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 Iona
The Isle of Iona, a small island in the Inner Hebrides, is renowned for its historical significance and natural beauty. Known as the cradle of Christianity in Scotland key attractions include Iona Abbey, founded by St. Columba in 563 AD, and the nearby Nunnery ruins. St. Oran’s Chapel and St. Martin’s Cross offer further glimpses into the island’s rich Christian heritage. The Iona Heritage Centre provides insights into the island’s history and ecology.
Iona’s white beaches are stunning, with Traigh Ban Nam Monach and North End Beach offering fabulous places to swim and snorkel. The island’s machair and the panoramic views from Dùn I are also highlights, as is hunting around in the Iona Marble Quarry for the island’s distinctive green marble.
Watersports such as kayaking, snorkeling, and boat tours around Iona and nearby islands like Staffa are popular, with plenty of opportunities to see marine wildlife.
For dining, Martyr’s Bay Restaurant and the Argyll Hotel serve fresh local seafood, while the Iona Heritage Tearoom and the St. Columba Hotel offer traditional Scottish dishes and afternoon teas.
Our favourite things to do in Iona are:
- Walk around the coast of Iona – see Islandeering tab
- Discover the spouting cave
- Hunt for marble in the old quarry
- Swim off sheltered Traigh an t-Suidhe in the island’s north
- Look for the graves of Macbeth and Scottish kings
- Views of Staffa, Mull, Tiree and Coll from Dun I’s summit
How to get to Iona
Ferry from mainland to the Isle of Mull then drive or take the bus (number 96 or 496 from Craignure ferry terminal, operated by West Coast Motors https://www.westcoastmotors.co.uk/services/WCMO/96 ) to Fionnphort. Once in Fionphort take the regular 10 minute ferry ride across the Sound of Iona (vehicles only for residents) with CalMac ferries https://www.calmac.co.uk/article/2154/Iona
Accommodation/food in Iona
Cafes, inns, restaurants, toilets and general stores in Baille Mor village but no facilities on the route itself. Self-catering cottages, B&B, hotels, hostel and camping on the island.
Iona island walking route
Renowned for its historic and religious significance, its natural beauty and potential for adventure is [...]
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