Tobermory - Clock Tower & An Tobar

Navigating The Route

This is a circular Treasure Hunt around Tobermory Clock Tower & An Tobar, with Explorers helping Dipsy Trawler follow a rum-stained map linked to Iain Angus MacLean's lost cargo and track the clues around Tobermory in search of the hidden loot.

The quest covers approximately 1.5 miles and should take around 1.5 hours to complete. You'll begin on Main Street on the harbourside near the pier, explore Tobermory's colourful port, pass through a play park, head up from the harbour past the war memorial and continue uphill towards the Western Isles Hotel, with An Tobar adding a creative twist to the adventure before the route loops back to Main Street.

This Trail is not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs. The route follows pavements, clear paths and quiet roads, but there are some steep hills and steps, so sturdy footwear is recommended.

Take care on the pier as there are no barriers along it. There may also be ferry traffic near the ferry slip, and the footpath and steps may be slippery when wet. Keep an eye out in the car park area too, especially for cars reversing.

Getting There

By car: Start your hunt on Main Street on the harbourside near the pier (PA75 6PA). The recommended place to park is Tobermory Public Car Park (PA75 6NR), next to the distillery.

By public transport: Make your way to Main Street in Tobermory, then head for the harbourside near the pier to begin the quest. The circular route loops back to Main Street and returns to where you began.

Need the Loo?

Toilets can be found along Main Street, not far from Clue 01 - a handy early stop before the treasure-hunting gets properly underway.

Bring Your Furry Sidekicks

Four-legged Explorers are welcome to join the search for Dipsy Trawler's hidden loot. 🐾

The route includes pavements, quiet roads, steep hills, steps, the pier, the ferry slip and car park areas, so keep dogs close around traffic, water, reversing cars and any slippery sections after wet weather.

Food & Drink Stops

Main Street is your best place to gather supplies, with the main shops, cafes and pubs for provisions. Stock up before you climb away from the harbour, or reward your crew when the route brings you back to where you began.

Want to Make a Day of It?

Tobermory

Tobermory is the colourful capital and picturesque port of the Isle of Mull, so it's well worth lingering once the loot-hunt is complete. The town was founded in 1788 as a fishing port, although the fishing industry never really took off due to a lack of forward planning. During the Napoleonic Wars, kelp became big business almost overnight, burned to produce alkaline ash for soap and glass.

An Tobar

An Tobar brings a creative flourish to the quest. Set in old Victorian school buildings, it opened in 1997 as Tobermory's creative and cultural hub, with a gallery, performance space, workshops and a cafe. It also promotes visual arts, music and tuition in traditional musical instruments.

Tobermory Bay

Tobermory Bay is steeped in properly treasure-worthy legend. One tale tells of the Spanish ship Florencia, said to have sought refuge here in 1588 after the Armada before being blown up by locals when she tried to leave without paying her dues. Several artefacts have been recovered from the bay, but no hoard of treasure has been found - yet.

Play Park

The Trail goes through a play park on the way up from the harbour, passing behind the fence into the park before leaving by the old green gate. It's a useful spot for Mini Explorers to burn off some extra questing energy before the route continues uphill.