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| Why not stay a little longer? | ||||||
Having travelled so far to get to the furthest tip of the beautiful island of Mull, it seems a shame to try and squeeze your visit into a few hours and then rush away again. Yet that’s exactly what many people do! Staying longer makes sense…….. | ||||||
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Believe us, we hear many of our guests telling us as they leave Staffa House: “We just didn’t plan enough time here. There’s so much we’d love to have done. If only we’d known, we’d have stayed longer”. So, why not indeed……? | ||||||
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…..GO FOR A PICNIC, BY BOAT? We can thoroughly recommend a trip in Mark Jardine's beautiful wooden sailing boat. Mark’s experience and knowledge make him an excellent guide and skipper, and he will tailor trips to suit your needs and preferences. Hire the boat for a picnic to a deserted beach, or for a gentle fishing trip. If you like walking, why not look at Mark’s ‘Combo-trips’ which allow you to sail one way and walk the other. What could be better than to experience this wonderful area from both the sea and the land? www.boattripsiona.com |
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…..JOIN THE IONA PILGRIMAGE? There is a Celtic saying that heaven and earth are only three feet apart, but in the thin places that distance is even smaller. Iona is sometimes called a ‘thin place’, where the spiritual and human come together and there’s no better way to experience something of that than to join the weekly pilgrimage, led by staff of the Iona Community. As well as visiting some of the most historically significant and most beautiful places on Iona, you will also be led in song, reflection and prayer at certain points. The majority of those walking will be guests staying at the Abbey and the Macleod Centre, but visitors are also most welcome providing they ‘sign in’ at the start of the walk. The pilgrimage takes place between mid March to late October, usually on a Tuesday. There are actually two choices of walks: The OFF ROAD pilgrimage which leaves the front of the Abbey at 10.15am and arrives back at approximately 4.30pm. It covers a distance of 6-7 miles over what is sometimes boggy and difficult terrain, visiting the Nunnery, Marble Quarry, St Columba’s Bay, the Machair and the Hermit’s Cell. |
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| The ON ROAD pilgrimage leaves the Abbey at 12 noon and takes until approximately 3.30pm to cover 2-3 miles on roads and tracks. It visits the Nunnery, Hill of the Fairies, the Machair and the Catholic House of Prayer before returning to the Reilig Oran. | ||||||
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| Please note: The above is intended as an overall outline of what you might expect if you join either pilgrimage. The details may change depending on weather and conditions underfoot. Everyone is welcome, there are no barriers of religion, nor any expectations that you should join in the prayers and songs; simply that you walk along with fellow travellers and observe the decisions of the pilgrimage leader concerning route, weather conditions, equipment etc. | ||||||
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…..BUY A GIFT WITH A DIFFERENCE? The islands of Mull and Iona have attracted artists and craftsmen/women for many generations. Today there is a vibrant community of creative people within a mile of Staffa House, each of them making and moulding beautiful things which speak of this place and its people. In a world where mass-production sometimes seems to engulf us, you’ll find that spending time in these workshops and studios will refresh your spirits and perhaps provide you with a very personal gift to take away with you.
Oran Creative Crafts, Isle of Iona |
 St Columba Steadings, Art&Craft Centre, Isle of Iona | |||||
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... VISIT A WEAVING MILL AND ORGANIC FARM? Ardalanish Organic Farm is situated in a stunning setting in the remote south west corner of Mull, looking out over the broad sweep of Ardalanish Bay to the islands of Colonsay, Oransay, Islay and Jura. The farm is owned and managed by an inspiring group of people who rear native Hebridean sheep and black Highland cattle called ‘kyloes’. The sheep’s wool is used for weaving unique and distinctive tweeds in a range of subtly beautiful patterns and shades. This is a vibrant and creative place where you can find wonderful scarves, shawls, throws, jackets and coats, as well as smaller gift items, all made with loving care and commitment and reflecting the precious relationship between humans, animals and nature. Ardalanish is one of our very favourite places to visit! Walk along the beautiful beach, often deserted, follow the Farm Trail to look down on the white sands and visit the Isle of Mull Weavers. You’ll come away refreshed and encouraged! www.ardalanishfarm.co.uk | ||||||
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... ENJOY A YOGA CLASS? What could be more appropriate during your stay on the Ross of Mull than mirroring the peace and tranquillity of your surroundings with some gentle, nurturing yoga practice? Zoe Heald, a qualified yoga teacher and practitioner, lives in Fionnphort and runs weekly yoga classes for all abilities, including complete beginners. However much you like touring around when on holiday, it can be quite tiring and draining at times, especially after long flights or car/bus/train journeys, so a yoga session could re-invigorate you and enable you to enjoy your time with us even more fully. Visitors are most welcome to attend Zoe’s classes (we’ll happily supply further details of days/times) and Zoe is also available to give private sessions for individuals, small groups, etc. Please contact us for more information. www.isleofmullyoga.com | ||||||
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... HAVE DINNER ON IONA? The island of Iona is a special place after the last ferry of the day has departed at 6.30pm. The hustle and bustle of the day visitors fades and you’re left with the quiet lapping of the waves, the cry of the seabirds and the smell of good cooking in Iona’s two hotels and one restaurant. | ||||||
And how to get back to your cosy bedroom waiting for you at Staffa House? In the summer season, on request, one of the local boat operators runs a ferry service back to Fionnphort. You’ll need to book this in advance (and to book your dinner table too of course!), but all in all it makes for a memorable evening. | ||||||
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| ... EXPLORE AND VISIT ...? | ||||||
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And when you leave us, why not ...
P.S. We haven’t even started on our walk suggestions yet! Please visit our Walking page for lots of great walks to enjoy on Mull and Iona. | ||||||
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