Few places in Scotland can be as difficult to reach as the island of Oronsay. The usual approach to this isle is to take a Caledonian MacBrayne's Ferry to the idyllic Argyll island of Colonsay. That journey from Oban is a nautical experience in its own right with plenty of chances to view sea life. Landing at Scalasaig in Colonsay quiet roads take you west then south to an area of tidal flats known as The Strand. For a few hours at low tide it is possible to get across from there to Oronsay.
Aim to Cross Over to Oronsay As Soon As the Tide Recedes
Visitors only have a few hours to visit the island before the sea cuts them off again from Colonsay for another half day. The going is pretty damp in places underfoot and wellington boots would be the best type of footwear for the crossing. In summer the RSPB run regular guided tours to the island and that can be an interesting and safe way of getting the most from your visit. There is more than a mile of soggy sandflats to negotiate before you reach the rocky track on Oronsay.
Watch Where You Go When You Get On Oronsay
The whole island is now a nature reserve. It is owned by an American lady but is administered by the RSPB for her. They are mainly concerned with the conservation of corncrakes and choughs. Oronsay is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and a Special Protection Area. The corncrake is a small bird that nests in the pasture land on Oronsay. It's crex crex call is often heard but the bird can be elusive. Choughs are rare crows with red bills and feet. They are specialist feeders on dunes and cattle grazed farmland.
The Great Celtic Christian Saint Columba Is Said to Have Visited Oronsay
St Columba came to the Argyll islands and Hebrides during his exile from Ireland. Legend has it that he landed on Oronsay but they say he could still see his homeland from Beinn Oronsay. Other holy men established a centre on Oronsay and today it is one of the best preserved eccliesiastical sites in all Scotland. One of the relics particularly worthy of special note is Prior Colin's cross. This well preserved symbol of Christianity dates back to the 15th Century.
Take Time to Encounter Oronsay's Special Wildlife
In the nesting season Beinn Oronsay, the high point of the island, is out of bounds due to breeding choughs. The metallic twang of these rare crows is often heard by visitors to the island. Corncrakes call stridently from the machair and grasslands. They make a great deal of noise for such a nondescript little bird. Atlantic grey seals breed on a small island off the southern tip of Oronsay and the otters hunt along the ragged shoreline.
Seabirds Abound Off Oronsay
Eider ducks bob in the sea off Oronsay, These birds are almost synonymous with Oronsay and neighbouring Colonsay. Majestic gannets coast the reefs before plunge diving into the sea for a meal. They are the largest seabird in Britain and are just hypnotic to watch . Divers and mergansers are often seen offshore here. The panoramic views to Jura and northern Islay are truly breathtaking. It's worth making the effort to get there just for those astonishing vistas. Oronsay may be a rather difficult place to get to but it certainly is most worthy of the effort.
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 ...
