Rebecca Munro lives on the Isle of Ulva near the Isle of Mull where she runs The Boathouse Ulva cafe. Rebecca gives us some great ideas for things to see and do on a trip to the Isle of Ulva and the Isle of Mull.

About me

I live on the Isle of Ulva with my husband, Rhuri, 2 children (Matilda, 5, and Ross, 2), and two dogs (Alaskan malamutes, Sig, 9, and Olaf, 6). I run The Boathouse Ulva in partnership with my sister in law.

How long have you lived here?

 

I’ve lived on Ulva for almost ten years, and before that two years in Tobermory. I grew up in Dumfries, and before that Whithorn near Stranraer. I moved to Mull to work for the summer and never left.

Interests

Politics, music, sport, food.

Favourite beach

Langamull, between Dervaig and Calgary, because it’s less crowded but still has white sand and rock pools for the kids to play in. It’s also a lovely walk to reach it.

Best walk

The South side and Ormaig walk on Ulva, because it has views to Iona and the Treshnish Isles. It is also ideal for seeing wildlife like golden and sea eagles, seals and otters. The old ruined villages and mill are also very interesting.

Most special time of year where you live

I love autumn on Mull and Ulva, October in particular. It’s cooler and quieter, and still light in the early evenings.

The one thing that you recommend every tourist should do

Seeing the puffins on Lunga is very special.

Your best wildlife encounter

On Mull, seeing the puffins on Lunga. In my life, seeing Orcas off Dunnet Head.

Read: 11 things to take wildlife watching – the gear you need

Favourite road or drive

Salen to Ulva Ferry, because the views are amazing. And you end up at Ulva.

Most loved view

Looking down on Loch Tuath, Gometra and Ulva from the road near Tostary. I remember being on Mull visiting my cousins when I was about 12, and coming over the hill there and thinking it was the most beautiful view I had ever seen. I still stand by that.

Also the view from my front door isn’t too bad.

Favourite place to eat and drink

Hebridean Lodge in Tobermory. Anything on the menu is delicious.

Holiday Scottish Highlands & Islands says..

We went to the Isle of Mull every year for about 7 years and always made sure to plan a visit to the island of Ulva and The Boathouse. I recommend their homemade soups and my partner’s favourite is the Fisherman’s Catch selection of local fish and shellfish. We both also suggest you try their cakes! We’ve also been on a Turus Mara trip to see the puffins at Lunga and it’s a wonderful experience to see these beautiful birds close up. We’ve never been to Langamull beach though and will make sure we do next time. Thanks, Rebecca, for some great tips.

Find out more about The Boathouse Cafe Ulva

Website: www.theboathouseulva.co.uk

Instagam: @theboathouseulva

Twitter: @boathouseulva

Plan a trip to the Isle of Ulva and the Isle of Mull

• Read our guide to things to do on Mull
• Ordnance Survey maps with free mobile download (available from Ordnance Survey or Amazon)
• Walk books – we like Pocket Mountain walk books and they have one for Mull and Iona but there are also other books available on Amazon
• Ulva Island Ferry is operated on demand during certain times and you summon it from the Isle of Mull at Ulva Ferry
• Turus Mara boat trips

Accommodation for visiting the Isle of Ulva

Self-catering, Mull

• Corry Farm Cottages – a group of 4 cottages, including Sunset Cottage, near Salen with sea views over the Sound of Mull
• Daisy Brae – traditional detached croft house in the village of Salen

Isle of Mull hotels

• Isle of Mull Hotel and Spa, Craignure (near ferry port)
• The Western Isles Hotel, Tobermory
• Park Lodge Hotel, Tobermory
• The Tobermory Hotel on Main Street, Tobermory
• Highland Cottage, Tobermory

Want more local tips?

Check out all articles in the What to see in Scotland: Local Tips series.

• Local Tips: Places to visit in Wester Ross, Scotland & Christine, Sugar Croft Faerie
• Local tips: Highlands & Islands & Douglas Griffin, Photographer