Travel Isle of Coll, Inner Hebrides, Scotland
By Paul S Bryers Isle of Coll, June 2016 via SeatheworldTravelBlog
I have been coming to Travel to Isle of Coll, Inner Hebrides, Scotland for family summer vacations, on and off, for over 55 years. Coll – 12 x 3 miles and pop. 200 – is located 3 hours sail from Oban on Cal Mac’s Clansman. There are flights from Glasgow and Oban, but I recommend the sail. Typically, you will need to spend the night in Oban as the Clansman leaves early morning. There are plenty of great B&Bs in Oban (Check Guruescape.com for hotels on Oban on the Esplanade). It is more difficult to find good places for dinner, but the Ee-Usk on the North Pier is excellent.
The sail to Travel to Coll is beautiful, with views to the Morvern and Ardnamurchan Peninsulas and the Isle of Mull. As you approach Coll watch for the Islands of Rhum, Eigg, Muck and Canna to the North. If you are lucky, you might get to see the Isle of Skye in the distance.
Coll is the best place I know for total relaxation. If you need to be with people, don’t come.
As the Clansman pulls into the pier at Arinagour, the Island’s village, you get a sense of the rest of the island i.e., lots of machar with a few houses here and there.
Visit Guruescape.com to book Hotels. A place Paul Bryers recommends is the Coll Hotel (simple rooms, great little bar and restaurant), in the village bunkhouse or in self-catering cottages scattered across the island. There is also a walled campground.
Eateries are limited to the Coll Hotel and The Last Port of Coll – both good, with local seafood (and wifi). Food stores are The Coll Stores and a small shop attached to The Last Port of Coll. My advice is to bring most your own food (and wine) if you are going to be self-catering.
You can walk everywhere (if you like 5-10 mile walks), but it’s best to have a car. You might be able to get someone to drive you around, but I wouldn’t bet on it – you cannot rent a car on the island. The island is pretty flat, so biking is an option. Take your own bike or hire from Fiona Kennedy at the Post Office.
There are excellent walks and beaches along the West-facing coast of the island, especially at the West End (e.g. Crossapol, Caolis and Feall Bays) where there is a RSPB Reserve (think Corncrake and Lapwing). The East End sports two very beautiful beaches – Sorisdale (famous for Bill Travis in Ring Of Bright Water) and North End Beach. Between the two Ends are plenty of other beaches (e.g., Hogh Bay). Virtually all have golden or white sands and turquoise blue waters. However, if you want to swim, a wet suit is preferable (OK, essential if you are over 10 years of age).
Kayaks are available for rent in the village, and you might be able to get a local to take you out on a boat trip. Seals are plentiful on the rocks off of many beaches and are very inquisitive so come fairly close. Finally, there are a wide variety of seabirds, including the very noisy oystercatcher.
Weather – This is Scotland, so it can be wet for a few days in a row. However, over the last 10 years I have found the weather to be consistently good in late May and June.
Tagged: #Coll #Oban #Scotland #Seabirds #Seals, #Wildlife #Guruescape #Travelwebsite
GuruEscape is a leading hotel & travel price comparison site. We use advanced search technology to find the best prices from hundreds of travel suppliers. You can find the best rates on hotel rooms, flights and rental cars. You could save hundreds on your next vacation by booking with us.
