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Set sail w ith CALMAC THIS EASTER
Take a day trip to the Scottish Isles for some Easter fun with the whole family
Every Journey Starts a Story – start yours this Easter break. If you’re after picturesque landscapes, stunning wildlife and glorious beaches, CalMac have got you covered with their range of day adventure tours, which take in some of the most striking destinations on Scotland’s islands. From Staffa to Rothesay, there’s something for every member of the family on CalMac’s packed itineraries. So hop on the ferry and in just a few hours, you and your loved ones could be enjoying the natural beauty and exhilarating entertainment of the Scottish isles. FROM OBAN
The island of Staffa and the Treshnish Isles are known for their ancient forts and the thousands of seabirds that enjoy the breathtaking remoteness of the islands. Sail from Oban to Craignure, where you’ll be taken across Mull to the ferry at Ulva for your scenic ride to Staffa and the Treshnish Isles. A major highlight of Staffa is the magnificent Fingal’s Cave, a unique structure formed in hexagonally jointed basalt, which visitors are free to explore before crossing to the Treshnish archipelago. Here, you’ll be met by breeding colonies of guillemots, razorbills, kittiwakes, fulmars, shags, skuas and more, as well as puffins and common and Atlantic grey seals. Enjoy the panoramic views and fascinating wildlife, before making your journey back to Ulva, where you might just have time to explore Sheila’s Cottage – a traditional thatched croft house, which highlights Ulva’s history from Mesolithic Man right up to the present day. Trips to Treshnish Isles from £35.50; trips to Ulva and Staffa from £25; trips to Mull & Iona from £39.
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For a full up-to-the-minute selection, visit calmac. co.uk/adventures. hourly. Prices from £6.50 per adult return, £3.30 per child return, under 5s travel free.
FROM FIRTH OF CLYDE The Isle of Cumbrae, just a short journey from Largs, is ideal for adventurers, with plenty of opportunities for cycling, golf, watersports and photography. At Millport, you can hire bikes and head off on a coastal route around the island, where you’re bound to spot owls, polecats, kestrels, and the occasional sea eagle. The kids will especially enjoy the painted Crocodile Rock in the bay at Millport along with the watersports centre, where kayaks are available for hire. No advanced booking required – ferry leaves either every 15 mins or 30 mins. Prices from £3.40 adult return, £1.70 child return, under 5s travel free.
A day trip to the Isle of Bute promises gorgeous architecture and varied landscapes, with the well- preserved Rothesay Castle in the centre of town and the Victorian gothic country house of Mount Stuart providing interesting pieces of history. A short drive out to the hills and you’ll come to a ruined chapel from the 12th century, and a Bronze Age stone circle looking out to the Firth of Clyde. Ettrick Bay on the west coast is ideal for its sandy beaches, paddling opportunities and views over Arran, while Scalpsie Bay has a wealth of different species of wildlife. If you head to Seal View, you can watch the large colony of seals on the rocks and cows wandering on the shore. No advanced booking required – regular ferries
Arran is the island that has elements of everything, from golf and glens to castles and delicious food and drink. As you approach the island on the ferry, you’ll be able to see Goat Fell, the island’s biggest mountain, which boasts dramatic views and excellent walking routes. You can also go for a scramble with one of the mountaineers from the Arran Adventure company if you’re after more technical hiking and climbing. Arran is also renowned for its abundance of wildlife including seal colonies, otters, eagles, basking sharks, porpoises and over 100 species of birds, along with lots of history at sites such as Brodick Castle or Lochranza Castle, with its underground prison. And don’t forget to sample some of the island’s finest cuisine while you’re there, from fresh local cheese to Arran single malt. Booking in advance online is recommended. Prices from £8 adult return, £4 child return, under 5s travel free. n To find out more and book a trip, visit calmac.co.uk/ stories. Share your island adventures on social media using #MyCalMacStory
1 Apr–31 May 2019 THE LIST 39