Ulva Island

Ulva is a small island off the west coast of the Isle of Mull in Scotland’s Inner Hebrides. It is noted for rugged coastline, coastal cliffs and a network of walking paths that pass ruins of former croft settlements.

The island has a very small resident population and is largely managed for conservation and low-intensity tourism; walkers and wildlife observers are common visitors. There are several short trails and viewpoints along the shore that reveal seascapes and views towards Mull.

Historically the island supported crofting communities and experienced depopulation in the 19th and 20th centuries; remains of old settlements can be found among the vegetation. Modern access is by small vehicle or foot ferry from the Mull shore at Ulva Ferry.

Ulva lies directly off the west coast of Mull, separated by a narrow sound and accessed from the island of Mull’s west coast; it forms part of the Inner Hebrides archipelago.

• Access: Short passenger ferry connections run from the Mull side at Ulva Ferry, making day visits from the Isle of Mull practical in summer months.

Ulva (off the Isle of Mull) is reached via Mull. From mainland Scotland take the Caledonian MacBrayne ferry from Oban to Craignure on Mull, then drive or take local buses across Mull to the small ferrylanding called Ulva Ferry on Mull; from there a short local boat/foot passenger crossing (minutes) delivers you to Ulva. Schedules for the small island boat are limited-check local timetables or arrange transfers in advance.

• Ferry to Ulva runs from the hamlet called Ulva Ferry on the Isle of Mull-plan your Mull road route to end at the slip and allow time for limited parking there, as spaces are small.
• Check the community-run ferry timetable before travelling: sailings are seasonal and can change at short notice, so confirm times with the Ulva community or local tourist office to avoid a missed connection.
• Once ashore, follow the marked paths to see the ruined settlements and shoreline viewpoints; these inland archaeological remains and small glens are quieter than the shoreline and are easily missed by visitors who only walk the coast.