A Hebridean Cruise

A holiday usually begins when you arrive at your destination. But when you are going to an island off the west coast, the fun can start as soon as you leave Oban.

Leaving the port of Oban:


Given good weather, the Calmac ferry to your island is a pleasure cruise in its own right.



The whole seaboard of Drum Alban was visible (seen here from our island destination). Behind the twin peaks of Beinn a' Bheithir, Ben Nevis is visible on the left, its southern flanks still full of snow. Bidean nam Bian, Ben Starav, and the distinctive double peak of Ben Cruachan.



The boat pulls south into the Sound of Kerrera, island views opening up...



The slate island of Easdale, a quarry until a storm filled the mines with seawater. These peaceful lagoons now host the annual World Stone Skimming Championships.

Mull with Ben More, barren, dark and high...



The unpopulated island-hill of Scarba...



I was excited to pass close to the Garvellachs, a remote, uninhabited island group I had never seen before.



The boat passed down the little-seen north-western side of Jura, a barren shore of low seacliffs, mottled brown moors, and undisturbed streams. To the south, the Paps of Jura rear into the sky...



With the sky clouding over and the wind dropping, we pulled into the peaceful harbour of our destination. What would a holiday on a Hebridean island bring?

Arriving at Scalasaig: