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Argyll, Mull & Iona: Route Guide

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Iona Abbey — Argyll, Mull & Iona
Photo: Tom Parnell · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Scotland in miniature, reached one ferry at a time: prehistoric Kilmartin Glen, Oban's seafood quay, Tobermory's painted harbour, and finally tiny Iona, where Christianity entered Scotland and the abbey still holds the island's silence. For an optional adventure, arrange a separate boat trip to Staffa's dramatic Fingal's Cave, subject to weather and sea conditions.

Argyll, Mull & Iona is a 155 km one-way journey (mixed transport). It works best as a 4-day trip; the plan below is the 4-day version for June, built from 82 verified places, with planned transit times, opening hours and daylight checked.

4
days
155km
distance
4
Stops
82
curated stops

Plan your own version → 4-day plan · best time to go

The route

Kilmartin Glen→ 43 kmOban→ 47 kmTobermory & Mull→ 65 kmIona

What you'll see

Dunadd Fort
Stand atop the hill and imagine this Iron Age fort's 2000-year-old history.
Kilmartin Glen
Dunollie Castle
Climb the stairs of this crumbling 15th-century castle and explore its gardens.
Oban
Duart Castle
Explore Duart Castle and its Sound of Mull viewpoints after reaching Mull; check current seasonal opening hours for interior admission.
Tobermory & Mull
Iona Abbey
Explore Iona Abbey’s church, cloister, museum, carved crosses and St Columba’s shrine during visitor opening hours.
Iona
Carnasserie Castle
Roam the ruins of this 16th-century tower house, now a silent relic of rebellion.
Kilmartin Glen
Dunstaffnage Castle
Explore the stout ruins of this 13th-century castle and its nearby chapel.
Oban
Mull Museum
Explore fascinating exhibits of island life through the ages.
Tobermory & Mull
Marble Quarry
Walk 3.5 km from Iona pier to the old coastal quarry and back over rough, boggy ground; allow two to three hours.
Iona

Choose your length

4-day plan18 stops · 10.8 h transit4.5 stops/day · 2.7 h transit/daySee the full plan →

When to go

Best months: May, June, July, August, September

Buy tickets ahead for the Fionnphort–Iona ferry. Tickets do not reserve a place on a particular sailing; check the latest timetable and service updates before travel.

See the month-by-month breakdown →

Similar journeys

Plan your own version →