Isle of Ulva

The Isle of Ulva

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These markers refer to locations on the Mull map Red is for attractions.  When you click on the red number, it takes you to the location on the Google map

	Ulva
	Ulva is thought to come from the Old Norse meaning "wolf isle". You won't see any wolves today, but you're almost guaranteed to spot deer, golden eagles, buzzards and seals offshore. The beautiful little isle is situated off the west coast of Mull and is reached by a small passenger ferry, no vehicles are allowed onto the island. Ulva is privately owned, formerly the home of 600 people who made their living from the collection and exportation of kelp. Today there are only 11 residents who make a living from the land, sheep and cattle farming, fish farming, oyster farming and tourism.

	Ulva Ferry
	Ulva is open from Easter to October; the ferry which takes foot passengers and bicycles runs Monday to Friday 9 - 5. The crossing only takes a couple of minutes and is on demand; summon the ferry by uncovering the red panel on the pier but don't forget to cover it again as the boat approaches. The island is closed on Saturdays but opens on Sundays from June to the end of August.

	Livingstone's Croft
	There is a lovely walk up to Livingstone's croft. This is the ruin of the croft house which once belonged to the grandfather of the explorer David Livingstone. Mull Magic offers regular walking tours on Ulva with pick-ups in Tobermory and Salen. The cost includes the ferry to Ulva and entry to the island, packed lunch and afternoon tea in The Boathouse. To request further information please click here.

	Livingstone's Cave
	This large raised sea cave is known as Livingstone's cave as the grandfather of David Livingstone, the famous African explorer and missionary is thought to have lived here whilst waiting for his croft to be built.  Archaeologists from the University of Edinburgh excavated the cave from 1987 - 1990 and found Ice Age fauna such as lemming and Artic Fox. They also found flint artefacts and fragments of human bones which can be dated back as far as 5650 BC.

	Lachlan Macquarie
	Lachlan MacQuarie, the last chief to live on the island, claimed that his clan had possessed Ulva since the 9th Century; and although the chiefs are not on public record until the mid-15th Century, they can produce a pedigree of sorts going back to the 13th. They even claim kinship with Saint Columba. General Lachlan MacQuarie, the most famous member of the clan, was possibly born at Ormaig.  After a military career, he became the first Govenor of New South Wales and Australians still make pilgrimages to his mausoleum at Gruline on Mull.

	Ulva Walks
	A footpath waymarked 'All Routes' leads from the Boathouse and climbs through the woodland behind. There are well sign posted boards that lead to a variety of walks on the island. All are fully described in a booklet that can be purchased from the Boathouse and range in distance from a couple of miles to over 10 miles.  If you require a guided walk on Ulva please contact Ruth at Mull Magic Tel: 01688 301213

	Ulva Church
	This Parliamentary church was one of five churches on Mull and Iona to be designed by Thomas Telford and was completed, along with the manse, in 1828. In the mid 1950s Lady Congleton who owned the island purchased the church and the larger partof it was converted into a community hall. Only the north west portion was retained for ecclesiastical use. The church is now privately owed and a couple of services are conducted every year at Easter and Harvest time

	Sheila's Cottage
	Ulva is home to Sheila's Cottage, a restored thatched croft house once the home of Sheila MacFadyen. Here you can learn about the famous visitors to Ulva, Boswell and Dr Johnson, Lachlan Macquarie and Sir Walter Scott. Beatrix Potter was a regular visitor to the island and found inspiration for many of her books here. The grandparents of the famous explorer and missionary David Livingstone once lived on Ulva and the walk up to Livingstone's croft is a must.

	The Boathouse Restaurant
	This is a licensed tea-room where you can have delicious home cooked food, hot or cold drinks and choose from a range of specialities (such as Ulva's own oysters, marinated salmon etc.) based on locally available ingredients. In fact you can just have a cup of tea or you can have a three course meal at any time from 9am to about 4.30pm. There is also a range of fine quality wines to complement your choice from the varied menu. The restaurant is now open on Friday evenings during the summer season - booking essential. Tel: 01688 500241/500226.