Coll And Tiree

Coll and Tiree are among the most isolated islands of the Inner Hebrides.

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.

The island's attractions are all natural: unspoiled beaches, the landscape and the rich flora and fauna. The corncrake is a particular speciality on Coll and the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds has 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, Coll’s 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.

Tiree also 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.