TRAVEL : My top 5 things to do when visiting Tobermory, Mull
Many of us will be familiar with Tobermory or at least recognise it from the rows of brightly coloured houses that hug the harbour.
A few weeks ago, when we were staying at the Ben Nevis Holiday Park in Fort William, (read my blog post HERE) we decided to take a day trip over to the Isle of Mull. I have to be honest, it was more the call of whisky that made us go as we’d not visited Tobermory Distillery and could also pop into Oban Whisky Distillery on route.
MY TOP 5 THINGS TO DO WHEN VISITING TOBERMORY ON THE ISLE OF MULL, SCOTLAND
Oban is the port for catching the Calmac Ferry over to the Isle of Mull. Its approx 1 hour drive from Fort William to Oban, so within easy driving distance; the ferry over to Mull takes approx 45 minutes then a drive from Craignure Ferry stop on the Isle of Mull to Tobermory takes about 30 minutes. Definitely do-able in a day!
1. TOBERMORY HARBOUR
As soon as you come down the hill and round the bend, you undoubtedly know that you are in Tobermory. Those colourful houses, shops and buildings along the harbour are bright and bold against the greenery of the woodland. The harbour area is busy but there is plenty of parking for cars and coaches right next to Tobermory Distillery and the Mull Aquarium as well as all along the High Street, but do be careful driving as there are loads of tourists that walk everywhere!
It is here in the centre of the harbour you will find Fishermans Pier Fish and Chips. Get yourself a chippie or some freshly cooked scallops, and grab a seat on a nearby lobster pot or along the sea wall. It’s a picture perfect moment!
Tobermory is a working harbour welcoming cruise liners, sail boats and fishing vessels and makes for the best ‘people watching’ experience ever.
2. TOBERMORY DISTILLERY
Tobermory Distillery is possible one of the most compact distilleries I’ve ever been too. The only room for expansion is up and due to this being such an old site and building, its highly unlikely; Tobermory Distillery was established in 1798!
They produce two single malt whiskies and a Hebridean gin. They make unpeated Tobermory whisky for six months of the year and peated Ledaig whisky for the other six months, with their gin being produced throughout.
Tobermory can boast the youngest distillery manager in the world, Cara Gilbert, who looks after the day to day operations of both whisky’s and the gin.
Olivier Maclean is the Visitor Centre Manager and its much thanks to him for showing us around this gorgeous wee distillery, taking us on a tour and a tasting of the full range of whiskies and gins.
3. TOBERMORY FISH COMPANY
I first met Sally, the granddaughter of Hugh and Marjorie Goldie who started the Tobermory Fish Company in 1971, at an event in Edinburgh and have loved their seafood products ever since. It was so lovely to eventually see where all the smoked trout magic happens and to visit Sally in her home town for a change.
Their Fish Shop is located up on the hill and you will find delicious seafood, which is all dependant on what the fishermen catch. They are known for their award-winning Smoked Trout. It’s no wonder it’s award-winning as it is truly wonderful and smoked on the premises.
We had hoped to pick up some lobster or langoustines but they only had oysters available. Again, it just depends on what the fishermen catch and how quickly you get to the shop to buy the seafood.
If you are staying on the mainland like we were, cant make it over to Mull and are craving some fabulous Smoked Trout and shellfish, Tobermory Fish Company do Gift Boxes that they will deliver to your home or to your hotel/accommodation. www.tobermoryfish.co.uk/gift-boxes
4. ISLE OF MULL CHEESE AND THE GLASS BARN
Isle of Mull Cheese, or Sgriob -Ruadh are the last remaining traditional farmhouse cheese from the Hebridean Islands and the only dairy farm on the island. They take their unpasteurised milk from their hardy, healthy, 130 island cows fed on grass and whisky grains from the Tobermory Distillery.
They also make one of my all time favourite blues cheeses, Hebridean Blue, which if you are a cheese lover and have visited restaurants and cafes in Scotland, most of them will have used Hebridean Blue at some point on their menu and you may find it as the blue cheese of choice on many a cheese board!
The Glass Barn is a must visit when on Mull. The location is stunning with views that go on forever over the countryside. Their beautiful Glass Barn is the recycled village hall from nearby Salen. The vine was planted over 26 years ago and looks very much at home along with the many other plants. This cafe sells incredible cakes and light bites, teas and coffee etc but it is also their farm shop where you can purchase their cheeses, biscuits, fresh meat, preserves and jams.
5. FOOD EVENTS
Like many Scottish Islands, there is an abundance of superb local produce and producers making incredible food that is locally sourced.
Every Monday, 11am-2pm, down at the Tobermory Harbour, you’ll find the Tobermory Open Air Producers Market. A weekly producers’ market showcasing work by local makers and artists and food producers.
There is also the StrEAT food festival run by Tobermory Fish Company, which has been running over the Summer with the last one on the 7th September 2022. This is part of the Moveable Feast Food Programme which has more events planned for the remainder of 2022 and into 2023. For all the info on foodie events on Mull, check out Mull and Iona Food Trail website.
I had barely five hours on Mull and all centred around Tobermory. I hope that soon I can venture back for a few days longer, explore more of this remarkable island and take a wee trip to Iona too.