Part of the adventure of a Colonsay holiday is the excitement of getting there
Wherever you start from, your journey will include views of the outstandingly beautiful Argyll countryside and changing seascapes.
Arrive by sea
The most common way to arrive is via the ferry that sails from the town of Oban. Between April & October Caledonian MacBrayne run this service 7 days a week, reducing to a 4 day service in the winter. The ferry takes you on a 2 hour 20 minute journey past the neighbouring islands of Mull, Kererra, Seil, Luing & Jura, with wildlife & scenery to all sides. Balnahard is the first bit of Colonsay you see as the boat sails south towards the port at Scalasiag, enabling you to catch a glimpse of what is in store.
Visit www.calmac.co.uk for timetables and online booking.
...or by air
The other option is to arrive by air. The air service operates on a Tuesday and Thursday, both in the morning and afternoon and flies between Connel (by Oban) and our own island airstrip. An onward flight to and from Islay is also available. Expect to get a wonderful aerial views, not only of Colonsay, but of the surrounding areas as well. Visit www.hebrideanair.co.uk for the full timetable, online booking and contact details.
Stopping off
Oban itself has many hotels and B&Bs, if you need to stay overnight there. Oban Tourist information has a good list of what's available at www.oban.org
If you are coming by road or rail from central Scotland, The Crianlarich Hotel is a wonderful stop off and meeting place, and has Colonsay connections. Tel 01838 300272 | www.crianlarich-hotel.co.uk
Also on route for many will be the village of Tyndrum, with its very useful Green Welly Stop filling station, café and shop. If you just want a meal, the award winning Real Food Café is also there on the main road. www.realfoodcafe.com
Places for the dog and the children to have a romp before embarking on the ferry journey can be found at various Forestry Commission sites along the Tyndrum to Oban road, the best being a mile or so on from Taynuilt heading towards Oban. All are signposted.
