Colonsay

The Isle of Colonsay, and its smaller island neighbour Oransay, are some of the remotest inhabited islands in the Inner Hebrides. Spectacularly located some 20 miles from the mainland, between Islay and Mull, these low-lying islands are easily reached by ferry from Oban or, for the perfect Hebridean day-trip, in around an hour by a twice-weekly ferry round-trip from Port Askaig on Islay.

Although they measure just 10 miles by two miles, Colonsay and Oransay offer a surprising variety of things to do, especially for outdoors and wildlife enthusiasts. The islands boast a fascinating history and heritage, and a richly diverse array of flora and fauna (Colonsay is believed to have the richest flora of all the islands, with more than 500 species recorded), as well as an interesting geological timeline. The islands’ diversity is celebrated in a number of festivals throughout the year – from the celebrated book festival at the end of April, through a fantastic celebration of nature in its renowned spring festival, to a lively traditional music festival in September and a delicious autumnal food and drink festival in October.

The islands are low-lying with a spectacular coastline and a rolling interior that rises to no more than 145m – which make them perfect for walking or cycling (bring your bike on the CalMac ferry free of charge, or you can hire on the island). The many beaches offer a chance to stroll beautiful, flat sands and explore sand dunes and machair. The islands are also home to the MacPhies (hills with a summit of at least 300ft /91m). There are 21 on Colonsay and another one on Oransay, and like Munro-bagging on the mainland, MacPhie-bagging becomes a passion for many visitors. Explore more at visitcolonsay.co.uk