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    | Wild coasts of Fingal's Cave

    Wildlife Adventures

    Mull, Staffa & Iona

    29 reviews


    Deposit From: £681£681
    Region: Inner Hebrides including Skye
    Duration: 7 Days / 6 Nights
    Confirmed: When 3 Travellers Book

    Next Departure: 24th - 30th May 2025
    Accommodation: Deluxe

    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.

      From: £2,595 View Prices & Dates

      Trip Overview

      Created by: Rachael Gavan


      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, we will traverse stunning landscapes home to a unique blend of flora and fauna, guided by our expert Wilderness guide. Search for sea eagles, take a private boat trip out to the Isle of Staffa to explore Fingal’s Cave, and weave through the Treshnish Isles, spotting a myriad of birds.

      From both the sea and shore, we will look out for seals, dolphins, and porpoises, as well as guillemots, razorbills, shags, oystercatchers, and, in the high summer months, puffins. Immerse yourself in a landscape rich in history by 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 as we walk in the salt-weathered footsteps of moonshiners. Each evening, return to cosy accommodation to enjoy delicious food and lovely company.

      Marker Icon

      Day by Day
      Itinerary

      Day 1 – The West Coast and Castle Stalker Read Less

      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. We visit the dramatic Castle Stalker, an impressive Highland stronghold built in the 14th century. Accessible only 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. We return to Oban this afternoon, settling into our accommodation to then enjoy a delicious dinner looking out across the bay.

      Meals Included: Lunch and Dinner

      Day 2 – Isle of Seil and Knapdale Beavers Read Less

      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. We will 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.

      Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

      Day 3 – In Search of Eagles Read Less

      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 our 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 we may see them in the nest or as fledglings exploring the skies. We settle into our island accommodation this evening, enjoying dinner and a good night’s rest.

      Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

      Day 4 – Wildlife and Whisky Read Less

      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. We wind our 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.

      Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

      Day 5 – Staffa and the Treshnish Isles Read Less

      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, we 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, porpoises, and even basking sharks along the way.

      Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

      Day 6 – The Isle of Iona Read Less

      Day 6

      The Isle of Iona

      We will explore the historic Isle of Iona today. 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 taking in the undiluted sense of well-being that comes from spending time by the sea. Return to the hotel this evening and enjoy dinner.

      Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

      Day 7 – Depart for Oban Read Less

      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. Chat with your group as you mindfully make your way through the landscape, breathing in the fresh sea breeze. After returning from the walk, we catch the ferry back across to the mainland, where your guide will transfer you to Oban Train Station and where your trip will conclude.

      Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

      X
      Wildlife
      Mull, Staffa & Iona

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

      Fields marked with * are mandatory

      The phone number field is not required but if you would like us to give you a call to help find the trip for you, then enter your telephone number including the country code.

      Trip Dates & Prices

      All payments taken in local currency GBP

      Trip Dates for 2025AvailabilityStatusPriceBook
      24th May - 30th May 20258 place(s) leftAvailable £2,595Book Now
      7th Jun - 13th Jun 20258 place(s) leftAvailable £2,595Book Now
      21st Jun - 27th Jun 20258 place(s) leftAvailable £2,595Book Now

      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 preferred departure date and we'll take care of the rest.

      Enquire Now
      X
      Wildlife
      Mull, Staffa & Iona

      For private departure enquiries, please complete the form below:

      Trip Details

      Accommodation Read More

      This itinerary is based in two different locations throughout the course of the week, with two nights in Oban and four 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 request a double room for single occupancy, a supplement of £650.00 is charged.

      Due to the nature of the accommodations we use, 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. Of course, any special dietary requirements can be catered for. Dinners included in the itinerary 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 when 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.
      • 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.
      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 consist mostly of good paths and hill trails, but these can still be muddy and rough in some 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

      Your Wilderness Scotland Guide will meet you at Oban Railway Station at 11:30am on Day 1 of your trip. You will return to Oban Railway Station by 2:30pm on the final day.

      For advice on getting to and from Scotland, please visit our travel advice page on our website.

      If you would like to use your own vehicle on the trip, please contact our team to discuss this.

      Speak to an Expert

      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

      Difficulty Grades Explained

      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 consist mostly of good paths and hill trails, but these can still be muddy and rough in some 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.

      Find Out More

      Trip Reviews

      Rated 4.93 out of 5 based on 29 review(s) of Wildlife Adventures – Mull, Staffa & Iona

       

      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.

      KG

      Keith German

      Reviewed on 08/06/2024

      Age: 60 - 70
      Country: United Kingdom
      Trip Date: 25/05/2024
      Trips Taken: 1

      The Bottom Line

      The Bottom Line

      A superb trip, a good group dynamic, excellent locations and always informative. We would, and will, recommend this trip to everyone.

      WG

      Will Graham

      Reviewed on 03/06/2024

      Age: 70 - 80
      Country: US
      Trip Date: 25/05/2024
      Trips Taken: 2

      The Bottom Line

      The Bottom Line

      Gratitude…Mull is big, wild wonderful…Iona is from the world beyond…the sea protects and surrounds both…the hike to Whisky cave on a rainy day and walking through the stone village ruins, unforgettable.

      NW

      Nancy Whiteside

      Reviewed on 13/05/2024

      Age: 70 - 80
      Country: United States
      Trip Date: 20/04/2024
      Trips Taken: 4

      The Bottom Line

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