Major city · United Kingdom
LochbuieLocha Buidhe
Go only with a car and only for half a day: Moy Castle, the stone circle and Laggan Sands, then drive back out. No public transport, no signal, no pub.
Lochbuie is a hamlet of a few dozen people at the end of a single-track lane on the south coast of Mull, about 20 miles (32 km) from Craignure. There is a ruined 15th-century tower, a prehistoric stone circle, a tidal island and a good beach, all within a short walk. It is a half-day stop on a Mull driving day, not a base, unless you have booked one of the self-catering cottages.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- GBP
- Best months
- May–Jun, Sep
- avoid Nov–Feb (short days, wet, midges gone but little open)
- Airports
- GLA · EDI
- Nights
- 0–1
Rules in force · 8Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window…
- Europe ↗Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window, counted across all 29 Schengen states together — not per country; the Entry/Exit System now logs each crossing, so an overstay is detected automatically.
- Europe ↗On the first Schengen entry since EES began, non-EU travellers give four fingerprints and a face photo at the border instead of a passport stamp; there is nothing to apply for or pay in advance.
- Britain and Ireland ↗Neither the UK nor Ireland is part of Schengen: days spent here do not count towards the 90/180-day Schengen limit, and a Schengen visa does not admit you to either country.
- Britain and Ireland ↗The island of Ireland runs on two currencies: euro in the Republic, pound sterling in Northern Ireland and Great Britain. Carry a card that pays in both without fees.
- Britain and Ireland ↗Both islands drive on the left. Speed limits are in miles per hour in the UK (including Northern Ireland) and in kilometres per hour in the Republic of Ireland.
- United Kingdom ↗Most visitors who do not need a UK visa now need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travelling; this includes EU nationals. Irish citizens are exempt. Check the UK government site for your passport.
- United Kingdom ↗The UK is outside the EU and the Schengen area; a Schengen visa is not valid for the UK.
- United Kingdom ↗Driving is on the left; London has congestion and emissions charges for most vehicles, so do not drive in the city.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Lochbuie999 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Lochbuie, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the pound sterling (GBP, £).United Kingdom-wide
- SIM or eSIMEE, Vodafone (merged with Three in 2025) and O2 run the networks; prepaid SIMs sell in supermarkets, phone shops and airport vending machines…United Kingdom-wide
- Tap waterTap water is safe everywhere.United Kingdom-wide
- TippingcheckRestaurant with table service: 10–12.5% if no service charge is on the bill; check before adding more.United Kingdom-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets G. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): fits · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.United Kingdom-wide
- SafetyLow crime, real exposure: the risks are the single-track road, fast weather changes, boggy ground at the stone circle and no phone signal.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsPublic toilets are scarce and some charge 50p–£1 (≈ US$2) or are card-only.United Kingdom-wide
- Emergency numbers999 police, fire, ambulance, coastguard · 101 police non-urgent · 111 NHS non-urgent (Scotland)
- Sundays & holidaysShops in England and Wales open six hours on Sundays (usually 10:00 or 11:00–16:00 or 17:00).Shops in England and Wales open six hours on Sundays (usually 10:00 AM or 11:00 AM–4:00 PM or 5:00 PM).United Kingdom-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportGLA Glasgow (Mainland gateway; about 3 h 30 min by road to Oban or Lochaline, then ferry to Mull.).
- Getting aroundYou need a car or a bike.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeCoffee or tea at the Old Post Office£3–4 (≈ US$4–6)
- Street or quick mealSandwich or light lunch£5–9 (≈ US$7–12)
- Budget bedHostel or bunkhouse bed on Mull, a night, per person£25 (≈ US$35)
- Mid-range bedSelf-catering cottage in Lochbuie, a night, per room£180 (≈ US$250)
- High-end bedSelf-catering cottage in Lochbuie, a night, per room£300 (≈ US$400)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget £45 (≈ US$60) · Mid £80 (≈ US$110) · High £130 (≈ US$180)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- GLA Glasgow (Mainland gateway; about 3 h 30 min by road to Oban or Lochaline, then ferry to Mull.) · EDI Edinburgh (Longer drive to the Mull ferries; check connections before booking.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
Feb
Avoid
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
Mar
not flagged
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
Apr
not flagged
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
May
Best
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
Jun
Best
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
Jul
not flagged
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
Aug
not flagged
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
Sep
Best
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
Oct
not flagged
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
Nov
Avoid
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
Dec
Avoid
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
Best: May–Jun, Sep. Avoid: Nov–Feb. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)), coolest Jan (2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C) low), wettest Jan (20 rain days), driest May (13). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Lochbuie: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
20 rd
Feb
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
16 rd
Mar
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
18 rd
Apr
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
14 rd
May
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
13 rd
Jun
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
13 rd
Jul
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
15 rd
Aug
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
16 rd
Sep
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
17 rd
Oct
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
20 rd
Nov
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
19 rd
Dec
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
19 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
You need a car or a bike. The lane from the A849 at Inverlussa is single-track with passing places and takes about 40–50 min for the 20 miles (32 km). The village sights are all within a short walk of each other; the mausoleum is a 2-mile (3 km) hike south along the coast.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Door to door: About 1 h
Drive the lane back to the A849 at Inverlussa, then east
Ferry terminal for Oban and the main services on Mull.
Door to door: About 1 h 15 min
Drive back to the A849 and turn west
Ferry to Iona; pair it with a Lochbuie morning.
Door to door: About 1 h 15 min
A849 east, then north
Useful stop for fuel and food on the way to Tobermory.
Door to door: About 1 h 45 min
A849 east and north via Salen
Mull's main town; do it as a separate day, not from Lochbuie.
Door to door: About 1 h 30 min
A849 west, then the lane north of the road
Beach and gallery; combine with Fionnphort.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Lochbuie village
Self-catering cottages by the road junction near Moy Castle; book months ahead for summer.
Camping above the beach
Tents only, just beyond the Old Post Office; no caravans. Check locally before pitching.
Craignure or Salen
Better base for a Mull trip; Lochbuie becomes a half-day drive from here.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- £45–70 (≈ US$60–95) excl. bed
- Mid
- £70–110 (≈ US$95–150) excl. bed
- High
- £110 (≈ US$150)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| B&B double on Mull1 × 1 night × £120 | £120 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × £80 | £160 |
| Oban–Craignure ferry, car plus driver, one way1 × £45 · check | £45 |
| Oban–Craignure ferry, foot passenger, return2 × £16 · check | £32 |
| Fuel top-up on Mull1 × £40 · check | £40 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × £10 | £20 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | £42 |
| Trip total≈ £230 per person per day, bed included | £459≈ US$650 |
2026 estimate in pounds; ferry and car hire excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee or tea at the Old Post Office | £3–4 (≈ US$4–6) |
| Sandwich or light lunch | £5–9 (≈ US$7–12) |
| Ready-cooked meal delivered to a cottageOrder about a week ahead. | £10–15 (≈ US$14–20) |
| Petrol or diesel, per litre on Mull | £1.50–1.70 (≈ US$2–3) |
| Camping pitch above the beach | Free or small fee |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- No public transport to Lochbuie: the last miles are car or bike only.
- Mobile signal is unreliable; Vodafone may work outdoors, other networks often do not.
- Moy Castle is unsafe to enter; view it from outside only.
- The stone circle sits in the grounds of Lochbuie House, which is private: keep to the path.
- Midges are severe on still, damp evenings from June to August; bring repellent.
- Single-track road: use passing places and do not park in them.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance, coastguard
- 999
- Police non-urgent
- 101
- NHS non-urgent (Scotland)
- 111
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
LochbuieLocha Buidhe
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
Gu Locha Buidhe, mas e do thoil eTo Lochbuie, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance, coastguard999
- Police non-urgent101
- NHS non-urgent (Scotland)111
Embassy
No consulates on Mull; US, Canadian, Australian and Irish embassies are in London, with a US consulate-general in Edinburgh. Check the official embassy site for current contact details.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Oban → Craignure ferry, foot passenger: about £8–9 (≈ US$11–12) one way, 45–50 min (check)
- Oban → Craignure ferry, car plus driver: about £45 (≈ US$60) one way (check)
- Craignure → Lochbuie by road: 32 km (20 miles), about 1 h on single-track lanes20 miles (32 km), about 1 h on single-track lanes
Say or show
- Tapadh leibh — Thank you (TAH-pah leev)
- Madainn mhath — Good morning (MA-ting vah)
- Mas e do thoil e — Please (mas eh do hull eh)
- Càite a bheil an aiseag? — Where is the ferry? (KA-chuh a vayl an ASH-ak)
- A bheil comharra an seo? — Is there a signal here? (a vayl CO-urra an shaw)
- Slàinte — Cheers (SLAHN-chuh)
Print this card before you leave; you may have no signal in Lochbuie.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Lochbuie. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: May–Jun, Sep · avoid Nov–Feb (short days, wet, midges gone but little open) · month by month →
- 2 airports and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 5 day-trips, door to door
- 6 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Ferry-and-road contract for Mull: Oban–Craignure and Lochaline–Fishnish sailings, last-checked times, and a fallback if the lane is closed.
- Four walking clusters with rescue anchors: village core, Moy Castle and the shore, the stone circle and Lochbuie House path, Laggan Sands and the mausoleum.
- Place pages with verified access notes (Moy Castle exterior only, private house grounds, mausoleum hike) and eat pages with the Old Post Office's actual hours.
- Signal and weather fixtures so gates A–D can go green: midge season, single-track etiquette, no-transport warning.