The Isle of Colonsay may only be a short cruise away from the busy port of Oban, but it is magical place to get away from it all. Steeped in west coast history and teeming with wildlife, this island has much to offer the visitor. Take MacBrayne's ferry over from Oban or Port Askaig on Islay and land at the bustling wee pier at Scalasaig. Yes, it almost seems like a different world. Take yourself off to The Colonsay Pantry for a wee cuppa and a bite before you go off and explore.
Day Trips are Possible to the Island In Season
In the summer season it is possible to have just a few hours on the island. On Wednesdays take the ferry from Kennacraig in Kintyre or Port Askaig on neighbouring Islay. This allows for several hours ashore on this delightful wee island. Bike hire can be arrange on the island or why not take your own. The use of two wheeled transport allows for so much more to be seen in your limited time ashore. Remember to leave yourself plenty of time to get back to the ferry as it will be a week before the next one sails.
Visit One of the Islands Fantastic Beaches
No trip to Colonsay would be complete without a trip to see Kiloran Bay. That golden strand looks out toward the Ross of Mull and the Isle of Iona. This is one of the finest beaches on the island and great place to relax for a while. Rare choughs flit about in the sand dunes that border on the bay. Listen out for their twanging call and keep an eye out for them with their red bills and legs. Near here there was a Viking funeral. That Viking was buried on land with his horse, boat and all.
Listen Out for the Elusive Corncrake
One of the iconic birds of the western islands is the rather drab wee corncrake. These birds love to hide in the machair and other lush herbage of the western seaboard. From the fields, nettles and iris clumps the strident call of these birds carries in the island air. Their unique crex crex call give then their Latin name. They are often heard but can be very difficult to catch a glimpe of. The birds are more easily spotted early in the season before the summer growth takes hold.
Colonsay House Has Rather Splendid Gardens
Colonsay House is open two days a week. It is built on the site of the old Kiloran Abbey. St Oran's Well sits in the grounds and is said by some to have restorative healing powers. There is also an ancient religious statue brought from another remote Colonsay settlement. The house and formal gardens are open two days a week in the tourist season and there is very welcome tearoom for refreshments. The 20 acre woodland garden holds one of the finest rhododendrons collections in Scotland.
The Island Also Sports One of Scotland's Smallest Bookshops
To find out more about the island a visit to the tiny bookshop is a great help. Not only do they have a great collection of new and second hand volumes but they also sell local maps and publish a series of local guides. For the serious birdwatcher the Birds of Colonsay and Oransay is a real must. It outlines where the best places are to watch birds and is written by David Jardine, President of the Scottish Orinithologists' Club. Exploring Colonsay in the West Highland Series gives the reader hidden insights and almost forgotten places to visit.
There is So Much to See and Do on This Island Paradise
Whatever the reason for visiting the island it holds so much for the discerning visitor. It is a welcome haven for yachts and other boats. Fishing can be first class on lochs, river and sea. Walking and cycling offers up unspoilt possibilities galore. Birding and seawatching opportunities are second to none. The welcome is first class and you will always leave the island with a strong wish for a speedy return. Yes, Colonsay is a rather magical place.
Dave McFadzean - Based in southwest Scotland I have been a freelance travel writer and photographer for nearly two decades. Building up a strong market for ...
