Flights
Good flights from around UK to Glasgow where car hire is easy. There are also direct trains from Glasgow to Oban quay, where the ferry departs for Mull.
Oban is known as “Gateway to the Isles” and has good shops and plenty to do for a day or so. There are many hotels and B&B’s in Oban for overnight stays – the Tourist Office www.oban.org.uk can help with the types and alternatives there.
Ferries
Forty-five minutes on the ferry from Oban to Craignure.
Calmac Ferry bookings on Tel no: 0800 066 5000 or on www.calmac.co.uk.
Cars must book well in advance and arrive at least half an hour before departure time.
Foot passengers can buy tickets on the day and must be on board at least ten minutes before departure time.
For those coming from the North and East of Scotland there is an alternative ferry route. Take the crossing on the Corran ferry to Ardgour this crossing is 2 miles south of Fort William, this ferry runs at regular intervals throughout the day.
Turn left once off the ferry and follow signs to Lochaline approx. 30 miles. There you can take the calmac ferry crossing to Fishnish on the Isle of Mull ferry takes 15mins. This ferry does not need to be booked and works on first come first served. www.calmac.co.uk.
Driving on Mull
Mull is mainly single track roads.
One hour from Craignure to Bunessan on the Fionnphort/Iona road.
Bunessan to Tobermory is about one and a half hours.
Directions to Saorphin Farm Holiday Cottages
From the Oban ferry, turn left as you disembark and then follow the road for about 30 miles. When approaching Bunessan, there is a straight bit of road with the school on the right. Look out for a left turning (on a right bend) sign-posted to Scoor and Tigh na Lochan. If you arrive in Bunessan turn around and retrace your steps half a mile. On the right look for the signs to Scoor and Tigh na Lochan. Take this turning.
After approximately half a mile turn right to Saorphin Farm. At this point you leave the tarmac onto a gravel track which takes you around the nearest end of Loch Assapol, with the loch on your left. (If you find yourselves driving with the loch on your right you have missed the turning, and need to retrace your steps).
The track will leave the loch and after a short uphill slope you will see Saorphin Farm holiday cottages ahead of you. Drive through the gateway and past the white farm house and the cottages are immediately on the left.
Our cottages are situated on a working farm, and access is along our uneven, rough farm track. We try to keep the track in a suitable condition for ordinary cars – which the majority of our guests drive. It can be bumpy, with potholes in places, so it is better to take it slowly. The track is maintained less often out of season, because of the likelihood of increased weathering. Driving too fast damages the surface of the track, so we respectfully ask that everyone slows down and drives not faster than 10mph. If you have a car with low ground clearance and are concerned the track may not be suitable, please get in touch and we will gladly try to advise you.
There is room for parking at the rear for Tigh Beag, and at the front of the holiday cottages for Tigh Mhor and The Bothy along the fence. If you avoid leaving cars in front of the windows it improves the view!
Please do not park on the grass.