How to Discover Tiree
I've always felt the greatest discoveries in life change how you see the world. They're found in the adventure you return from forever different. The French novelist Marcel Proust put it best: "The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes."
When you discover Tiree, you get both.
Breath-taking landscapes you won't find anywhere else, and new perspectives on life. It could be the solitude you found strolling along on one of Tiree's gorgeous alabaster beaches or the dazzling display of stars in the night sky. You might find it in the pods of dolphins vaulting through the water. Or you might see a little spring lamb who bounces through your thoughts for months to come.
For just like any great discovery, when you discover Tiree, it stays with you. No one who visits this little emerald rock in the North Atlantic forgets their time here. And everyone discovers a little piece of Tiree to call their own. The only question is, which bit will you discover?
However, to discover Tiree means to take a holiday in Tiree. Though we're now in the 21st century, and Tiree isn't quite as remote as it once was, you still need to consider your travel arrangements. Whether you take the train, plane getting to Tiree is your first checklist in your Tiree holiday plans.
To help, I thought I'd take the time to discuss not only how to get here but also what to do when you step ashore. To take a whirlwind tour around our tiny island and discuss the homespun businesses and critical locations, you need to know to make the most of your holiday in Tiree. Oh, and we'll cover a couple of the big tentpole events in the Tiree calendar. So, you can plan your holiday in Tiree around them – if you want.
It's not a comprehensive list. Our island might be small, but it packs a lot in. Nevertheless, these are the highlights and a great place to get you started. This is how to discover Tiree.
How to get here?
Where to stay?
What's here?
What to do?
How to discover Tiree
How to get here?
Like any island, Tiree is remote. It's part of the attraction; it's a place to get away from it all. On most holidays, the journey to the destination – though filled with excitement – is a little bit of a drag. It's bureaucracy and papers and queues and hassle. When you come to Tiree, however, it's beautiful vistas of the Scottish Highlands and Islands.
There are two ways to get to Tiree: by sea or by air.
By sea – ferries leave daily from Oban, stopping off at our sister island of Coll, before docking at Tiree three-and-a-half hours later. You can drive your car onto the ferry, or the railway station is just around the corner in Oban if you don't drive. Once aboard, sit back, relax, get yourself a cup of tea and enjoy some of the best views in the world.
By air – flights run both Oban airport and Glasgow airport. (You can also get a short flight from Coll.) The planes run almost every 2 hours – so there are plenty of choices. However, the planes are pretty small, making tickets limited. You'll touch down at Tiree airport, from where you can get a taxi or bus to your accommodation.
For further information, please refer to our getting here page.
Where to stay?
We may be a wee little island of just 30¼ square miles and around 650 people – but we do have plenty of cottages and hotels from which to choose.
In the main village of Scarinish – near where the ferry docks – you'll find the Scarinish Hotel. The hotel has a suite of beautiful rooms, and the Old Harbour Restaurant serves some of the best food on the island. There's the Tiree Lodge Hotel in Gott Bay – it's equally lovely with remarkable views of the ocean and a fantastic Sunday lunch. You'll also find a number of smaller guesthouses, all of which offer a warm welcome and incredible service.
In addition, if you prefer a more do-it-yourself approach – there are many fantastic self-catering apartments and cottages to rent. Scattered throughout the island's villages, these cottages each offer a different slice of island life – with unique views and perks.
You can also wild camp on the island – and indeed, it's one of the best ways to discover Tiree. However, all camps must be lightweight for two or three nights in any one place. Best of all, it's free!
For further information, please refer to our staying here page.
What's here?
The Isle of Tiree is wider than it is tall. Scarinish is the island's capital. The ferries dock just up the road, and you'll find many utilities here, including the Scarinish Hotel, the Co-op, and several self-catering apartments and cottages.
The biggest beach on the island is just a bit north. It stretches from Kirkapol around in a sweeping arc of white sands to Brock. The Vaul Golf Club overlooks the beach and covers the island's thinned point. At the island's tip, you can see Coll across the waters. It's mostly crofting land here, alongside the hamlets of Salum, Caolas, and Miodar.
Heading back, we travel along the northern coast, passing The Ringing Stone. The prehistoric cup and ring marks found throughout Europe are carved on the stone. What do you think they mean?
Onwards we pass the glorious Ballyphetrish Bay, and then on the northernmost corner – Balevullin Beach, where the Larg family is ready to teach you to kitesurf at Blackhouse Watersports. Continuing along, you'll find beach after beach until you reach Balephuil and the Isle of Tiree Distillery – always perfect for a quick tipple of gin.
Ben Hynish – the island's tallest hill – is at the southernmost point, and you'll also find the Skerryvore Lighthouse Museum. Then, it's a winding drive along the coast – past the airport in the island's centre, before you arrive back in Scarinish.
Oh, and it's also important to note the island's two Lochs – Loch a' Phuill and Loch Bhasapol – found in the island's west.
What to do?
To discover Tiree means to head outdoors. You could climb Ben Hynish and see the stunning views of the island and beyond. You could delve into the prehistoric past at The Ringing Stone or Dun Mor Vaul – the ruins of an ancient broch (a prehistoric fort). Or find a peaceful beach for a chill day with a good book and an invigorating swim. The whole island is your playground.
Of course, I've got to mention the island's natural beauty. There's an endless bounty of species from the rare Hebridean spotted orchid to the panoply of avian life soaring through our skies. You can even go on a "seafari" with Tiree Sea Tours, exploring the coastlines of the surrounding areas. Plus, there's a good chance you'll spot a dolphin or Minke Whale.
But there are two critical dates in the island's calendar:
- Tiree Ultramarathon. Organised by Tiree Fitness, this 35-mile round-the-island race is a phenomenal experience, topped off with a ceilidh and prize ceremony. (If you prefer something more manageable, try the Tiree 10K & half marathon.
- Tiree Wave Classic. This windsurfing competition is an international event, attracting the world's best windsurfers. Hundreds flock to the island to see the spectacle, which takes place in October.
Conclusion
When you holiday in Tiree, you never know what you might discover. Some like to plan their trip in minute detail; others just let the island carry them along.
However, you wish to discover Tiree; you're sure to have an unforgettable time. We can't wait to see you!
