Isle of Muck Bunkhouse

Details

The Bunkhouse is a self-catering hostel (sleeps 8, 4 bedrooms (1 double and 3 bunk rooms)), which can also be hired as a holiday cottage. It is situated in the bay of Port Mor, with views of the bay and Ardnamurchan on the mainland.

An ideal base from which to explore the island, whether you're travelling on your own, as a bigger group, or with your family. It is close to the piers, The Craft Shop & Tearoom and to the island's Community Hall. Kitchen/diner/sitting room - A light and airy space with solid oak flooring throughout, benefitting from passive solar gain throughout the day. The perfect space to chat to other visitors about their travels, or spend time with family and friends. The kitchen is fully-equipped with breakfast bar, gas cooker, fridge freezer, microwave, washing machine, toaster and kettle

Bedroom 1: A comfortable double bed with bedside table and underbed storage.
Bedrooms 2, 3 & 4: Comfortable bunkbeds with bedside table, and underbed storage.

Bathrooms: There are two toilets and a cubicle power shower. Wi-fi (fast) is throughout the property. There are also a selection of cards, games, radio and books.

Location: The Bunkhouse is easily accessible being a few minutes walk from the piers tearoom and Community Hall. It is nestled on the shore of Port Mor bay on the south side of the island, with a picnic table and open views, and only 1/2 mile walk to Cairidh beach and bay, and 1 mile walk to the beaches at Gallanach.

The Isle of Muck Walking Muck is easy to walk around, with its rolling fertile landscape, and an interesting island to explore, along with spectacular views of other islands and the mainland. The highest point is Beinn Airein (at 451ft) which is a relatively easy walk to the top (more challenging from the west side). Other walks might include visiting the seal colony, white sandy beaches, Horse island at low tide, or Bagh, a renovated black house.

There is some opportunity for rock climbing on the island, at Camas Mor. A map of island walks is available from the Craft Shop.

Cycling Bikes are an ideal way to travel from one end of the island to the other, and visitors are very welcome to bring their bikes. The road is just over 1 mile long, and an easy cycle.

On the Water
Gallanach bay provides a beautiful safe harbour for water sports, and visitors are more than welcome to bring sailing dinghy’s, diving gear and other water sports equipment. The waters around Muck offer some excellent diving opportunities. Mackerel are usually plentiful in July and August.

Wildlife
Muck has a rich and diverse wildlife. For full details please refer to the Isle of Muck Guide Book, available from the Craft Shop. Around 40 species of birds breed regularly on Muck, and a further dozen or so occasionally. The marine life is particularly rich and interesting due to the Gulf Stream, and includes a number of crabs, small purple sea urchins, and the only British Coral, the “Cup Coral”. Grey Atlantic seals are commonly seen around the shores and Common seals occasionally. Porpoises and Minke whales are also commonly seen, and Basking sharks can also be spotted in late summer (these are plankton feeders and perfectly harmless!). A number of species were never introduced to Muck, including deer and rabbits.

Community Events
Anyone visiting the island is always more than welcome to attend any ceilidhs, quiz nights, or other social functions that might be taking place whilst you are on the island.

About the Isle of Muck
Is there a shop? No, there is no shop on the island, but there is a tearoom which opens April-Sept, and you can purchase local produce such as shellfish, eggs, meat and seasonal vegetables.

Is there somewhere to eat? Yes, the The Craft Shop & Tearoom is open during the season, April - Sept, for lunches and afternoon teas, and both Gallanach Lodge and Port Mor Guest House offer evening meals during the season. Advanced booking essential.

Can I bring a car, camper van or motor bike? No, island residents are only able to bring their car onto the island, unless you are a registered disabled person. We will meet you from the ferry and help you with your luggage and provisions.

Can I hire a bike? No, but the ferries are able to transport bikes.

What is there to do? Wildlife watching (whales, sharks, dolphins, porpoises, otters), bird-watching including puffins and eagles, fishing, walks and adventures to the many coastal bays, picnicking, sea swimming, snorkelling, photography, beach play, beachcombing and relaxation, patting the Highland ponies, visiting the Tearoom, games at the Community Hall, ceilidhs and folk music (when on offer), soaking up the views and generally unwinding. Charters to other islands are also possible. Please visit our website www.isleofmuck.com for further details.

How long does it take to walk across the island? The road is only just over a mile long, so about 20 minutes, but there is a vast amount of the island to explore with hidden bays, beaches, and even a natural swimming pool! Can I walk anywhere? Yes, but be mindful of the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.

Are there midges? Midges aren't much of a problem with there not being large areas of woodland and wetlands. If it is a humid or a still evening, you may experience the odd bite, but on the whole there is usually a sea breeze, and they don't have an impact day to day.

How often is the ferry cancelled? The ferry can be cancelled due to bad weather (high winds and/or the swell). Cancellations happen more in the winter than in the summer, but it is worth keeping an eye on CalMac's service status webpage. https://www.calmac.co.uk/service-status?route=19

How does Muck generate its own electricity? Muck has a Community electricity scheme. Our green electricity is generated by 30KW wind turbines, and 30KW photovoltaic panels. The electricity generated charge the battery bank. The Community electricity scheme and Community Hall are both community owned, and managed and maintained by the Community.

The perfect place to stay for:

Hillwalking / mountaineering

What's nearby:

Near the sea
Places to eat nearby