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The Isle of Ulva
Samantha_Grant
VisitScotland Ambassador ✭✭✭✭
Ulva is an island off the coast of Mull, reached via the Ulva Ferry. A small on demand ferry which is called by uncovering a red panel on a wooden board over on Mull. In the blink of an eye you'll see a wee boat leave Ulva and head across to Mull to pick you up.
Ulva once had a booming kelp industry and a population of around 800 people. Today there are under 10 full time residents living on the island.
It's an unspoiled wilderness and a hikers paradise with several excellent trails to enjoy. The ferry fare includes a map of the trails on the island as well as entry to a restored traditional blackhouse called Sheila's Cottage. The cottage really brought to life what life on the island must have been like.
When I visited last year I did the trek out to the clearance village ruins at Ormaig. It was a beautiful day and when we reached Ormaig we just sat there in awe enjoying the dramatic landscape. The village ruins are hauntingly beautiful.
After several hours spent exploring the island without meeting another soul we headed back to the ferry and The Boathouse. The Boathouse serves the most delicious food - fresh sandwiches, home made soups, an array of cakes that makes choosing one pretty near impossible and fish and seafood fresh from the sea. I enjoyed one of the best lunches I've ever eaten there. Perfect after a long hike.
So to anyone visiting Mull do add Ulva to your list of must see places as you won't be disappointed - it's a gem.
Have you been or are you planning a visit? I'd love to hear your thoughts.
Sam
Ulva once had a booming kelp industry and a population of around 800 people. Today there are under 10 full time residents living on the island.
It's an unspoiled wilderness and a hikers paradise with several excellent trails to enjoy. The ferry fare includes a map of the trails on the island as well as entry to a restored traditional blackhouse called Sheila's Cottage. The cottage really brought to life what life on the island must have been like.
When I visited last year I did the trek out to the clearance village ruins at Ormaig. It was a beautiful day and when we reached Ormaig we just sat there in awe enjoying the dramatic landscape. The village ruins are hauntingly beautiful.
After several hours spent exploring the island without meeting another soul we headed back to the ferry and The Boathouse. The Boathouse serves the most delicious food - fresh sandwiches, home made soups, an array of cakes that makes choosing one pretty near impossible and fish and seafood fresh from the sea. I enjoyed one of the best lunches I've ever eaten there. Perfect after a long hike.
So to anyone visiting Mull do add Ulva to your list of must see places as you won't be disappointed - it's a gem.
Have you been or are you planning a visit? I'd love to hear your thoughts.
Sam
I'm a Scottish travel blogger and freelance writer with an extensive knowledge of travelling in Scotland. I'm always on the road exploring my wonderful country. I love remote places, history and the great outdoors.
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Comments
I never knew there was a connection with David Livingston, and I only read about that a few days ago as I was preparing a pic featuring Ulva, which I had shot from Mull, then you mention it too. I was particularly interested in the Livingston connection because my late Mother was related to him, and it seems she was unaware of the fact. I'm new here, so I can't post any pics of my visit yet.