The picturesque town of Tobermory is the capital of Mull – a windswept island on the west coast of Scotland. Originally built as a fishing port in the 18th Century, Tobermory is today a haven for those looking to photograph its multi-coloured cottages and revive to the beat of the wild.
Overlooking the Sound of Mull and backed by woodland-clad hills, Mull’s Tobermory in the Inner Scottish Hebrides is perfect for those looking to enjoy wilderness vibes whilst still being able to access eateries and attractions. Decorated with brightly coloured cottages that featured in the children’s TV series Balamory and peppered with shops, galleries and eateries, the picture-postcard harbour town has something to pique the imagination of all generations.
Tobermory and the Armada
According to legend, the wreck of a Spanish ship, part of the Spanish Armada, is submerged in the mud at the bottom of Tobermory Bay. It’s believed that the galleon was fleeing the English after the failed Spanish invasion of 1588 and anchored at Tobermory to stock up on provisions. Following a disagreement over payment, the ship caught fire which led to an enormous explosion as the ship’s gunpowder caught alight. Some believe that the ship had millions of gold coins aboard when she went down, but no significant treasure has ever been found.
Activities: What to Do on Tobermory
If you are staying in Tobermory, there are lots of activities that you can take part in. There are many beautiful walks from the town, including a wander out to the Lighthouse at Rubha nan Gall (Stranger’s Point) or to Aros Park. The walk to the standing stones at Baliscate is also recommended, but if you don’t feel like venturing far, you can also just stroll to the harbour and watch the comings and goings of the fishing boats, yachts and the Kilchoan ferry.
Of course, no trip would be complete without a boat trip – if the weather is playing ball, that is. Boat trips depart from Tobermory’s pontoons on a daily basis in the summer season, and more sporadically throughout the rest of the year, giving you the chance to enjoy the coast from a whole new perspective. During your trip, you may be lucky enough to see dolphins, minke whales, basking sharks, puffins and golden and white-tailed eagles. If you have a camera, you’ll definitely want to keep this with you.
As well as photography out to sea, there are plenty of photogenic scenes around Tobermory too, including the harbour’s multi-coloured cottages that reflect and shimmer in the harbour water. If you’re a painter, you can have a go at capturing some of these scenes on canvas. Or, if you’d rather a different stroke, then you can polish your swing at Tobermory’s 9-hole golf course which sits atop the cliffs above the bay. Promising beautiful views as you play, you can see as far as the Isle of Skye from the course on a clear day.
Tobermory’s Top Attractions
If you’d like to learn more about local history, one of the best places to start is Baliscate. Thought to date from Neolithic times, Baliscate’s standing stones are unique to the Western Isles and the rest of Scotland. To find them, walk up the lane behind the Isle of Mull Pottery. For more detailed information and exhibits, you can also visit Mull Museum, which is situated on Tobermory’s main street. A small, volunteer-run museum, Mull Museum is packed full of interesting artefacts relating to the island’s history.
For fresh air and beautiful scenery, Aros Park is one of Tobermory’s most well-known attractions. A large park interlaced with woodland trails, you can wander past lush ferns and waterfalls and enjoy the serenity that this remote pocket affords. Finally, another great attraction is the Tobermory Distillery. Set within the heart of Tobermory’s thriving island community, the distillery offers warehouse and tasting experiences so you can try the unpeated Tobermory and peated Ledaig whisky, as well as Tobermory gin.
Feeling inspired? Take a look at our luxury cottages in Mull here.
