Hotel Review: Port Nan Gael Pods in Scotland’s Isle of Mull
Located in the settlement of Pennyghael, the Pods at Port nan Gael offer an intimate connection to the rugged landscape of the Isle of Mull. Situated along the shores of Loch Scridain, these 200 square foot retreats are designed for travelers who want to trade the noise of the city for the sounds of the Atlantic and the sight of wild Highland cows on the beach. While reaching this remote corner of the world involves a ferry ride followed by a focused drive, the property serves as a perfect base for exploring this beautiful, rugged island.
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The Journey to the Pods in Pennyghael
The journey to get to Pennyghael is an adventure that requires some serious stamina behind the wheel! We started our trip in Edinburgh and drove to Oban, where we caught the CalMac ferry over to Tobermory. The ferry ride itself was an easy-going experience with great views, but the drive from Tobermory to the pods took about an hour and was easily the most stressful driving we have ever done.
Even with weeks of experience on precarious roads in the Highlands and the Isle of Skye, the skinny single-track roads, passing places, and constant rain on Mull were on another level. It was so intense that I (Kait, the driver) literally felt like I had sea legs the next day just from the concentration required to navigate. We highly recommend that you only put your most confident driver in the seat for this leg of the trip!
The Property and Accommodations
Port nan Gael is a multi-faceted property that captures the raw beauty of Scotland without sacrificing the essential comforts of a modern stay. This property provides a range of accommodations, from a traditional seven-room inn at the Inn at Port nan Gael with a cozy bar to thirty hardstanding pitches for tents and motorhomes, and several self-catering pods. They have also recently added a pop-up island sauna shack, which is the perfect way to lean into the relaxation of the coast!
For those staying in the pods, the property includes a well-stocked on-site store with local produce and fresh groceries, which is helpful if you forgot anything during your initial supply run. That said, we still highly recommend stopping at the grocery store in Oban before hopping on the ferry to pick up any essentials for your trip.
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Inside the Pod
Our pod was roughly 200 square feet of clever design, feeling like a cozy, Hobbit-sized sanctuary. While the website says these pods can technically sleep four people, we want to be honest: it would be an incredibly tight squeeze for four adults. It is a perfect setup for a couple or perhaps parents with one or two small toddlers, but any more than that and you will be tripping over each other.
The sitting area is positioned so you can lounge while looking straight out at the view, and the Murphy bed is surprisingly comfortable once you are ready to crash. There are bunk beds in the back, but we used them for our luggage instead of sleeping on them, and opted to sleep on the Murphy bed with views for days! For such a small space, the bathroom was actually one of the larger ones we have seen in this type of accommodation, featuring excellent shower pressure that was much appreciated after a long day outside.
The kitchen area is compact and functional, but you need to plan your meals around the specific tools provided. There is a microwave, a kettle, a toaster, and a refrigerator. We brought our own French press to make sure our mornings started with coffee, as we enjoy the views! (Yes, we travel with our own coffee beans and travel-sized French press! You’re not always guaranteed in-room coffee anywhere, but especially not in Europe!) They did provide instant coffee, but we picked up a bag of locally roasted beans in Edinburgh and were so happy with our choice.
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Scotland is a destination that truly stands out for its rich history and breathtaking landscapes, but what are the best foods and drinks to try while you're there? If this is your first visit to Scotland, you might be surprised to find out how stellar the food and drinks are! After spending one glorious month living like a local in Edinburgh, we've collected the ultimate guide to what we consider to be the best foods and drinks to try in Edinburgh on your first trip here.
Life on the Front Porch
One of our favorite parts of the stay was spending time looking out from the bed on the porch and sitting on the front porch with the fire-starting kit we purchased in addition to the room! The kit was practically ready to go, which made starting an outdoor fire for s'mores and a weenie roast (with things we picked up in Oban) very simple. There is nothing quite like sitting outside by the fire while overlooking the coast! While we wish there had been a bit more firewood included, it was enough for one night, and the experience was still a major highlight of our time on the property! It is the perfect place to unwind and soak up the quietness of the island.
Speaking of life on the front porch, we were absolutely tickled to find sheep grazing outside of our window both mornings we were there! That’s not a sight we see every day!
Scenery and Exploring the Area
The scenery surrounding Port nan Gael is exactly what you come to the Highlands to see. The absolute highlight of our trip was seeing wild Highland cows right on the beach. Seeing them in such a beautiful, natural setting was a dream come true. When we felt like leaving our little retreat, we visited The Glass Barn for coffee and cake, which is a lovely spot with a unique glass roof. The pods are also a great base for visiting the Isle of Iona or taking boat trips to see the puffin colonies on the Treshnish Isles.
Mull’s Tourism office, Visit Isle of Mull & Iona, has so many fantastic ideas about things to do while you’re here! Check out their website to dive deeper into all there is to do in Mull!
Highland Cows grazing on the beach, just a few minutes drive past the Pods!
Would We Stay Here Again?
We would stay at Port nan Gael again without hesitation. The drive to get there is a little challenging, but the payoff of staying in such a unique and quiet location is worth every one of the stressful passing places. The staff made the check-in process easy through their contactless digital system, the pod was comfortable and well-maintained, and the views were simply unbeatable.
If you are looking for a stay that allows you to truly disconnect and experience the raw beauty of the Scottish coast, we cannot recommend these pods enough. Important booking note - the pods require a two-night stay. This isn’t a con, because you’ll want it! You need at least one full day on the island (at least!), so the two nights are a must regardless. Go and enjoy!