About Islandeering
Hi and welcome to Islandeering Islandeering is for people who want adventure in Britain’s wild blue spaces – our rivers, coast, lakes, canals and islands. You will find amazing walks, paddles and swims in the UK’s most special places, those recognised for outstanding natural beauty, incredible geology or special and abundant wildlife.
More About UsWe continuously find new islands, rivers, lochs, canals and coast to walk, SUP and swim in and meet plenty of great folks along the way. Join our community to get new routes and adventures, latest blogs and news by using the email box below. Tune in also to our Facebook and Instagram pages to see where we are going next.
Table of Contents
About Mull & surrounding Islands
Paddleboarding in Mull & surrounding islands
Islands of Mull
Mull & Surrounding Islands Guide
The Mull & Surrounding Islands form one of the most diverse and wildlife-rich archipelagos in the Inner Hebrides. Centred on the Isle of Mull and extending across the Sound of Mull and the Atlantic-facing waters to the west, this island cluster combines mountains, sea lochs, white-sand beaches and globally significant wildlife habitats.
Mull acts as the natural hub, with smaller surrounding islands—Iona, Ulva, Gometra, Staffa, Erraid and Inch Kenneth—each offering a distinct sense of place. Together, they lend themselves to slow, human-powered exploration, where ferries, footpaths and short boat journeys link contrasting island landscapes.
This page provides an overview of the Mull & Surrounding Islands archipelago, connecting individual island guides and highlighting shared character, access and adventure opportunities.
Islands in the Mull Archipelago
Isle of Mull
One of Scotland’s largest islands, Mull is renowned for its varied terrain—mountains, sea lochs, waterfalls and beaches—and its exceptional wildlife, including sea eagles, otters and whales.
→ Explore the Isle of Mull
Iona
A small but world-famous island off Mull’s south-west coast, Iona is known for turquoise shallows, white beaches and deep cultural and spiritual heritage.
Ulva
A community-owned island with quiet woodland paths, coastal scenery and a strong sense of island history, Ulva lies just off Mull’s west coast.
→ Explore Ulva
Gometra
Remote and rugged, Gometra offers solitude, long coastal circuits and wide Atlantic views, ideal for those seeking a quieter island experience.
→ Explore Gometra
Staffa
Famed for its hexagonal basalt columns and Fingal’s Cave, Staffa is one of Scotland’s most iconic geological islands, visited seasonally by boat.
→ Explore Staffa
Erraid
A small tidal island near Mull’s south-west coast, Erraid features sheltered bays, low hills and atmospheric coastal landscapes.
→ Explore Erraid
Inch Kenneth
A peaceful island in the Sound of Mull, Inch Kenneth combines open grasslands, historic associations and expansive views across the surrounding waters.
→ Explore Inch Kenneth
Treshnish Isles
A small but spectacular island group off Mull’s west coast, the Treshnish Isles are known for dramatic cliffs, seabird colonies and seasonal puffin encounters.
→ Explore the Treshnish Isles
Nature, Culture & Island Identity
Wildlife
The Mull archipelago is one of the UK’s most important wildlife regions, supporting seabirds, seals, otters, sea eagles and frequent sightings of whales and dolphins.
Landscape & Geology
Volcanic origins, glacially carved sea lochs and basalt cliffs shape the varied landscapes across Mull and its neighbouring islands.
Culture & History
Gaelic traditions, early Christian heritage on Iona, and layers of maritime history connect the islands culturally as well as geographically.
Island Adventures
Walking
Mountain routes on Mull, low-level coastal circuits on Ulva and Gometra, and gentle paths on Iona.
Paddleboarding & Kayaking
Sheltered sounds, sea lochs and short crossings offer excellent paddling opportunities in suitable conditions.
Wild Swimming
Quiet bays, sandy beaches and sheltered inlets provide rewarding cold-water swims.
Plan Your Visit
Best Seasons
Late spring to early autumn offers the best balance of wildlife activity, daylight and transport links.
Getting There
Mull is served by regular ferries from Oban, with onward boat connections to surrounding islands operating seasonally.
Paddleboarding Mull and surrounding islands
We have shared some of our favourite routes in our Top paddles on Scottish Island blog but more can be found on our Route Map page
Islands of Mull & surrounding Islands
Read more about the islands in our Islandeering book
Mull
Ulva
Gometra
Staffa
Erraid
Inch Kenneth
Treshnish Isles
Where to go Paddleboarding in Mull’s Islands
We have shared some of our favourite routes below but more can be found on our Route Map page
Top paddles on Scotland’s Islands
Scotland is one of the best places in the world for paddling with spectacular coastlines, [...]
Jan
Luing walking route
The walk is peaceful and remote, free range along the foreshore for most of the [...]
Feb
