The Isle of Coll combines coastal paths and beach landscapes with a night sky that is among the darkest in Scotland. More than 20 beaches, a nature reserve and designated stargazing spots are its key highlights. When looking for holiday accommodation on Coll, it helps to first consider whether you want to focus your trip on beaches and coastal paths, stargazing or cultural history.
Beaches, Paths and Nature
In the Coll Nature Reserve, a walk follows a white, shell-coloured beach. The nature reserve has two designated parking areas: one at the Totronald Information Room and one at the opposite end of the reserve. As parking rules may change, it is best to check them before setting off.
Breachacha Beach is easy to reach from a small car park at the end of the road to the castles. The beach is also the starting or finishing point of a coastal circular walk to Port na Luing. Access and parking conditions may change; if you take the circular walk, assess the coastal conditions on site.
You can hike across much of the island, including to remote beaches and wilderness areas. Follow the guidance on local land management. The many beaches and the chance to reach more remote stretches of coastline on foot make beach visits and walks different but easily combined interests for your trip.
Getting Here and Getting Around
The ferry departs from Oban and arrives at Arinagour on Coll. Check the timetable before your trip. The Coll Airstrip is at the western end of the island; you should also check which flights are available for your travel dates in advance.
There is no public transport on Coll, so it is worth planning ahead for getting around. The roads are single-track with passing places, and driving conditions depend on the weather. Bikes can be hired from the Post Office, and e-bikes from the community centre. As rental options may change, check what is currently available before your trip.
A cycle route runs along a sandy track behind Hough Bay between the RSPB Centre at Totronald and the Hebridean Centre. The track is closed to vehicles. This gives you different options for planning your island trip: the single-track roads, hire bikes or a cycle route between two named places. Which one suits your stay depends on how you want to get around Coll.
Starry Skies and Cultural History
Coll’s sparse population and geographical remoteness make its night sky one of the darkest in Scotland. Three places are designated for stargazing: RSPB Totronald, the Cliad football pitch and Arinagour. Rules at these locations may change; check local conditions before your visit.
The island’s history can also be traced through specific places and dates. Breacachadh Castle was the site of a battle in 1590 between the Macleans of Duart and the Macleans of Coll. Back Breachacha Castle was built in 1750 and combines original Georgian style with Victorian baronial style. Coll Parish Church has stood on the hill above Arinagour since 1907.
Another cultural connection is the children’s books about Katie Morag: author and illustrator Mairi Hedderwick’s experiences on Coll inspired the fictional Isle of Struay, the setting for the series. Together with the historic buildings, this offers a different perspective on Coll from its coastal paths and nature watching.
Discover more destinations: Ardfern, Dalavich, Kilmun, Kames, Taynuilt, Luss, Isle Of Colonsay, Innellan.
For the regional travel overview: Argyll And Bute.
