Ulva Hostel

Proud member of Independent Hostels UK

Frequently Asked Questions (or sometimes you didn’t know to ask!)

  • The hostel is on the Isle of Ulva off the west coast of Mull which requires a short ferry crossing from Ulva Ferry to Ulva
  • The Ferry runs between 9am and 5.30pm Monday to Fridays from the 1st April until the 31st October.
  • The Ferry never runs on a Saturday, but between the 1st June and end of August, it does run on a Sunday from 9am until 5.30pm
  • The Island has no roads, only tracks which can be wet and muddy in places, especially after any rain, therefore do bring suitable walking boots and clothing etc.
  • We offer a kit transportation service which you can book up to 24 hours before arrival, where we will meet you at the slipway and take you kit for you using one of our quad bikes. The cost is £30 and covers you for the arrival and departure.
  • Parking at Ulva Ferry is normally in either car park and visitors to Ulva should ignore the ‘No Overnight Parking’ signs, as it does not apply to them.
  • Sometimes finding a parking space can be difficult, especially during the peak season, due to the tour boats going out to the Treshnish Isles and Staffa from the pontoon at Ulva Ferry, therefore give yourself some time to find a space.
  • There is a ‘Ulva Ferry Community Bus’ service that is very popular, as it can pick you up from Craignure or Salen and deliver you directly to the pier at Ulva Ferry. However it needs to be booked at least 24 hours in advance as it is very popular and gets booked up.
  • Turus Mara and Mull Charters both operate wildlife sea tours from the pontoon at Ulva Ferry and can be booked directly with them.
  • Some of the trips leave or return before or after the ferry isn’t running, however if you ask them, they are usually very willing to drop people cross to Ulva or pick them up.
  • Do pay attention to the weather leading up to your arrival, as strong winds can affect the ferries causing delays and cancellations. The small Ulva ferry is less suscepitable to cancelling, however if you are delayed crossing to Mull, then you could miss the final ferry at 5.30pm to Ulva, so do let us know if you are delayed.
  • Whilst you are at the hostel, we keep an eye on the weather and if we think that strong winds are going to affect your departure, we will let you know.
  • The water on Ulva is from a private water source, but it has recently been upgraded to a new modern pumped system. However, sometimes the water will have a slight discolouration due to its peaty source, but this is not a quality issue at all.
  • You can walk to Gometra – the island off the west coast of Ulva – following the track along the north side of the island and crossing the sounds (Am Bru) using the causeway and bridge. This takes between 3 to 4 hours to walk one way and therefore is a day’s outing.
  • The Boathouse is open from 9am serving coffee and tea with cake and then serves lunch from 12 noon until 5.30pm. It is open Monday to Friday and from June until the end of August, on Sunday’s as well. It is not open in the evenings or Saturdays.
  • You should bring what food you would like to eat with you, as we do not serve meals at the hostel. However the kitchen is fully equipped with everything you might need and there are fridges and freezers too.
  • If you would like kit transport to and from the hostel for your supplies and luggage – this is available via prior booking for £25. This covers you for both you arrival and departure.
  • The hostel has shared facilities, therefore do be considerate in terms of usage of bathrooms, kitchen and sauna areas.
  • We do get a lot of folk wanting to wild swim and this is possible, just ask us where the best places are.
  • Archaeology and History: Ulva and Gometra have a rich legacy of archaeology and history, and there is a group called Duthchas Ulva that is active in recording as much as it can. If you are interested, just ask us, as there is a wealth of information available.
  • Dogs: We accept dogs in the Yurts but not ‘normally’ in the hostel. However, this is based upon whether the hostel is busy during your stay. Therefore, if you are wanting to bring you dogs with you to the hostel, do ask whether that is possible.
  • Groups: If you wish to book the hostel and/or Yurts for exclusive use, then this is absolutely possible and do contact us to discuss this option. Also, if you booking if for eight people or more, then we automatically consider this a group booking and will be contact with you.
  • Camping: Camping is available with a few pitches around the hostel and campers can use the facilities within the hostel, including the shower in the sauna area. However, camping does need to be pre-booked as the hostel is manned and therefore there isn’t anyone available to take a ‘turn-up’ booking.
  • Yurts: We have two large Mongolian Yurts (not glamping yurts), in the grounds of the hostel which are available to book via the booking link. The Yurts have proper beds and wood burning stoves are a wee bit like the ‘penthouse’ suites of the hostel. Yurts guests have access to the ground floor of the hostel, including the fully equipped kitchen, sauna, shower, living room and dining room.
  • Firewood: We do supply firewood for the Yurts and the wood burning stove in the hostel. There is a charge for £6.50 for the Yurts per load, and £12 for the hostel stove.
  • Check-in and check-out: Please see the separate check-in page on this website for complete details, however, check-in is between 2 and 5.30pm (the last ferry is 5.30pm). If you turn up after 5.30, then that is absolutely fine – as long as you are already on Ulva – but we won’t be around to meet and greet you, but will hopefully catch you the next day.

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