2 weeks Isle of Mull in Aug - have I made a mistake?

[mommybunny]

Family (me, DH, DS(11) and DD(9)) desperately need a holiday. We left it late to book for a few reasons - my dad died in March and I spent a lot of March in the US with that, we thought my brother was coming from the US but now isn't, DH and I have our own business from home, we're lazy buggers, lots of reasons. I just found a cottage that looks nice near Craignure and can also accommodate our German Shepherd and we grabbed it for 2 weeks in mid August. Having had time to think about it, here's what scares me:

1. Being trapped on the island with a £65 ferry ride to get to the mainland.

1. I'm in Surrey now and ready to slit my wrists as it is with all this rain and cold - will I have to handle that FOR TWO WEEKS??

1. I didn't know till after I'd booked how bad the midges can be at that time of year. Can I do anything to make it less bad?

To be fair, I'm the one with the issues - my DH and DCs are pretty hardy and up for anything. So long as there's rockpooling (is there?) and I have the necessary mod cons like washer/dryer, wifi, TV etc (and all are present) the accommodation should be ok. But it would be great to have some reassurance/suggestions on what to do, where to go ...

Thanks.

If Oban-Craignure ferries are fully booked, you can go via Corran and Lochaline ferries which can't be booked, and the drive through Glencoe is spectacular.

Laggan Sands at Lochbuie are not far from Craignure and fabulous.

Mull has the most amazing places to eat from highly awarded restaurants, to simple cafes: mullandionafood.co.uk/

I've been to Mull a few times and love it whatever the weather. So much to do. The Salen Show might be on when you are there and is well worth a day out.

Jungle formula is pretty good (have been going to Ardnamurchan for >40 years). DH swears by a daily dose of marmite (internally!) - start now. Beautiful place; great for wildlife. Light shopping in Tobermory.

Strontian show also a possibility. Or take the passenger ferry to Kilchoan for a change of scene?

Go to Ulva - we loved it and went twice. Loved Mull but there was a lot of driving on slow roads. Stunningly beautiful. Trip to Iona is also worth doing.

Re midges - smidge that midge is the way forward.

On the subject of food, if you like fish and seafood do not miss Cafe Fish in Tobermory (in the old harbourmaster's building at the far end of town) but do book ahead, it's popular for very good reason. I have eaten THE BEST fish and seafood there, and it's a lovely relaxed place where you don't have to break the bank.