We want to have a quiet holiday - no nightlife, a bit of walking and nice scenery. I've read about the Isle of Mull, can anyone tell me something about it

asks tony b:
A. Mull sounds like your perfect location. Although it's not far from the mainland (40-minute ferry from Oban, or a 15-minute ferry from the more remote Lochaline), it really gives you the sensation of being away from it all. The scenery is varied and stunning - especially when the sun shines...

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Q. Ah, yes, the weather - what can I expect
A. Because of the influence of the Gulf stream, the weather in Mull is usually mild. But it can be fairly windy and wet, too. The best months are usually May and October, but summers have been known to be hot and fine. It's a big island and the unusual landscape means that different parts of the island can have very different weather. For example, the centre of Mull is the third wettest place in the UK, while the south of the island breaks sunshine records.

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Q. Is it good for walking
A. It's ideal. There are forestry walks, coastal walks and ancient cattle tracks to follow. You can climb Ben More, the island's only Munro (i.e. the peak is more than 3,000ft/915m high). The stunning views over Mull and the neighbouring islands make the three-hour climb to the top worthwhile. (The walk up Ben More, the forestry walks and many others walks have been opened since the foot�and mouth scare.) And, of course, all walks are enhanced by the local wildlife.

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Q. What can I expect to see
A. Apart from sheep - which are everywhere - and placid Highland cows, you can see red and fallow deer. Mull is also one of the best places to see golden eagles and white-tailed sea eagles. Along quiet coastlines you may be lucky enough to see otters playing, and dolphins, porpoises and minke whales can be seen, especially on boat trips. For a unique experience, take a boat trip to the uninhabited Treshnish Isles, where you can walk among puffins and see a huge variety of seabirds, such as guillemots, shearwaters, razorbills and kittiwakes.

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Q. What about that other famous beastie, the West coast midge
A. Ah yes. This 'beastie' is around from June throughout the summer, and can make holidays a misery for the unprepared. Come armed with a superior insect repellent, which you must wear on every exposed part of your body, and never, ever open your window after dusk. Midges hate the wind, so try to walk on breezy days, and stay near the coast on still days.

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Q. Are there beaches
A. Yes, Mull (and nearby Iona) have some stunning white sand beaches, which are safe for swimming. Calgary in the north and Uisken in the south are two of the most popular. And there are miles and miles of shingle and rocky beaches.

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Q. Where can I stay
A. If you really want to get away from it all, there are tiny traditional cottages with sea views at Treshnish, near Calgary: two miles down a farm track and with no electricity, it's as far from city life as you can get. Or, if you fancy something more luxurious, there's the lavish Turret Flat in the fairytale Glengorm Castle on the rocky northern coast (no children). Or further south, the farmhouse at Barrachandroman, Lochbuie, has everything a large family needs for a relaxing getaway . Or see the websites listed below to find all kinds of accommodation.

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Q. How do I get there
A. By ferry, from Oban or Lochaline. For times/fares, contact Caledonian Macbrayne

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For more Mull and Iona information/accommodation/boat trips/maps/etc, try these sites:
www.mull.zynet.co.uk
www.holidays.mull.com
www.holidaymull.org
www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk/areamull/self.html

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By Shona Mackay