Holiday Highlights of Colonsay

First - the summer....

The joys of summer in Colonsay are well-known, with lazy days of wandering along the shoreline and investigating rockpools, to be contrasted with energetic tramping across the hills - or perhaps the challenge of fly-fishing or a round of golf. Our bird-cliffs teem with activity, the largest breeding colony in the southern Hebrides, the flora is outstanding and there are myriad lesser delights ranging from lichens to fungi, ephemera to cetaceans. The social life is matchless too - cheery nights at the bar, great dining, frequent ceilidhs, and a range of activities from art exhibitions through to sporting events. Clay-pigeon shooting, golf competitions, a regatta, Sports Day... an ever-popular challenge is to make a circuit of The McPhies.

The RSPB run guided walks almost every day for ornithologists of all abilities, and Kevin Byrne leads regular (fairly energetic) expeditions on Saturdays to explore the nooks and crannies of the Central massif.

Next - the autumn

It seems that we are going to have a brilliant summer in Colonsay - by early May, the weather was wonderful and the wildlife was at its best. As summer progresses the flowers and birdlife will thrill us all, but doubtless the allure of the sandy beaches and quiet picnic spots will tempt us into sedentary ways.

The summer will peak... but the best is yet to come. September is one of the most beautiful and most peaceful of months in Colonsay - lots of sunshine, the mating season of the Grey Atlantic Seals and the only time to see the Will o' the Wisp. By October there will be arriving flights of over-wintering birds, and the start of the darker nights with opportunities for star-gazing. By November the vegetation is dying back but the weather can be quite balmy. Walking is good in November, but it amazes local people that more visitors do not come between December and April to take advantage of the chance to see the Choille Mhor or many of the more ephemeral historic sites free from bracken.

Walks this autumn and winter may be further enlivened by recourse to "Lonely Colonsay", a new guide to the social history of the island with information about each district and detailed suggestions as to their exploration.

Perhaps you have had it in mind for years, but never got around to an out-of-season break in Colonsay. September and October are reasonably popular so it would be best to book as soon as you can decide upon dates, but in winter you should have no difficulty in finding somewhere really comfortable to stay, and at a bargain price. All known self-catering accommodation vacancies can be checked by this link. And of course there is a range of other accommodation, hotel, guesthouse, B&B and Backpackers' Lodge.

*****

There are now 25 self-catering properties in Colonsay which will be found on this site - full details appear on our availability page; in addition there is an excellent hotel and there are three guesthouses. All of this is very fortunate, because it is widely believed that Colonsay will be a very popular destination in 2010.

ACCESS

The full summer service of ferries operates 26 March to 23 October 2010, and then the winter service resumes. All details.

Our air-service is also in summer plumage, taking full advantage of the long hours of sunshine. This service permits ready access for short breaks, with flights twice daily on both Tuesday and Thursday and one-way flights on Saturday and Sunday. Exact details are given elsewhere - the cost from Oban (Connel) is usually little more than £65 return (book ahead for best deal), and the 25 minute flight is absolutely magnificent. There are only 10 seats, including the pilot, so you are guaranteed a window seat. Please note that you can book online and by telephone - here in Colonsay visitors can book online at the bookshop or via any friendly PC.

Check availability for self-catering, or for guesthouse accommodation.

See what Bargain Breaks are on offer.

INSURANCE: Every year, people find that they are forced to change their plans. A new job, illness, transfer overseas, flat tyre, pregnancy - the potential causes are legion. Please do not imagine that the owner of your holiday accommodation can carry your burthen - if you have booked, you have a contract and must bear the consequences. You do NOT have to have insurance, but if you choose to take the risk, please do not embarrass everyone by trying to play upon the "good nature" of your host. He or she has bills to pay and obligations to meet - he or she cannot take out insurance, but you can. If you choose to take the risk and it goes wrong, remember that it was your choice - nobody forced you - and pay up promptly and with good grace.