An Island Adventure

Oban, only 12 miles from Taynuilt, is known as the 'Gateway to the Isles', with a number of ferries travelling to breath-taking West Coast islands such as:

• Mull
• Coll
• Tiree
• Colonsay
• Islay

The nearest island to Oban is Kerrera - six and a half miles long and ideal for walking and cycling.  You can reach Kerrera via an independently run ferry a couple of miles south of Oban.  

Mull is a popular destination with visitors to Oban and is home to whales and dolphins, puffins, otters, basking sharks and eagles.  Take a trip from Mull to the small but stunning island of Iona, and visit one of Scotland's most revered sites, Iona Abbey. You can also organise a trip to the Isle of Staffa, and get up close with the spectacular Fingal's Cave.    

The island of Lismore, situated in Loch Linnhe, is an hour's ferry ride from Oban.  Enjoy fantastic views, explore the historical sites and discover the range of wildlife on this 10 mile long island.

Seil lies 12 miles south of Oban and can be reached by the 'Bridge over the Atlantic' (the 200 year old Clachan Bridge).  The car-free island of Easdale lies about 200 metres off the island of Seil, and is the smallest of the Inner Hebrides.

  

Getting There

Coastal Connection offer a range of boat trips to the surrounding islands, including a Tobermory Day Trip and a Wildlife and Castles Trip (they also offer whole boat charter), and Caledonian MacBrayne run regular ferry services to the islands.

Why not take a day trip on your next visit to Airdeny and visit one of the beautiful islands around the Argyll coast?  Which of the islands would be top of your list for your next trip?  Leave your comments or questions below.

Down at the bottom of the garden...

Vegetable garden at Airdeny

With the sunshine of recent months, the garden at Airdeny Chalets has been flourishing.  Rows of leafy vegetables stretch up to embrace the sunlight, the beans are weaving their way up the support canes and the strawberries are enticing the (pesky) voles.  I spent most of Saturday in the garden (is there anything more lovely than a day gardening?) and recently picked my first cucumber, as well as harvesting the first courgettes, brocolli, lettuce, spinach, rocket and a few strawberries.  The first tomatoes should be ready in the next few weeks.

The garden is completely organic and guests at Airdeny can sample the yummy, fresh produce.  The greenhouse is packed with different varieties of tomatoes, cucumbers, and courgettes (both pale green and yellow ball), there is an abundance of herbs and the raspberry bushes are getting thick.  I'm growing edamame beans for the first time this year (as well as other beans), ordinary and gold beetroot, and both ordinary and purple varieties of cauliflower, cabbage, brussel sprouts and brocolli.

Why not ask to sample the home-grown vegetables on your next visit?