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      Wildlife Adventures

      Mull, Staffa & Iona

      24 reviews

      Next Trip: 20th - 26th Apr 2024 Duration: 7 Days / 6 Nights

      From £2,575 View Prices & Dates

      Travel Planning & Advice

      Book With Confidence

      Trip created by Rachael Gavan
      View Rachael's Profile

      Region: Inner Hebrides including Skye
      Trip Type: Wildlife
      Accommodation: Deluxe
      Max Group Size: 8
      Confirmed: When 3 Travellers Book
      Deposit From: £643.75 £643.75

      Grading:

      Carbon Footprint: 175kg ? What does this mean?
      Click here to find out about our carbon labelling project and what we're doing to be more sustainable.

      All you need to know about your trip, this essential document is a must for all adventures.

      Download Itinerary

      Explore the beautiful Inner Hebridean Islands of Mull, Staffa and Iona, discovering their wonderful wildlife. 

      Spending two nights in Oban and four nights on the Isle of Mull, join your expert Wilderness guide to traverse stunning landscapes home to a unique blend of flora and fauna. Go searching for sea eagles, take a private boat trip out to the Isle of Staffa to explore Fingal’s Cave, and weave your way through the Treshnish Isles, spotting a myriad of birds. From both the sea and shore, look out for seals, dolphins and porpoise, as well as guillemots, razorbills, shags, oystercatchers and, in the high summer months, puffins. Immerse yourself in a landscape rich in history, visiting the enchanting Isle of Iona (whose monastery was one of the most influential in the British Isles), and learn the story of the illicit whisky trade by walking in the salt-weathered footsteps of moonshiners. Return each evening to cosy accommodation to enjoy delicious food and lovely company. 

      Trip Highlights

      • Explore Fingal's Cave on a private boat trip to Staffa and the Treshnish Isles.
      • Enjoy the opportunity to spot fantastic marine wildlife including seals, dolphins and seabirds.
      • Visit the spiritual and evocative wild Isle of Iona.

      Did you know?


      This trip can be booked as a private departure


      Learn more

      Day by Day Itinerary

      Day 1 – The West Coast and Castle Stalker

      Meet your lovely Wilderness guide at Oban Train Station this morning, and after meeting the rest of the group, hop into the van and drive a short distance north. Visit Castle Stalker, an impressive Highland stronghold built in the 14th century. Only accessible by boat, nip across the smooth water for a private guided tour by one of the members of the Stewart Allward family (who own the castle). Enjoy learning about the castle’s rich history and cultural significance, as well as looking out for seals, dolphins and seabirds. Return to Oban this afternoon, settling into your accommodation and enjoying a delicious dinner looking out across the bay. (L, D)

      Day 2 – Isle of Seil and Knapdale Beavers

      Head out with your guide this morning to enjoy a coastal circuit on the Isle of Seil. Separated from the mainland by the most slender of sea channels, Seil is reached by crossing an elegant 18th century humpback bridge, known colloquially as the ‘Bridge over the Atlantic’. From the island, watch statuesque, grey herons fishing on the coastline and enjoy exploring with your guide. Peer into colourful rockpools full of cold, clear water and identify brittlestars, waving anemones and sea urchins. Visit Knapdale this afternoon, where beavers were reintroduced to Scotland in 2009 after a 400-year absence. Learn about their reintroduction and spot evidence of their presence – from gnawed trees to pawprints in the sand. (B, L, D)

      Day 3 – In Search of Eagles

      As the morning light unfurls across the bay, catch the ferry to the Isle of Mull. Home to a large variety of birdlife, including breeding raptors as well as rare and endangered birds – it’s an exciting place to spend time. Upon arrival, enjoy some lunch before going in search of some of Mull’s best-known residents: white-tailed eagles. On a beautiful hike, depending on the time of year you may see them in the nest or as fledglings exploring the skies. Settle into your island accommodation this evening, enjoying dinner and a good night’s rest. (B, L, D)

      Day 4 – Wildlife and Whisky

      After breakfast, head out with your guide for a wonderful circular walk that showcases some of the beautiful west coast scenery. As you hike, keep an eye out for merlin, buzzards and hen harriers. Chat with your guide about the local flora and fauna of the area, spotting sea thrift and wild thyme. Wind your way to the Whisky Cave, where the foundations of illicit stills are still visible, before ribboning towards the once bustling village of Crackaig, abandoned since the early 1900s. Listen out for thrushes and skylarks as you walk through the patchwork of ruined crofts, imagining a time long ago when the voices of highlanders would join the melodic soundtrack of birdsong. (B, L, D)

      Day 5 – Staffa and the Treshnish Isles

      Today, enjoy a fantastic private boat trip to the uninhabited Isle of Staffa to visit the iconic Fingal’s Cave. Land on the island and spend the morning exploring. Watch an eclectic mix of seabirds take to the wing against a sea-blown sky, identifying shags, razorbills, black guillemots, fulmars and gannets. Between April and July, Staffa is also home to puffins – undoubtedly one of the most delightful and endearing coastal birds. This afternoon, sail out to the Treshnish Isles, a beautiful Hebridean archipelago with a rich human history and a haven for critical wildlife. Depending on the weather conditions, take the opportunity to land on Lunga Island before sailing back to the mainland, keeping a lookout for dolphins, porpoise, and even basking sharks along the way. (B, L, D)

      Day 6 – The Isle of Iona

      Today, join your guide to explore the historic Isle of Iona. Discover its beautiful coastline scattered with rocky outcrops and hidden bays, as well as its rich history that dates back to the Iron Age. Visit Iona Abbey, the Nunnery (one of the best preserved medieval nunneries in Britain) and St. Oran’s Chapel (thought to be the final resting place of 48 kings of Scotland). Spend time soaking up the stunning views and enjoying the undiluted sense of well-being that comes from spending time by the sea. Return to your hotel this evening and enjoy dinner. (B, L, D)

      Day 7 – Depart for Oban

      This morning head out for a short, scenic hike into the heart of the mountains on Mull. Enjoy the fresh coconut smell of gorse and look out for the russet-coloured coats of red deer and the striking silhouettes of sea eagles. Enjoy chatting with your group as you mindfully make your way through the landscape, breathing in the fresh sea breeze. After returning from the walk, catch the ferry back across to the mainland where your guide will transfer you to Oban Train Station where your trip will conclude.  (B, L)

      Download Itinerary

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      Wildlife Adventures
      Mull, Staffa & Iona

      To download a PDF copy of our Trip Itinerary, containing full details about this holiday, please complete the form below:

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      Trip Dates & Prices

      Trip Dates for 2024AvailabilityStatusPriceBook
      20th Apr - 26th Apr 20243 places leftCONFIRMED£2,575Book Now
      11th May - 17th May 20248 places leftUNCONFIRMED£2,575Book Now
      25th May - 31st May 20243 places leftCONFIRMED£2,575Book Now
      1st Jun - 7th Jun 20247 places leftUNCONFIRMED£2,575Book Now
      22nd Jun - 28th Jun 20248 places leftUNCONFIRMED£2,575Book Now

      Trip Details

      Expand All
      Accommodation Read More

      This itinerary is based in two different locations throughout the course of the week, with 2 nights in Oban and 4 nights on the island of Mull. Each of the accommodations offers double and twin rooms, most with en-suite facilities.

      Single rooms

      There is no supplement charged to solo travellers, however, you will be required to share a room with another person of the same sex. If you require a single room please request this at the time of booking and we will check availability for you. A single room supplement of £650 is charged if a single room is available. Single supplements are limited and are allocated on a first come first served basis.

      Meals Read More

      All meals from lunch on day 1 through to lunch on day 7 are included on this itinerary.

      Throughout the journey, varied island produce will be served up in hearty and imaginative meals. Seafood is a speciality with beef, lamb and venison also popular and of course, any special dietary requirements can be catered for. Included dinners are two courses as standard.

      On this trip, we generally eat dinner as a group however if you would like to make alternative arrangements you are free to do so. Your guide will have an evening off during this trip where they do not eat with the group. They will recommend options for dinner that evening and will help you make any necessary reservations.

      Inclusions Read More
      • 6 nights accommodation in carefully selected guest houses and hotels
      • All meals during the trip as stated in the itinerary (Meals included indicated as B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
      • The services of an experienced and knowledgeable guide/driver throughout
      • All transport throughout the trip starting and finishing in Oban
      • All boat trips and ferry transfers
      Trip Grading Read More

      Green Graded 1-3

      Green graded walking holidays are suitable for active travellers who are reasonably fit and enjoy moderate hikes. We walk at a comfortable pace and you can expect to be out for 5-6 hours a day. The terrain will be mostly good paths and hill trails but these can still be muddy and rough in places. Some hikes may involve an ascent up to a max of approx 1,500 feet / 450m. Distances will be typically 8-10km but there may be the odd slightly longer day. Daily hike details are available in the itinerary.

      Travel – Arrival and Departure Read More

      You will be met by your Wilderness Scotland Guide at Oban Railway Station at 11:30am on Day 1 of your trip. You will be returned to Oban station by 2:30pm on the final day.

      For advice on getting to and from Scotland please our travel advice page on our website: www.wildernessscotland.com/faq/travel-to-scotland/

      If you would like to use your own vehicle on the trip please get in touch with our team to discuss.

      Photo Gallery

      Make This Trip Private

      Fancy this trip just for your group? Get together with family and friends spend quality time exploring wild places. A private trip allows you to benefit from all the features of the group departure, including hand-picked accommodation and expert local guides but with the advantage of the flexibility to tailor the days to your group. Make the trip more or less challenging depending on your experience or choose to add in some optional extras like castle or distillery visits depending on your interests. The price of a private trip will depend on the number of travellers in your group. Let us know your prefered departure date and we'll take care of the rest.

      Speak to an Expert

      View Profile
      Chris Page

      Our friendly office team hail from across the world but share a passion for the outdoor and wild spaces of Scotland. We are committed to providing you with the best customer service and are more than happy to chat through options and provide help and advice. Get in touch to find your perfect adventure.

      Ask Chris a Question

      Meet Your Guide

      Dave Picken
      20th Apr - 26th Apr 2024

      Liam Allan
      11th May - 17th May 2024

      David Russell
      25th May - 31st May 2024

      View guides for all departures

      Difficulty Grades Explained

      Green Graded Wildlife Holidays 1-3
      All of our wildlife trips are graded Green and involve straightforward hiking with no major ascents, as well as other activities which are pitched at novice level. You can expect to be active for around 5 hours each day so you will need a reasonable level of fitness. Please note that there may be some early starts and late nights as we seek to maximise our chances of finding wildlife, although you can always opt out of activities if you prefer an early night or long lie in the morning!

      So to help you decide if you are fit enough for this kind of trip, ask yourself:

      1. Are you generally active and, for example, happy to hike for 6 miles (10km), including some ascent, with rough ground in places?
      2. Are you up for a challenge and trying new activities such as sea kayaking or boat trips?
      3. Are you looking for a wildlife trip which involves more than simply sitting in a hide?

      Compare wildlife trip grades

      Trip Reviews

      Rated 4.92 out of 5 based on 24 reviews of Wildlife Adventures – Mull, Staffa & Iona

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      Every client receives a feedback survey when they return from their guided, self guided or tailor made holiday with us. Once completed the review is published on our website just as soon as our database updates. The little touches and details are important to us and where issues are raised we make positive changes to our trips to improve your experience.

      That’s why we read each of our client’s reviews and although we don’t respond to all of them, if it’s glowing feedback then we get the satisfaction of helping to make your holidays truly memorable.

      MD

      Meranda Downey

      Reviewed on 18/07/2023

      Age: 30 - 40
      Country: United States
      Trip Date: 01/07/2023
      Trips Taken: 1

      The Bottom Line

      The Bottom Line

      I highly recommend this service to friends and peers. It was a wonderful time and I defintely plan to do it again! This was my first experience travelling overseas and it did not disappoint.

      Show More
      SP

      Siri Petersen

      Reviewed on 10/07/2023

      Age: 20 - 30
      Country: United States
      Trip Date: 01/07/2023
      Trips Taken: 1

      The Bottom Line

      The Bottom Line

      Loved it! Highly recommend for anyone that loves nature and hiking!

      Show More
      PN

      Pamela Nesbitt

      Reviewed on 05/07/2023

      Age: 60 - 70
      Country: United States
      Trip Date: 24/06/2023
      Trips Taken: 1

      The Bottom Line

      The Bottom Line

      I think traveling with a guide and arranged transportation, food and accommodations are the ideal way to get to know unfamiliar places.

      Show More
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