Where can I start on Iona? Earlier today in my driveway, I was cleaning insects from the windscreen my car and heard a Skylark chattering somewhere off in a distance field.
Immediately I was taken back to a week ago. I was standing on a cliff top in the Isle of Iona overlooking a pristine beach, turquoise water no sound but for the waves and of course the birdsong of the Skylark.(see photo below)
A place for restoration, relation and a pilgrimage
This was my first trip to Iona, although I have to confess it’s been my radar for over 20 years
Remarkably, despite having travelled throughout Scotland, this tiny island was the one that has so far thus eluded me.
Iona is a small island in the Inner Hebrides, a short ferry ride from the Isle of Mull. Iona is approximately 1.5 miles wide and 3 miles in length.
Remarkably, there are only around 170 permanent residents on the island, despite getting approx 130,000 visitors per year.
As well as the deep rooted christian history of the Abbey and the island, Iona is a place for contemplation, restoration and reset.
Iona as part of a bespoke fishing and touring vacation in Scotland
So when my guests from America suggested visiting there during a hidden gems tour of Scotland, I was absolutely delighted.
We only had two days on the island, however we certainly made the most of it. First of all hiking to the top of the hill to gain an overall vista and viewpoint of everything.
Secondly we hiked to the west side of the island to discover a truly stunning remote beach. Sandwiched in between all of this was a visit to the Abbey and a picnic lunch on top of the hill.
Best hotel on Iona
The Saint Columba hotel is truly a wonderful place to stay.
From the second walk in the door, there is a buzz Staff quietly get on with preparing food for the evening dinner sitting.
Interestingly, most of the produce that is used in the kitchen comes from the organic garden which is located adjacent to the hotel.
And what a wonderful meal it was
However don’t expect overly elaborate and luxurious accommodation in the hotel itself, it’s pretty simple clean comfortable and understated.
What makes this place so special is the warmth and friendliness of the staff, the clientele, the epic views the peace and tranquility, and most of all the exquisite food. Next door to the hotel is the St Columba Larder, which is a delicatessen and serves brilliant home made sandwiches,
How to get to Iona
Getting to the island, a short ferry ride from Fionnphort on Mull takes less than 10 minutes. The drive to Fionnphor takes approx 1 hour from the Craignure ferry terminal. Most of the road from Craignure to Fionnphort is single track. So you should read up on the etiquette of how to drive on a single track road.
In summary, you get a ferry from Oban, to Craignure, then drive to Fionnphort to catch a 10 minute ferry to Iona. You leave your car at Fionnphort, as cars are restricted to residents and trade visitors, to keep traffic down.
When you arrive in the island, you are on foot. Dont worry, everything can be reached easily and the Saint Columbus hotel reception is a short walk from the pier. Also on departure, the hotel will drop your bags off at the pier allowing you to enjoy a walk down without luggage.
The Abbey
The Abbey is truly magnificent. Not only is it important religious centre, but a pilgrimage for many and a rich historic tapestry unfolds as you walk through it and learn some truly remarkable history.
Furthermore bird lovers will enjoy this island. We noted several species here, including the corncrake, cuckoo, And an array of seabirds, fulmars, shags, puffins and gannets..
Boat trips to Staffa
In addition it’s possible to get day trips from Iona to the Isle of Staffa. This will cost around £40 for an adult and you are allowed 1 hour on the small island to wander before returning to Iona.
Staffa is a stunning small Hebridean Island, formed by volcanic activity and home to the world renowned Fingals Cave. In addition to the stunning clifftops, sea birds, including puffins, it possible to spot dolphins, whales, and porpoises from the Island. Furthermore Geology enthusiasts, can see some true stunning basalt columns here as well as the cave itself.
In fact Queen Victoria visited here. Also Felix Mendelssohn, which then inspired him to write the Hebrides Overture. Our very own author and bard, Sir Walter Scott visited here as did the artist Turner.
Fishing on Iona
There are some excellent spots around the Iona shoreline for sea fishing. It’s possible to catch hard fighting pollack (Pollock) wrasse, Ling and cod. Additionally in the summer, there is an abundance of mackerel around the shore line.
The best fishing near Hyatt Schloss Roxburghe and Kelso
