Islands in a Day from the Lodges

MULL

Gorgeous island with 300 miles of coastline, so you won’t explore it in a day but well worth a visit. The ferry ( www.calmac.co.uk) leaves from Oban hourly, and it takes under an hour. You’ll need your car – the main town, Tobermory, is half an hour’s drive from the ferry. Must-see’s are Tobermory (Café Fish fabulous), Isle of Mull cheese café and shop, Calgary Bay (stunning sandy beach), Duart Castle by the ferry and if you have time, Iona – little ferry leaves from Fionnphort to ancient spiritual island with St Columba’s Abbey and history of the birth of Christianity in the islands. It’s a long drive from the ferry so check times – best to set off to Mull from Oban as early as possible. You’ll need to book the ferry as they get VERY BUSY – applies to all these islands.

GIGHA

Nearest island to visit from the lodges. The CalMac ferry (www.calmac.co.uk) leaves from Tayinloan, which is about 40 minutes drive down past Tarbert. Ferry takes just 20 mins. Gigha is a pretty, small island –  7 miles long and 0.5 miles wide. Worth visiting for Achamore gardens, buy produce from the Wee Island Dairy and visit the gorgeous twin beaches at the top of the island. The Boathouse restaurant by the ferry does good food.

JURA

Most visible island from Mid Argyll – you can’t miss the Paps, the three mountains. You can take the ferry via Islay, but this takes a long time. Quickest is the Jura Passenger Ferry ( www.jurapassengerferry.com or call Nicol on 07789 450000). This leaves Tayvallich at 10am and the boat back leaves about 4.30pm. £50 return. Jura is a wonderful, wild island with just 200 inhabitants and a LOT of deer. There’s a whisky distillery, good café and pub, fascinating little museum and great walks on the island. The Paps are hard going though – lots of scree and boulders. There’s only one road on the island and an eccentric bus service.

ISLAY

If you love whisky, Islay is for you. Many whisky distilleries, the latest is Kilchoman (www.kilchomandistillery.com) which also has a lovely café and is next to the best beach on Islay. Ferry from Kennacraig ( 40 mins from here, past Tarbert) takes a long time, 4 hrs 14 mins, so you’d need an early start and you won’t get back until late. You’ll need a car.

COLONSAY

In the spring and summer you can get to the island of Colonsay and back in a day, on Wednesdays ( www.calmac.co.uk) Ferry is from Oban and is takes two and a half hours. Colonsay is our favourite island – the beaches are enchanting and empty ( Kiloran Bay at the top the best) and there are lovely gardens at Colonsay House. Colonsay Hotel, by the ferry, is a great place for a drink and food. The neighbouring island of Oronsay is across a causeway and reachable on foot but check the tides. Explore Colonsay by car or take a bike.