Hidden away on the uninhabited island of Staffa in western Scotland, Fingal’s Cave is a one-of-a-kind natural marvel that simply has to be seen to be believed. This geological wonder is one of the highlights of the Staffa National Nature Reserve, and with its extraordinary cathedral-like acoustics and towering basalt columns, it’s inspired the work of poets, musicians, and adventurers for centuries.
Fingal’s Cave is created from hexagonally jointed basalt columns that were formed by a huge Paleocene lava flow that also created the Giant’s Causeway off the coast of Northern Ireland. And while the rare geological formations are absolutely breath-taking in their own right, the surrealist songs that echo the ocean’s waves within Fingal’s Cave gives the entire scene an enchanting dream-like quality.
Situated on the tiny island of Staffa in the Inner Hebrides, Fingal’s Cave is only accessible by boat between April and September from nearby ports. During the summer, when the ocean waves are not too rough, you can safely get off the boat, explore the cave, and wander around the island where you’ll see cute puffins and enjoy the magnificent ocean scenery. Staffa means ‘Pillar Island’ in the old Viking Norse language, and you could definitely imagine a Viking longboat emerging from the mist as you survey the scenery around the rocky island of Staffa.
Most visitors to the area opt to stay on the beautiful Isle of Mull, a bustling island community that is beloved by tourists and Scots alike. There’s a wonderful selection of rustic accommodation on Mull and a delicious range of local cuisine to try, including fresh-caught salmon, venison, Angus beef, and the diverse produce of a thriving local organic food system. During your stay you’ll be able to immerse yourself in the dramatic landscapes that inspired the work of poets such as William Wordsworth and the landscape painter J.M.W. Turner, as well as learn about the unique heritage of Scotland’s western coast.
As one of Scotland’s best-kept secrets, Fingal’s Cave, and the surrounding region, is a wonderful destination for families, solo travelers and couples who are looking for an unusual romantic retreat amongst the rugged scenery of the Inner Hebrides.
How Do You Get To Fingal’s Cave, Scotland?
To visit Fingal’s Cave you’ll first need to travel to one of Scotland’s major cities, such as Glasgow or Edinburgh. You can easily catch international flights from Europe directly into Scotland but if you’re traveling from further afield you may have to fly into one of the London airports before catching a connecting domestic flight to take you the rest of the way up north.
Once you reach Glasgow or Edinburgh, you can hire a car and drive yourself through the stunning scenery or, if you prefer, you can catch a train or bus directly to Oban, the gateway to the Hebrides. If you’re staying on the Isle of Mull, you can either drive over the bridge if you’ve rented a car or, alternatively, you can catch one of the many ferries that make the short ocean crossing each day.
You can only reach Fingal’s Cave by taking a boat tour. You can join a boat tour to Fingal’s Cave, and the island of Staffa, from a variety of small ports along the coastline of Mull – all of which are easily accessible by car, taxi, or one of the local bus services. The boat ride to Staffa is about 30 minutes through some stunning ocean scenery. After having a look around Fingal’s Cave and Staffa island, you’ll be dropped off back on the Isle of Mull.
What is the Best Time to Visit Fingal’s Cave, Scotland?
The island of Staffa is only accessible between April and October each year. This is because the seas are simply too rough and dangerous during the stormy winter months to be able to stop on the small rocky island of Staffa.
The weather between April and October is perfect for visiting Fingal’s Cave, with temperatures ranging from about 8 to 20 Degrees Celsius and relatively small waves on the sea. The warmest months are from late May until the end of July, although this is also the high tourist season which is something you may want to keep in mind.
The weather during the summer months provides ideal conditions for hiking, visiting the beaches on Mull, sightseeing, and taking in the spectacular views of the Inner Hebrides. Even so, you should always pack a waterproof jacket, just in case you get one of Scotland’s famous bursts of unexpected rain!
What Is There To Do At Fingal’s Cave and Mull?
Visit Fingal’s Cave from the Isle of Mull with Turus Mara Tours
Join a local guide and jump aboard for a magical trip from Mull to the island of Staffa and Fingal’s Cave. Setting off from the Ulva Ferry Community Transport Facility at 10.30 and 14.00 on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, these extended cruises give you plenty of time to see Fingal’s Cave and explore the Staffa island on foot.
There is also additional time included in the trip for seal and bird watching along the way, so don’t forget to pack your camera! The spectacular volcanic rock formations and the unique wildlife make this an unforgettable experience for visitors from all over the world.
You can book a morning or an afternoon boat tour to Staffa and Fingal’s Cave, or find out more about the trip, here.
Take a Guided Hebridean Farm Hike with a Local Farmer
The island of Mull, just like much of Western Scotland, is steeped in ancient farming practices that continue to this day. If you’d like to learn all about the local culture, traditions, and heritage that made the Scottish Hebrides what they are today, then why not join this fun Hebridean Farm hike?
Led by a friendly local hill farmer, you’ll walk through the stunning landscapes as your guide recounts stories and tales from the past and present while explaining how they operate their traditional farm. Along the way, you’ll also see herds of wild Highland ponies and the iconic Shetland sheep that find their way onto millions of Scottish postcards each year!
Some of the trails can be a little challenging and muddy, so it’s a good idea to wear appropriate footwear and bring a sturdy waterproof jacket with you. The tour departs from outside Tobermory – just drive past the golf course and look out for a sign that says ‘The Fauld’. Alternatively, if you haven’t hired a car, simply order a local taxi and they can drop you off and then pick you up again once the tour is finished.
You can book your Hebridean Farm Hike, or find out more about the tour, here.
Oban Town Walking Tour and Day Trip
Oban is one of the main cultural hubs of western Scotland and has a fascinating history as well as lots of interesting landmarks. From your accommodation on the isle of Mull, you can take the ferry over the water to Oban to meet up for the start of the tour.
After meeting up with your experienced local guide in Oban at 10.30, you’ll enjoy a wonderful few hours exploring the town. During the tour you’ll wind through the charming streets as you visit the Saint Columba Cathedral, the Dunollie Museum, Castle and grounds, the War and Peace Museum, McCaigs Tower, the Oban Distillery, and stop off at several delightful beauty spots for photos.
The walking tour is the perfect way to start a day trip to Oban and will give you a chance to see all the main attractions in the town. Once your tour is complete, you can have lunch or and a drink in any number of charming local pubs or restaurants before spending the afternoon perusing the shops or returning to one of the attractions you saw that morning.
You can book your place on the Oban walking tour, or find out more, here.
Eat at the Famous Cafe Fish
This tiny, family run establishment is rapidly gaining nation-wide recognition for being one of the finest fish restaurants around. With gorgeous harbor views across Tobermory pier, the Cafe Fish even has its own fishing boat that lands freshly caught shellfish, directly from the sea to your plate! There’s no need to book in advance for lunch but you will need to reserve a table for dinner because it often fills up quickly, especially at the height of the summer season.
The menu boasts a delicious selection of seafood, ranging from locally sourced mussels to salmon, oysters, and other seasonal specials. And don’t worry if you don’t fancy seafood, there’s lots of other options on the menu including gluten free and vegetarian dishes to choose from. A charming harborside restaurant with a world-class seafood menu, the Cafe Fish is guaranteed to make your evening a night to remember.
You can book your table for dinner at the Cafe Fish, here.
Stay at the Western Isles Hotel
As the 2024 winner of the Island Hotel of the Year, as well as the Most Romantic Restaurant of the Year, the boutique Western Isles Hotel is not only one of the finest hotels on the Isle of Mull, but it’s a contender for one of the top hotels in the nation! With superb views over the harbor, right in the center of Tobermory, it’s ideally situated for hiking, day trips in and around Mull, and just a stone’s throw from a great choice of restaurants, including the legendary Fish Cafe, the Galleon Bistro steakhouse, and the delightful Isle of Mull Ice Cream parlour.
The hotel has a lovely range of rooms to choose from, as well as free parking, WiFi, a cozy bar and lounge, and an up-market on-site restaurant. Furthermore, the friendly staff are always on hand to help you plan day trips and book your onward travel arrangements.
You can reserve your room, and find out more about the Western Isles Hotel, on the hotel’s office website, here.
