If you are planning a trip to the Isle of Mull, including a day trip to the Isle of Iona is a must! It’s an island full of history, beautiful white-sanded beaches, and crystal clear water. Not only that, on a clear day, you can see some incredible views over Mull, the mainland, and even the little Island of Staffa.
The Isle of Iona is only a little island, just 3 miles (4.8 km) long, and 1.5 miles (2.4 km) wide, making it a perfect day trip from Mull! With the island being so small, you can easily explore it on foot or by bike. It’s a good job too! Only local vehicles are allowed onto the island!
You can stay on the island, as there are a few different choices of accommodation to choose from. Staying on the island will give you longer to explore more of what Iona has to offer. However, if you are like us and have a campervan back on Mull, then this is the perfect guide for you!
This guide will not only tell you everything you need to know, but also the best highlights of what the island has to offer!
How To Get To Iona
To get ot Iona, you need to hop on the CalMac ferry. It goes from Fionnphort, on the Ross of Mull, to Baile Mòr, the only village on Iona. If you are turning up in your own vehicle, there is a chargeable car park at the ferry port, or there’s a free car park just down the road in the village.
SatNav Address to free car park: Fionnphort Car Park, Isle of Mull, PA66 6BL
As you’re a walk-on pedestrian, booking is not required! Just turn up, and pay on arrival!
The crossing is just 15 minutes long, across the beautiful Sound of Iona. Just make sure you know what time the last ferry is off the island! The last thing you want, at the end of a great day, is to not be able to get back to Mull!
For more information about the ferry and the timetable, please check their website: https://www.calmac.co.uk/en-gb/route-information/fionnphort-iona/#/
What Iona Has To Offer
You might have heard how Iona is the birthplace of Christianity in Scotland. You might have heard how Iona has some of the most beautiful white-sanded beaches in Scotland. You might have heard how Iona has a little hill with offers incredible views for miles and miles, including views of the Isle of Staffa.
Well this 5-mile (8km) route I’m about to share, offers it all!
A route that leads you past the famous Iona Abbey and Nunnery. There is a small fee to pay if you wish to visit.
For more information/opening times/prices, please visit their website: https://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/iona-abbey-and-nunnery/
The route then continues up Dun I, Iona’s highest point, sitting at just 101 meters (333 feet). It’s just a little climb up, but completely worth it, and not to be missed! The views are incredible! On a clear day, you can see the Isle of Mull, mainland Scotland, Isle of Staffa, and even the Isle of Jura in the distance!
Once you’ve finished enjoying the views at the highest point on the island, the route then leads you to one of the most beautiful beaches ever, the White Strand of The Monks.
If you are feeling peckish after the walk, I recommend a stop by Martyr’s Bay Restaurant, in Baile Mòr.
The Route
Follow this map as you walk the route, and you shouldn’t get lost! Make sure your location is turned on and you should be able to see exactly where you are on this map. Or if you prefer, download the GPX file and use it on your choice of route tracker.
It’s an out-and-back route, going up Dun I on the way out.
1.
Starting in Baile Mòr at the ferry port, head through the village towards the Nunnery. Just after the Nunnery, you should see a road going off to your right-hand side.
Feel free to stop by the Nunnery. It’s free to visit!
2.
Take the road and follow it up towards the Abbey.
If you are interested, here is where you can pay to go inside the Abbey and look around the grounds.
3.
Continue along the road until you pass some camping pods on your left-hand side, and a signpost saying ‘this way to climb the hill’. Just past the signpost, you should see a gate.
4.
Head through the gate, and follow the footpath as it leads you up to the summit of Dun I.
5.
Once you’ve finished admiring the views at the summit of Dun I, retrace your steps back down towards the road. As you pass through the gate, turn to your left-hand side onto the road.
6.
Follow the road until you reach a gate at the end of the road. Head through the gate onto the footpath and follow it until you reach a path junction.
7.
At the path junction, take the path forking off to your right-hand side. Follow it as it curves round to a beautiful white-sanded beach, the White Strand of The Monks.
8.
Once you’ve finished enjoying your time on the beach, start making your journey back to Baile Mòr. Retrace your steps along the grassy footpaths, back to the road. Follow the road back towards the village.
If you are unsure at any point, please check the map!
9.
Just after passing the Nunnery on your left-hand side, you should reach a road junction. Turn to your left-hand side and follow the road back down to the ferry port.
Want to see the route in action? Check out our vlog on our day on the Isle of Iona: https://youtu.be/SFCug-KJLrg
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Further Reading
Enjoyed this walk? Why not check out some of my other Isle of Mull hiking guides: https://livingwiththewolf.co.uk/category/isle-of-mull/
