At the north end of Colonsay, Kiloran Bay is the island’s longest beach, a sweep of golden sand, and close by is the woodland garden at Colonsay House, planted mostly in the 1930s and famous for its rhododendrons. At the south end you can walk across the Strand, sands that dry out at low tide, to the ruins of Oronsay Priory, founded in the 14th century, with its cloister and tall carved cross. Check the tide times at the hotel or post office before you set off; the tide comes in fast, and stormy weather can make the crossing impassable. There are wild goats, and Colonsay is a refuge for native dark honeybees: since 2014 it’s been illegal to keep any other kind here. The island is about eight miles long, with the pier and main village, Scalasaig, on the east coast. CalMac sails from Oban, and in summer from Port Askaig on Islay, but the timetable rarely allows a day trip, so plan to stay a night or two.
