One of the best times of the year to visit Mull and Iona is during the autumn months of September and October. Read more to find out ten good reasons why!
- Autumn colour and stunning sunsets
- The best time to spot the prolific wildlife
- A more relaxed pace of island life
- Quiet roads for a road trip through stunning scenery
- Whole beaches to yourself
- Outdoor activities such as cycling and sea swimming
- An excellent choice of accommodation often available at cheaper rates and offering short breaks
- Eateries are less busy with local seafood at its best and freshest
- Time to relax with excellent local hospitality
- No midgies!
- We can’t guarantee blue skies and high temperatures in the autumn months but the changeable weather brings dramatic skies and stunning colours to the scenery. Sunrises and sunsets are often dazzling and timed for when you can view them! The darker nights provide a sky full of stars and moonlight – you might even get a glimpse of the Northern Lights.
- Wildlife is prolific in Mull and Iona and is more easily seen in the autumn. The young of rare birds such as hen harriers, eagles and other raptors are looking for territory, providing more opportunities for sightings. Autumn is an interesting time for birdwatchers as our summer bird visitors can be seen mixing with the arrival of winter ones. The red deer stags come down from the hills to start the rutting season and otters can be spotted all the year round. There are many excellent wildlife guides on the island who can ensure you see a good range of wildlife by booking a tour.
- During the busy summer months, popular locations such as Tobermory and Iona can be very busy. With fewer visitors around in the autumn, enjoy a more relaxed pace of life than the busy high season.
- Take advantage of quiet roads to enjoy a road trip. Mull is a surprisingly large island, so it’s not recommended to try and travel from Tobermory in the north to Iona in the south in one day. Take your time to take in the all the corners of the islands. The remote west coast route is legendary for dramatic scenery in all weathers
- Mull has 300 miles of coastline offering many walking options, from gentle coastal strolls along white sand beaches to challenging hikes along rocky shorelines, while keeping an eye out for dolphins and other cetaceans out to sea. Iona is famed for its beautiful beaches fringed with turquoise waters. Whichever you choose, in autumn you are very likely to have the place all to yourself
- Mull and Iona are excellent for outdoor activities all the year round. Autumn is a good time to visit for outdoor activities from cycling on quieter roads to wild swimming when the sea water is at its warmest before winter.
- In autumn there is a better choice of accommodation, with hotels, guest houses and self-catering cottages often offering an off season rate and a short break option. A further wide range of accommodaiton is available from B & B to hostels and campsites. Ot why not join a retreat or take part in a workshop?
- The amazing choice of local seafood is at its best in the autumn served by first class eateries which are very welcoming
- After a day out of doors, enjoy the legendary hospitably of the locals who will have time to relax with you, or chill out in front of a log fire and a good book.
- Because Mull and Iona have so much coastline, it’s easy to escape the midgies, but in the autumn there are none!
Tempted? – the first thing to do is choose and book your accommodation. Then book your Calmac ferry. We look forward to welcoming you to Mull and Iona!