must say Skye shouldn't disappoint. It's a fantastic place to visit.
If you do go, visit Neist point. It's a favorite spot of mine. I've been twice, and both times I saw basking sharks, so Skye's not all bad for wildlife!
Click to expand...

Matt, thanks for the tips. Somewhere else to investigate. I think basking sharks are summer visitors, might be wrong on this, so might be a bit late in the year for them.

Grockle said:
Get off the tourist trail - everyone goes to Skye & Mull ;)

How about trying Ardnamurchan http://www.ardnamurchan.com/

or Applecross (spectacular scenery which many think looks best if approached from the South on the high road http://www.applecross.uk.com/

or Kintyre from Oban/ Tarbert down to Cambeltown/ Machrahanish/ Mull of Kintrye - Southend beach is lovely ;) http://www.kintyre.org/seeanddo.php
Click to expand...

Grockle, thanks for trying to get me to do something new. I'll stick to the well trodden path for now. I'll be back up next year. Guaranteed. I've been over to Applecross. Stunning place. You have to love that mountain road over to Applecross. What a drive. Some interesting places you have listed Grockle. Will have to do some on a return visit.

Skye's up 5 to 4 and thanks all for your input.

I have feeling, that Mull is going to win out and that I might catch the 1st ferry to SKye tomorrow morning for a day and come back down the A87 past Eillan Donan for sunset and then back to Fort William and catch the ferry to Mull on Saturday.

I know Ellan Donan has been done a million times I just want a crack at it.

Gerald
 
Caledonia said:
Skye is fantastic, but I would go for Mull, only because you can take the foot ferry to Iona, which is a magical place.
Click to expand...

:agree: I love Skye but give Mull a go and take the trip to Iona AND Staffa (Fingal's Cave) for which you can book tickets for at the ferry. Tobermory (otherwise know as Balamory) is one of the prettiest villages in the UK. Duart Castle is worth a visit too - quite impressive. ALSO the drive from Fort William south for 10-15 miles or so is STUNNING and you pass Castle Stalker.

If you fancy some sea food try Ee-usk on the harbour in Oban and if you need somewhere to stay near Oban then PM me and I'll send you the link for the best Guest House in Scotland (officially) which happens to be owned by friends of mine. :)
 
Thanks for the tips Aberal. I'm in a caravan so will need a camp site not b &b.
 
Glenbrittle is a cracking campsite at the end of the Cullins. Literally a footstep away from the beach and spectacular scenery - very laid back. There's a "rustic" toilet and shower block and a very reasonably priced little shop. That's it.
 
chewyuk said:
Can't comment on Mull, but Skye quite literally blew me away - Magical place.
Click to expand...

Its been a tough choice between the 2. Be coming back up of a week on Skye next year.

Grockle said:
Glenbrittle is a cracking campsite at the end of the Cullins. Literally a footstep away from the beach and spectacular scenery - very laid back. There's a "rustic" toilet and shower block and a very reasonably priced little shop. That's it.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the tip. Jjust checked the roads out, with a caravan could be interesting.

EdinburghGary said:
Skye :D Never really been, but have been to Mull several times - I LOVE IT, but Skye looks phenonemal.

Cheers Gary. I think thats one for Mull

Gary.
Click to expand...

mullrallyesport said:
Mull it is then;)


v
v
v
v

But then I am a bit biased.
Click to expand...

I can understand your bias MullRallyesport.

Look like I'll be over for 4 days on a 5 day ferry return ticket. Going to book tomorrow :)
 
taxi said:
Its been a tough choice between the 2. Be coming back up of a week on Skye next year.



Thanks for the tip. Jjust checked the roads out, with a caravan could be interesting.





I can understand your bias MullRallyesport.

Look like I'll be over for 4 days on a 5 day ferry return ticket. Going to book tomorrow :)
Click to expand...

Don't go from Oban, will cost you a fortune. Lochaline is cheapest, if it's running. Might be seasonal. Try Kilchoan, Adnamurchan too.

Gary.
 
Do they allow foot passengers from Oban?? I've had a quick look on the site and they seem to...if I go I'll be making my way there by train, so should be relatively cheap not taking a car!
 
purpleclouds said:
Do they allow foot passengers from Oban?? I've had a quick look on the site and they seem to...if I go I'll be making my way there by train, so should be relatively cheap not taking a car!
Click to expand...

Much cheaper, I thought Gerald might be taking car and caravan, which I suspect will cost £100+, possibly £200+.

Myself, Claire and a Renault Scenic costs £90 return from Oban, £28 return from Lochaline and £45 return from Kilchoan, Ardnamurchan.

Gary.
 
EdinburghGary said:
Don't go from Oban, will cost you a fortune. Lochaline is cheapest, if it's running. Might be seasonal. Try Kilchoan, Adnamurchan too.

Gary.
Click to expand...

Cheers Gary. I knoiw Oban is the most expensive. But looking at the roads to te other places you mention, they look rather challenging for a caravan. May have to govia Oban although not happy about.

purpleclouds said:
Do they allow foot passengers from Oban?? I've had a quick look on the site and they seem to...if I go I'll be making my way there by train, so should be relatively cheap not taking a car!
Click to expand...

They do allow foot passengers from Oban. Prices between Oban and Mull is 5 day saver return £7.25 or 6 crossings for 18.15 from the ferry companies 2008 timetable. Check out www.calmac.co.uk for more info and exact sailing times
 
EdinburghGary said:
Much cheaper, I thought Gerald might be taking car and caravan, which I suspect will cost £100+, possibly £200+.

Myself, Claire and a Renault Scenic costs £90 return from Oban, £28 return from Lochaline and £45 return from Kilchoan, Ardnamurchan.

Gary.
Click to expand...

I was thinking maybe take a pushbike, to aid travelling around on Mull, I don't know how kindly they take to having campers on the hills so would probably need to base myself somewhere!!

Taxi - That seems pretty reasonable! The train to Oban from Manchester is £57 return so this Saturdays work might be going in a holiday pot :D
 
GAry return trip to Mull from Oban is £135.25, total rip off for length of Journey and traveling around would be cheaper, but time and roads don't make it a wortwhile option
 
taxi said:
GAry return trip to Mull from Oban is £135.25, total rip off for length of Journey and traveling around would be cheaper, but time and roads don't make it a wortwhile option
Click to expand...

I think the roads to Lochaline and Kilchoan will have passing places, but I do appreciate your fears, the way I see it, two fingers to the drivers behind you, as long as you pull into the passing places to allow over taking, they cant complain.

Gary.
 
You will see otters on Skye too - and sea eagles. The basking sharks are there rightthrough the winter - Gavin Maxwell used to hunt them from his house in the Sound of Sleat, from a rowing boat!
 
Skye due to the ferry hassle really would be my preference. It will hammer Mull in terms of Landscapes, and do Birds of Prey not emigrate? I know the Ospreys have buggered off for the season...

Gary.
 
Lensflare said:
You will see otters on Skye too - and sea eagles. The basking sharks are there rightthrough the winter - Gavin Maxwell used to hunt them from his house in the Sound of Sleat, from a rowing boat!
Click to expand...

He sounds like an interesting chap :D
 
purpleclouds said:
I was thinking maybe take a pushbike, to aid travelling around on Mull, I don't know how kindly they take to having campers on the hills so would probably need to base myself somewhere!!

Taxi - That seems pretty reasonable! The train to Oban from Manchester is £57 return so this Saturdays work might be going in a holiday pot :D
Click to expand...

Push bikes are £1.15 per crossing. Not to sure how they are about wild camping, but find somewhere secluded and you should be ok.

Good price on train ticket.
 
taxi said:
Push bikes are £1.15 per crossing. Not to sure how they are about wild camping, but find somewhere secluded and you should be ok.

Good price on train ticket.
Click to expand...

Yea I guess so...I am very much an outdoor person and respect the environment so wouldn't be leaving litter and the likes..only a square of flat grass :p

The train ticket is just for a saver return...might possibly be cheaper booking the journey in advance, and in sections...but its a lot more faffing about!
 
taxi said:
Push bikes are £1.15 per crossing. Not to sure how they are about wild camping, but find somewhere secluded and you should be ok.

Good price on train ticket.
Click to expand...

Gerald,

I am planning to camp at Calgary in the Campervan on my next trip. It's not a "huge" distance from Tobermory, but again, you will have the single track roads to deal with. They have a 24 hour toilet, and you are allowed to stay overnight, free of charge. What a lovely bay it is too!

Look at these:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/dougchinnery/2309493113/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/bicameral/981964877/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/22675837@N06/2456582248/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/caroldanson/1094808263/

Awesome :D

Gary.

Edit:
last time I was there, I seen several campervans and caravans.
 
It's amazing how many people are so keen to leave Scotland when going on holiday despite the fact that such beautiful places as that exist right on their door steps.
 
EdinburghGary said:
I think the roads to Lochaline and Kilchoan will have passing places, but I do appreciate your fears, the way I see it, two fingers to the drivers behind you, as long as you pull into the passing places to allow over taking, they cant complain.

Gary.
Click to expand...

Its just slow going and I cannot be bothered with that. Thanks for the info. I'll bear it in mind and might travel lighter next time.

Lensflare said:
You will see otters on Skye too - and sea eagles. The basking sharks are there rightthrough the winter - Gavin Maxwell used to hunt them from his house in the Sound of Sleat, from a rowing boat!
Click to expand...

:eek::eek: to hunting the sharks. I know they are not meat eaters but still the size of those things could kill you anyway. I thought they went south for the winter. Well every day a school day.

EdinburghGary said:
Skye due to the ferry hassle really would be my preference. It will hammer Mull in terms of Landscapes, and do Birds of Prey not emigrate? I know the Ospreys have buggered off for the season...

Gary.
Click to expand...

Only some birds of prey go south. You are right on the Ospreys they went at the beginning of September. I know what you are saying, but my mind is kind of made up. So of to mull I go. And I do feel like I am begin ripped off on the free.

purpleclouds said:
Yea I guess so...I am very much an outdoor person and respect the environment so wouldn't be leaving litter and the likes..only a square of flat grass :p

The train ticket is just for a saver return...might possibly be cheaper booking the journey in advance, and in sections...but its a lot more faffing about!
Click to expand...

I can certainly appreciate your point of view, to many wild campers leave behind their crap and it does my head in.

EdinburghGary said:
Gerald,

I am planning to camp at Calgary in the Campervan on my next trip. It's not a "huge" distance from Tobermory, but again, you will have the single track roads to deal with. They have a 24 hour toilet, and you are allowed to stay overnight, free of charge. What a lovely bay it is too!

Look at these:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/dougchinnery/2309493113/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/bicameral/981964877/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/22675837@N06/2456582248/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/caroldanson/1094808263/

Awesome :D

Gary.

Edit:
last time I was there, I seen several campervans and caravans.
Click to expand...

Cheers Gary, I've found a camp site about a mile away from Craignure, which I'm going to use as a base. NOt the most central, but it is convienant for the van.
 
KayJay said:
It's amazing how many people are so keen to leave Scotland when going on holiday despite the fact that such beautiful places as that exist right on their door steps.
Click to expand...

I think its to do with being used to the place, or I can go there any time attitude. I crew up on the brecon beacons and took the place for granted it was not until a tourist told me in my teens that it was a great place that I began to appreciate it more.

Gary just check out the pics, the beach looks great.

Sry 56k link is doing my head in and cannot keep up with conversation
 
taxi said:
I think its to do with being used to the place, or I can go there any time attitude. I crew up on the brecon beacons and took the place for granted it was not until a tourist told me in my teens that it was a great place that I began to appreciate it more.

Gary just check out the pics, the beach looks great.

Sry 56k link is doing my head in and cannot keep up with conversation
Click to expand...

Been to the beach twice now, love it. On the right day, it rivals the med.

Gary.
 
Lensflare said:
You will see otters on Skye too - and sea eagles. The basking sharks are there rightthrough the winter - Gavin Maxwell used to hunt them from his house in the Sound of Sleat, from a rowing boat!
Click to expand...

I had two otters in the garden pond a few weeks ago. I was only 15ft away from them but 100ft and a flight of stairs from the camera :(

They just looked at me and went about their business of clearing the pond of wildlife and then getting out and preening before heading off up the drainage ditch. We have up to 75 pet hens loose in the garden and I was pretty nervous about them.

Skye is quite quiet at the moment if that sways you at all. If you get a chance try and take the walk onto Oronsay island near Struan (you will walk past the gate at the bottom of my garden). The view from the top of the sea cliff is amazing (as is the drop). The causeway that connects it to the shore is tidal so watch the tide ( you only get cut off for 2 hours if you get it wrong). We rescued a loggerhead turtle there a couple of years ago. It flew to the Canaries last year (in a plane).

Hot news, we get a Tesco next year. Whoopee!!!!

Edit: Any idea why Tesco became a link above?
 
purpleclouds said:
I was thinking maybe take a pushbike, to aid travelling around on Mull, I don't know how kindly they take to having campers on the hills so would probably need to base myself somewhere!
Click to expand...

The roads on Mull are pretty narrow - a lot of single track which can be a bit hairy on a bike. I've been across several times and have always left my car in Oban and gone as a foot passenger and taken the local buses. They're relatively cheap but are obviously quite restricting. But they do take you to the important places.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top