(Gaelic name meaning: Blue Glen)
GLEN GORM
Glengorm is on the north coast of Mull, and has spectacular views over the Sea of the Hebrides where many wondrous creatures are found. The photogenic castle has a commanding vantage that looks out towards the Isles of Coll and Tiree, and the wider Hebrides beyond. There is plenty to explore around Glengorm, and the rugged grounds are dotted with shaggy highland cows.
Bottlenose dolphins hug the coast here, sometimes swimming very close by. Further out in the deeper water, look for the long dark backs of minke whales as they surface. With wildlife, nature and heritage galore, Glengorm is not to be missed!
A bit about the site
The Glengorm Visitor Centre has lots of great information about the natural environment, and a fantastic programme of guided walks, kids crafts and other workshops. The Glengorm Wildlife Project rangers are on hand to answer all your questions about the natural environment, or you can join them on a guided walk or wildlife watch.
Take the gentle walk down to Dun Ara, a rocky outcrop you can climb atop and watch for wildlife amidst the ruins of an old fort. It is around 4km return, walking on gravel, muddy paths and open fields.
The castle itself is now a guest house so is not open to other visitors.
Getting here
No public transport
20 minutes by car from Tobermory
Ferries to Mull
Accessibility
Glengorm Visitor Centre is easily accessible, less than 100m from the car park
Useful links
Glengorm Wildlife Project
Glengorm Castle
Visit Scotland - Glengorm
Responsible Access
Wondrous creatures in the waters
Look out for
Minke whales
Bottlenose dolphins
Common dolphins
Harbour porpoise
Basking sharks
Killer whales (orca)
Otter
Seals
White-taied eagles
Hen harriers
Guillimots
Razorbills
Gannets
Check out the latest sightings on HWDT Whale Track
The West Coast Community
Glengorm has a commanding view across the Hebridean sea, so there are lots of amazing species to look out for. One rare but spell-binding sight are killer whales. Growing up to almost ten metres long, they are actually really big dolphins. Scotland has a small resident pod numbering just 8 individuals, Known as the West Coast Community. These elusive creatures are only spotted occasionally throughout the year - a couple of those sightings usually from the north of Mull. The Gaelic name for these enigmatic creatures is Madadh-cuain which means ‘ocean-wolf’ - a perfect name for these clever hunters.
Join us at Glengorm!
During the summer months’ staff from the Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust join the Glengorm Wildlife Project Ranger for a regular Thursday morning whale watch. You will learn top tips for spotting and identifying Scottish marine species and birds and explore the local natural environment. Join us as we look out from this stunning site, in search of an elusive whale or two!