Why This Underrated Scottish Island Beats Skye for Hiking

Sabine Hoffmann · 2026-10-16

I get it. Skye has that magnetic pull—the dramatic ridges, the fairy pools, the postcard-perfect fishing villages. But after years of fighting crowds on the Quiraing and queueing for a photo at Kilt Rock, I started wondering if there was another way. Turns out, there is. And it's just a short ferry ride away. ### The Isle of Mull Might Just Be Your New Favorite Mull doesn't shout. It doesn't need to. Instead of tour buses, you'll find single-track roads where sheep have the right of way. Instead of crowded car parks, you'll find trailheads marked by nothing more than a wooden post and a prayer. And honestly? That's exactly what makes it special. I spent a week hiking there last spring, and I'm still thinking about it. The air smells like seaweed and heather. The trails range from gentle coastal strolls to full-on bog trots that'll test your boots. And the best part? You might go hours without seeing another soul. ### The Trails That Won Me Over Let's talk specifics. Mull has a hike for every mood. - **The Gribun coastline**: A 6-mile stretch of cliffs that rival anything on Skye, minus the selfie sticks. Bring a windproof jacket—the gusts are no joke. - **Ben More**: The island's only Munro (that's a Scottish mountain over 3,000 feet). The climb is steep but steady, and the view from the top stretches all the way to the Outer Hebrides on a clear day. - **The Fossil Tree at Burg**: A 4-mile round trip to a 50-foot fossilized tree trunk embedded in basalt. It's like walking through a natural history museum, except the museum is a windswept beach. And then there's the wildlife. I saw golden eagles, otters, and more red deer than I could count. You don't get that on a packed Skye trail. ### But What About the Crafts? Here's the thing: a hiking holiday is great, but you need something to do when your legs are screaming for a rest day. That's where Mull's handmade craft scene comes in—and it's seriously underrated. - **Ardalanish Weavers**: A working farm and mill where you can watch wool being spun and woven into tweed. The colors come straight from the landscape—moss greens, heather purples, granite grays. - **The Mull Pottery**: Tucked away near Salen, this studio produces functional stoneware that feels like it was made for cozy Scottish evenings. Think mugs you want to wrap your hands around. - **Isle of Mull Cheese**: Okay, not a craft in the traditional sense, but the farm tour is a masterclass in small-batch production. And the cheese? Life-changing. I picked up a handwoven scarf at Ardalanish that I've worn every winter since. It's the kind of souvenir that actually means something. ### The Practical Stuff Getting to Mull is easy—ferries run from Oban to Craignure several times a day, and the crossing takes about 45 minutes. Once you're there, you'll want a car. Trust me on this one. The island is 338 square miles of mostly single-track road, and the bus service is... let's call it leisurely. Accommodation ranges from hostels (around $30 a night) to cozy B&Bs ($80–$120) to a few splurge-worthy hotels. I stayed at a farmhouse B&B near Dervaig where the owner made fresh scones every morning. It cost me $95 a night, and I'd pay double to go back. ### So, Is Mull Better Than Skye? I'm not saying Skye isn't worth visiting. It absolutely is. But if you're looking for a hiking holiday where you can breathe, where the trails aren't conga lines, and where you can stumble upon a weaver's studio or a cheese farm without a reservation—Mull is your island. It's quieter. It's greener. And it just might become your new favorite, too. Give it a shot. Your boots will thank you.