Mull & Iona by campervan
Tobermory’s cheese-farm lunch, Calgary’s beach and a separate day on Iona.
The trip we would build
Mull rewards a central Salen base followed by a south-island overnight. Tobermory and Calgary belong to the northern stage; Fionnphort and Iona need their own day. The short passenger crossing to Iona comes after a much longer drive across Mull, which is easy to underestimate on a small-scale map.
Why choose it: A varied island trip with working farms, wildlife possibilities and a second island visit.
The trade-off: Single-track roads make short mileages slow. Ferry bookings and weather matter, and wildlife sightings are never assured.
Drive times and approach
| Leg | Planning allowance |
|---|---|
| Renfrew → Oban | Allow 2–2½ hours driving |
| Oban → Mull | Add the booked crossing and vehicle check-in |
| Salen → Fionnphort | Budget 1½–2 hours on island roads |
Approximate driving only; allow extra time for stops and, on island journeys, sailing and vehicle check-in.
Map of the area
Map & stops
Pins locate the areas below. Use the operator’s entrance and parking instructions when driving.
Outings to build into your stay
Choose these outings to suit your hire length. The linked route below accounts for collection, overnight pitches and the return day.
Tobermory and the Glass Barn
Explore the harbour, then have lunch at the Glass Barn at Sgriob-ruadh Farm. Buy local cheese for the van. Salen Bay Campsite keeps the following day's northern outing within reach.
Calgary at beach pace
Give Calgary an unhurried half-day and return to the same pitch. Do not combine it with Iona simply because both appear on an island highlights list.
South Mull and Iona
Move south, leave the van on Mull and cross to Iona as a foot passenger. The Creel at Fionnphort Pier is the named seafood stop. Fidden Farm suits an extra south-island night; a Staffa excursion needs its own weather window and booking.
Food worth fitting into the trip
- The Glass Barn — Coffee or lunch at the cheese farm outside Tobermory; the café and farm shop have different opening patterns.
- The Creel Seafood Bar — Seafood at Fionnphort Pier for the Iona stage.
Where we would base the van
- Salen Bay Campsite — Central base for several nights; the site lists April–October opening.
- Fidden Farm — A beachside south-Mull overnight near Fionnphort for the Iona visit. No advance reservations or electric hook-up: arrive with a workable alternative.
What matters locally
Keep passing places clear and let following traffic pass. Stay on the mainland before a noon handback: an island ferry and the drive to Renfrew make a fragile final-morning combination.
Handy tips for your Wee Coo
Wee Coo routes through this area
6-day Mull & Iona slow tour
Tobermory and Calgary from Salen, Iona on foot and a mainland final night.
Best for: Mull beaches and Iona on foot
Driving: Slow island roads and two vehicle crossings
Season: Spring–autumn; confirm seasonal touring dates
Ferries: Vehicle ferry
No matching routes. Try a different length or area.
A few of our local picks
Iona on foot
Leave the van at Fionnphort for a normal day visit: vehicles need a permit on Iona.
The Glass Barn Café
Coffee or lunch at the cheese farm outside Tobermory; the café and farm shop have different opening patterns.
Fidden Farm
A beachside south-Mull overnight near Fionnphort for the Iona visit. No advance reservations or electric hook-up: arrive with a workable alternative.
Facilities: Toilets, showers and washing-up facilities; no electric hook-up.
Pitch booking: No advance bookings. Reception accepts arrivals 08:00–22:00. Check the current season and arrive with time to find an alternative if full.
Alternative: Salen Bay Campsite. A different base; revise the driving leg and confirm a touring pitch.
Salen Bay Campsite
A central Mull base for Tobermory and Calgary on separate days. The operator lists April–October touring; move south for the Iona night.
Facilities: Hardstanding pitches with water and optional electric hook-up, showers, toilets, laundry, chemical disposal and grey-water drain.
Pitch booking: Book online; follow the campsite’s signs when entering Salen village.
Alternative: Fidden Farm. At the south-west end of Mull: useful for Iona, but a substantial move from Salen.
No matching picks. Try another place or category.