ADVERTISING FEATURE The Gateway to Adventure with Caledonian MacBrayne
Stressing over where to go on holiday this summer? Whether you fancy a weekend away, a day trip or a staycation, Scotland’s islands on the west coast are the ideal location. And it’s much easier to get there than you might think with Caledonian MacBrayne. Caledonian MacBrayne offers 29 diverse destinations to visit at reasonable prices that won’t break the bank. They even offer a range of tours and adventures that takes the hassle out of organising your trip. A great place to begin your island adventure is in Oban, known both as the ‘seafood capital of Scotland’ and the ‘gateway to the islands’. Oban’s accessible location – reachable by any mode of transport in less than three hours from Glasgow, Edinburgh, and Inverness – makes it a fitting starting point for an unforgettable trip.
TOURS FROM OBAN
For shorter escapes, Caledonian MacBrayne’s adventure tours are an awe-inspiring way to pack in plenty in a small amount of time. Delve into history and take in spectacular scenery on the Mull and Iona Tour. It takes you to the Isle of Mull, past its lochs and sandy beaches, and across the sound of Iona to the island of the same name. On Iona, witness where Christianity first came to Scotland and the burial ground of Kings. Adult £39; Child £19.50 52 THE LIST 1 Jun–31 Aug 2019
If grand castles are more your thing, Caledonian MacBrayne’s Duart Castle Tour zooms guests across the sound of Mull to Craignure. The ticket even includes complimentary transport to and from the castle to allow more time for sightseeing. The castle is the ancestral home of Clan Chief MacLean and there’s a lofty grand hall and expansive grounds to get lost in. There’s even time to sample culinary delights from the castle’s own kitchen garden. Adult £19.40; Child £9.70; Family £52.20 The Sunday Coll Day Adventure is an excellent way to spend the final hours of the weekend. Catch an early ferry from Oban and spot Duart Castle and the colourful Tobermory harbour on the way to the island. When you reach Coll you’ll be treated to a 4x4 tour from a native islander who will show off the sites and stunning beaches – all in a day’s work! Adult £40; Child £20
ISLAND HOPPING As the gateway to the isles, Oban is also an exceptional starting point for island hopping – where you go from one island to another. With Caledonian MacBrayne’s Hebridean Island Hopping Adventure you can tick off Barra, South Uist and North Uist, Harris and Lewis on one ticket
and admire the interconnectedness of these remote western islands. Experience the home of the Whisky Galore story on Eriskay, see wildlife on the Uists, or marvel at the turquoise waters of Barra. Adult £30.90; Car £143
If you love the Oban tour and get bitten by the island hopping bug, Caledonian MacBrayne also has a Five Ferries Island Hopping Adventure departing from Ardrossan. On this tour, you’ll be introduced to the Clyde Coast and the Cowal and Kintyre Peninsulas. Starting by taking the ferry to ‘Scotland in Miniature’, or Arran as it’s also known, you’ll be able to see the sweeping vistas and rich landscape of Kintyre, Cowal and Bute and boataholic’s can revel in riding on five stellar Caledonian MacBrayne ferries. Adult £14.25; Child £7.15; Car £52.25 n To find out more about Caledonian MacBrayne’s adventures, visit calmac.co.uk. Share your island adventures on social media using #MyCalMacStory