Salen - Isle of Mull

Tobermory

Isle of Iona

Salen on the Island of Mull

Click on all images below to enlarge

Accommodation in this area Places to eat around Salen Salen Shops and Services

These markers refer to locations on the Mull map Red is for attractions

Salen - Isle of Mull

Salen, on the east coast of Mull lies at the narrowest point on the island, halfway between Craignure and Tobermory. It was built around 1800 by General Lachlan Macquarie, former Governor of New South Wales and known as 'Father of Australia'. This is a busy little village, with shops, post office, restaurant, coffee shop and launderette.

The mailboat service from Oban to Mull traditionally called at Salen pier en route to Tobermory and many people still have fond memories of the Lochinvar. From 1964 the new ferries required bigger piers and Craignure was established as the main ferry terminus on the island due to its central location for visitors to Tobermory and Iona. This meant the end for Salen as a mailboat destination.

St Columba visited Salen and preached from a rocky bluff behind the Salen Hotel, it is said that his services were 'not very well attended'

Bicycle Hire: Glenaros Lodge Aros, just north of Salen

Mountain bikes / Hybrid Bikes are available for £20 per day or £15 part day (up to 3 hours). Helmets, locks & repairs kits included. Bikes can be delivered & collected (at extra cost). To some areas of the island a two day minimum hire charge applies when delivery and collection is involved.

Tailored Activity Tours:

Personalised Fully Supported Bike Tours with drop offs & pick ups and tailored tours (ie mostly downhill riding on quiet, virtually traffic free roads) can be arranged using our support vehicle & driver/guide. Prices from £75 per person. (Two person minimum charge). These tours tailored can also include some kayaking / canoeing if desired.

Peter Butterworth

Glenaros Lodge

Telephone Peter on 01680 300301 or 07796 886 899

	Pony Trekking at Killiechronan, near Salen
	Ponies and treks to suit all ages and abilities. Full or half day rides can be arranged for the more experienced but this can be difficult during the school holidays. Booking is essential. To book call Liz on 07748 807447 E-mail: mullponytrekking@fsmail.net Website: www.mullponytrekking.co.uk Open from Monday 19th March

	Mull Magic Wildlife and Walking Trips and Tours, Tobermory, Isle of Mull
	Come and enjoy Mull's very own Coast to Coast Walk, commencing in Salen. Take in the fabulous 360° panorama from an Iron Age Fort and marvel at Ben More, Mull's only Munro at 3169 ft. We view the ancient stronghold of the Lords' of the Isles and have lunch overlooking a local white-tailed sea eagle territory. OPEN ALL YEAR. £35.00 per person including lunch and refreshments.
	Tel: 01688 301213 Mobile: 07923 153976 Email: enquiries@mullmagic.com

Sea Eagle Hide, Loch Frisa, Aros, Isle of Mull

Catch a glimpse of the rare white-tailed eagle at the viewing hide on Loch Frisa. The hide is now open during the Autumn and Winter, trips are currently going out on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 10am and 1pm. Booking is essential Tel: 01680 812556

For more information on the history of the White-tailed Eagles on the Isle of Mull please click here.

mature white-tailed sea eagle

Tel: 01680 812556

Aros Castle

The castle was probably built by one of the MacDougall Lords of Lorn in the 13th century and was once the major stronghold of the Lords of the Isles. It first comes on record in the later 14th century when it was in the possession of the Lords of the Isles. It appears to have been garrisoned by Argyll's troops in 1690, though it was described two years previously as 'ruinous, old, useless and never of any Strength'. Throughout the 18th century the lands of Aros were farmed by a succession of Campbell tacksmen, but there is no record of the castle having been inhabited at this period.

Aros Castle is defended on the seaward side by low cliffs, and originally by a ditch on the inland side. It commanded a strong defensive position; there is the ruin of a small chapel beside it.

	Glenforsa Airfield
	Glenforsa Airfield along with the Isle of Barra must be one of the most stunning airfields in the country. It opened for regular flights on 13th September 1966 but there are now no scheduled flights, the Logan Air flight from Glasgow ceased in 1980. However, private plane owners can fly to Glenforsa which is situated on the north of the island at Salen. Refuelling facilities are not available at Glenforsa, but can be obtained a short distance away at Connel Airport near Oban. For information about landing conditions and facilities at Glenforsa including weather, please contact David Howitt Tel: 01680 300 402. Click here for the history of the airfield.

	Macquarie's Mausoleum
	The Macquarie Mausoleum is located at Gruline, near Salen on the Island of Mull and is the burial place of Major General Lachlan Macquarie of Ulva (1761 - 1824), the first Governor of New South Wales and 'father of Australia'. The mausoleum is owned by the National Trust for Australia but for reasons of practicality is cared for by the National Trust for Scotland. Click here for more information and photographs.

White House of Aros

The White House of Aros was once an inn, built by Captain Farquar Campbell for the original pier. Owned until recently by the Maitland Family.

Images taken from Salen Bay of the White House of Aros with Ben Hiant in the background

	Salen Church
	This mid-Gothic style building was completed and opened on July 9th 1899 by the Rev. Dr. Norman Macleod from Inverness, a member of the Macleods of Morvern. At this time both English and Gaelic services were held. Today, the Church really is the centre of the community; as well as being a place of worship various weekly events are held, Scottish Country dancing (visitors are made very welcome) , Keep Fit, Mothers and Toddlers to name but a few. Sunday Services are held at 10.15 am.