Why Visit Tiree in Spring
Balevullin Beach
Isn't spring the best time of year? The days slowly get longer, and the long nights retreat to reveal the wildflowers and new shoots. I thought I'd seen the best spring could offer – then I discovered Tiree. I've observed in many places that the deeper the winter, the wilder and woollier the weather, the greater it rebounds. It's not just called spring; it lives it – literally.
Whether it be the new lamb bouncing along in the fields or the glorious pastures of wildflowers that seem to burst into life overnight. Spring on Tiree is a fresh gulp of ocean air – and then a sigh of relief. "Winter is over," it says. "Time to celebrate."
Yet, there's little awareness of just how green the Inner Hebrides can be down south. Some people acknowledge that it's a beautiful landscape. But it's always viewed as if it's all barren rocks and heavy rains. The kind of wild beauty you find somewhere above the arctic circle. It's nice for a nature documentary... but you wouldn't want to visit, right?
Those people are missing out – big time!
Because when you discover Tiree in the spring, it's the total opposite. In fact, situated in the fertile machair lands found throughout the coastlines of Ireland and Scotland, the Isle of Tiree is an emerald jewel in a sea of blue. When seen from above, it even glitters along its beaches' white sands.
In short – a spring holiday in Tiree is a visit to an island paradise, in the full meaning of the word.
From the furthest tip of Balephuil across to Miodar, this is the perfect spring getaway to shake off your winter blues and embrace the changing seasons.
To prove just how amazing springtime on the island is – and explain why you need to discover Tiree – I've listed the top reasons to visit:
Fields of flowers
Walk on the wild side
Get surfing
Easter delights
Go on seafari
Why you need to visit the Isle of Tiree this spring
Fields of flowers
You don't need to be a botanist or florist to be dazzled by the vibrant displays of flowers. In just a few short weeks, the once soggy winter fields are transformed as the wildflowers come alive. It's a classic feature of the machair and one of the greatest natural sights in the whole of the British Isles.
This spectacular natural display is down to both the machair's fecundity and the warming currents of the Gulf Stream – which keep the island toasty throughout the year.
You'll often see wildflowers rarely found outside of the Hebrides, including the Hebridean Spotted Orchid – an explosion of pinks and purples. The roads, meanwhile, are lined with daffodils up to your knees as far as the eye can see.
Wander through the wildflower meadows, and you'll also spot the insects buzzing and hovering as they navigate the spring. And there are more than a few birds out hunting for a tasty treat.
It's a reminder that the island endures no matter how dark the days get.
Walk on the wild side
One of the best things about the island is its openness. You can go pretty much anywhere, from the summit of Ben Hynish down to the beaches of Balephuil Bay. Nowhere is off-limits – indeed, the practice of hiking anywhere is a vital part of Scottish culture, enshrined by the Scottish government in the 'Right to Roam'.
But the Right to Roam doesn't just apply to walking. It covers any form of non-motorised activities. Meaning you can explore the islands 30 square miles by bike, canoe, swimming or sailing.
You can bring along or bike or hire one from Tiree Fitness – which offers hybrids, mountain bikes, and even kid's bikes. Blackhouse Watersports, on the other hand, will rent you a surfboard or wind surfboard. And there are canoes available to rent on the island too.
Of course, if you're not that adventurous, Tiree Sea Tours are more than happy to take you exploring the nearby islands and coastline. They're a pretty determined bunch, and barring the apocalypse, they'll move heaven and earth to ensure your trip goes ahead.
Get surfing
Speaking of which – surfing is a big part of the island's culture. No holiday in Tiree is complete without braving the waves. Windsurfing, in particular, is the island's non-official sport. Small wonder, considering we're the windiest location in all the UK.
If you arrive in spring, the waves aren’t quite the towering giants you'll discover in Tiree in the winter. Still, it's the perfect time for beginners to hit the beach.
We've already mentioned one of the best places to learn. Located on Balevullin Beach, you'll find a little hut ready to teach you to surf: Blackhouse Watersports. It's a family-run business involving all the kids (the Largs). As they say, "We are passionate about where we live, and we want to share our love of surfing, kitesurfing and of Tiree with you."
Plus, in April, we get 175 hours of sunshine – so there are plenty of rays to soak in while you're chilling on the beach.
Easter delights
Spring is a time of rebirth and renewal – that's doubly true of Easter. Whilst we don't have an Easter bunny, we do have the next best thing – discover Tiree's brown hare hopping through the verdant countryside.
Nor is that at all.
Tiree was once famous for its grain. In fact, the barley sun still adorns our flag on a sea of green. The island was the main food source for the nearby monks of the Iona Monastery. These days grain farming is less common – but given the fertile machair land, crofting is still a significant source of income for the island. That means sheep … lots of sheep. Indeed, you can see the baby lamb being born throughout the spring months. It's a wonderful and very adorable sight.
You'll never forget the first time you watch a lamb take its first steps across the white sands. Enjoying a spring holiday in Tiree is like nowhere on earth.
Go on seafari
It's not just the land that springs back to life; it's happening beneath the waves too. Earlier, I mentioned Tiree Sea Tours; I didn't say just how spectacular the sights around the island are. Captained by Chris and Frazer, you'll head out in the seas, spotting dolphins, whales and basking sharks as they hunt for fish. Or exploring the rugged coastlines, including Fingal's cave at Staffa, Skerryvore lighthouse, and the beautiful abbey at Iona that Tiree used to keep fed.
As one lucky passenger put it, "Thanks to Tiree Sea Tours for a brilliant day out to Tobermory and for organising a Minke Whale to come and visit us."
Perhaps, best of all, are the puffins at Lunga. These curious little creatures adore the craggy coastlines, nesting high on the rocks and along the shorelines. Plus, with their bright orange beaks, they're hard to miss.
Conclusion
Tiree is a land bursting with life. Here spring has sprung. How you take it all in is your decision, whether it be from the top of Ben Hynish or chilling on the beach with the Largs as you learn to master the waves. Whatever you do, just make sure you come. This is one island paradise you don't want to miss.
Come pay us a visit. We can't wait to see you!
