3–6 months before

CalMac ferry — car space, Oban → Craignure — Vehicle spaces sell out weeks ahead in summer. Book at calmac.co.uk. Foot passengers can usually turn up but booking is still recommended. Arrive at the terminal 30 minutes before sailing.

2–3 months before

Ninth Wave restaurant — Wednesday to Friday lunches only, May to October. The most in-demand table on the island. ninthwaverestaurant.co.uk

6–8 weeks before

Mull Wildlife Tours — Peter Hall — Maximum four people per tour. The most personal wildlife experience on the island. mullwildlifetours.co.uk

4–6 weeks before

Turus Mara boat trip — Staffa & Treshnish Isles — Puffins May to July, seals year-round. turusmara.com

Accommodation — all options — Glengorm, Isle of Mull Hotel, Western Isles — all book out in peak season. Self-catering cottages especially. Book via Booking.com or direct.

Car hire — if not bringing your own — Very limited availability on the island. Mackay's Garage 01688 302103 · Mull Car Hire 07721 623854. Book early — this catches a lot of visitors out.

4 weeks before — order online

The loveMULL packing list — Midge repellent (Smidge or Avon Skin So Soft), midge head net, waterproof jacket, waterproof trousers, walking boots, sunscreen, binoculars, OS Explorer Maps 373/374/375, insulated flask, dry bags, tick remover. Amazon packing list — link coming soon.

2–3 weeks before

Oran na Mara — Isle of Mull Hotel restaurant — AA Rosette seafood bistro. Popular with hotel guests and visitors alike. isleofmullhotel.com

1–2 weeks before

Tobermory Distillery tour — Tours daily 10am–4pm in season. Book online to guarantee your slot. tobermorydistillery.com

A few days before

Nature Scotland day tour — Full-day naturalist-led minibus tour from Craignure ferry terminal. naturescotland.com

The day before

Check CalMac sailing status — Check the CalMac app or calmac.co.uk for any disruptions. Have the Lochaline–Fishnish route in mind as a backup — no booking needed on that crossing.