About Islandeering
Hi and welcome to Islandeering Islandeering is for people who want adventure in Britain’s wild blue spaces – our rivers, coast, lakes, canals and islands. You will find amazing walks, paddles and swims in the UK’s most special places, those recognised for outstanding natural beauty, incredible geology or special and abundant wildlife.
More About UsWe continuously find new islands, rivers, lochs, canals and coast to walk, SUP and swim in and meet plenty of great folks along the way. Join our community to get new routes and adventures, latest blogs and news by using the email box below. Tune in also to our Facebook and Instagram pages to see where we are going next.
About Coll
Coll is a real hidden gem of the Hebrides that sits 6.5 km to the west of Mull. It is a low lying island of gnarly rocks poking through grass and heather, with high dunes and incredible machair lining the west coast.
The high point, Ben Hogh, offers wonderful views of the island and the peaks of the Outer Hebrides and Mull. There are thirty beaches on the island ranging from secluded coves to sweeping white-sandy bays, most of which can be reached from the road.
Coll’s 150 or so super-friendly residents are dotted around the island with the main village being close to the ferry port at Arinagour. Here there are simply breathtaking views towards the Isle of Mull and the Treshnish Isles.
Coll boasts some great food and accommodation with plenty of activities at the Community Centre and Coll Bunkhouse. By day Coll has some of the highest sunshine hours in the UK and by night, as a Dark Sky Reserve, the milky way and other constellations can be viewed from doorsteps right in the heart of the village.
With quiet, tranquil lanes around the whole island it is a great place to explore by bike, which can be hired at the Post Office, including the around island bike route.
Coll is laden with wildlife which draws people to the island to see the spectacle of large numbers of birds amassing during migrations or to spot the rare Corncrake at the large RSPB reserve which is often cited as the best place in Britain to spot it. There’s also extremely rare bumblebees foraging the extraordinarily colourful machair. Marine life is bountiful in the relatively pristine seas around the island – a breeding ground for basking sharks with plenty of whales and dolphins to spot from the shore or with a boat trip from Arinagour.
This island has it all really – and it’s easily reached with a regular CalMac ferry service and is a popular holiday destination for those seeking peace and quiet, and those who enjoy nature and the natural beauty of the Hebrides.
Highlights of the Isle of Coll
- Corncrakes
- Wild flower-stacked machair
- Spot basking sharks & other rich marine life
- Views to the peaks of Mull, Outer Hebrides and remote islands
How to get to the Isle of Coll
- From Oban: The most common route to Coll is by ferry from Oban, operated by Caledonian MacBrayne (CalMac). The journey takes about 2 hours and 40 minutes. The ferry service is regular but can vary seasonally, so it’s advisable to check the current timetable and book in advance, especially during the peak summer months or holiday periods.
- From Tiree: During the summer, there is also a ferry service connecting Coll with its neighboring island, Tiree. This is particularly useful if you’re interested in visiting multiple islands during your trip.
By Air:
- Flights from Connel (near Oban): There are occasional flights to Coll from Connel Airport near Oban, operated by Hebridean Air Services. These flights are subject to weather conditions and typically have limited schedules, so it’s important to check availability and book in advance.
Accommodation in the Isle of Coll
Island Hotel
The Coll Hotel – multi-award winning this is a hotel full of home comforts and lovely views lovingly offered by Julie and Kevinwho are the third generation of the Oliphant family to operate the Coll Hotel since the 1960s. Great food and a very popular hotel bar for visitors and local alike. https://collhotel.com
Island campsite
Garden House Camping – a small, tranquil and well sheltered campsite near the airport. Surrounded by the RSPB reserve and on a working farm its walled garden is listed by Historic Scotland. There is space for two caravans/motor-homes with electrical hook ups plus a bit of extra space for smaller vans. No dogs allowed. https://visitcoll.co.uk/garden_house_camping/
Wild Camping
Overlooking the Coll Hotel on the ground around the Kirk there is a site on private land so please ask first at the hotel. Toraston Beach, in the north east of the island along the B8072, makes for a beautiful pitch although its a long way from any facilities. Call 07554 095464 or 07748 647818 for permission.
Coll bunkhouse
Adjacent to the community centre is the 5* Coll Bunkhouse which sleeps up to 16 people, in two six-bedded dorms and one four-bedded dorm for private use. There multiple bathrooms and showers, free WiFi, a well-equipped kitchen, comfortable lounge and a washing/drying room. Coll Bunkhouse has two motor-home spaces, no facilities but toilets and pay-to-use showers are available in the Community Centre next door. This is a not-for-profit enterprise run by the community. If you are on the island watch out for some of the events hosted by the Bunkhouse, including stargazing, bird festivals and loads more. https://collbunkhouse.com
Bed and breakfast
There are two options on the island, Dun Froach and Tigh na Mara Guest House https://visitcoll.co.uk/BandB/
Self-catering
Lots of options from traditional to modern houses that sleep from 2-10 people. Check them out here https://visitcoll.co.uk/self_catering/
Coll Cycling Route
This bike ride on Coll follows the peaceful lanes around the outside edge of Coll [...]
Feb
Discover the Isle of Coll: Top Activities and Attractions for Your Visit
Explore the best things to do on the Isle of Coll, from stunning beaches to [...]
Feb
