Isles of Coll and Tiree
Among the most isolated of the Inner Hebrides, Coll and Tiree are both low-lying, treeless and exceptionally windy, with white sandy beaches and the highest sunshine records in Scotland.
The fish-shaped rocky island of Coll lies less than 7 miles off the coast of Mull. The CalMac ferry drops off at Coll's only real village, Arinagour, whose whitewashed cottages line the western shore of Loch Eatharna, a popular safe anchorage for boats. The village also hosts most of the island's services and facilities. Coll offers a range of accommodation options but inevitably, bed spaces are limited so advance booking is always recommended.
The island's attractions are all natural: unspoiled beaches, the landscape and the rich flora and fauna. Coll is a twitchers paradise and offers a diverse range of species to watch. The corncrake is particular speciality on Coll and the RSPB have established a bird reserve here to protect it. Golf, fishing and cycling are other popular pursuits as is walking. For an overview of the whole island and a fantastic Hebridean panorama, you can follow in Johnson and Boswell's footsteps and take a wander up Ben Hogh - at 339 ft, Colls highest point - a few miles west of Arinagour, close to the shore.
Neighbouring Tiree is the most westerly island of the Inner Hebrides and thanks to its exposed location on the Atlantic Ocean, it is one of the sunniest places in the UK. It's also one of the windiest and consequently is a mecca for windsurfers, particularly each October when the island hosts the Tiree Wave Classic, a world championship windsurfing event.
Many other people come to the island simply to enjoy the many beautiful empty white sandy beaches and dunes, the rich variety of wild flowers and the extensive bird life.
The ferries from Coll and further afield arrive at Scarinish, which shares the bulk of the island's services and facilities with Crossapoll, a few miles to the west.
Tiree boasts several interesting archaeological remains including a broch and several crannogs, plus museums at Sandaig and Hynish, which give an insight into island life in the past.
