Why Visit Tiree in Winter

I'm always up for an adventure – to push my limits. Whether it be backpacking around Asia or roaming the frosty reaches of Iceland, I'll always keep an open mind. You don't know it till you've tried it, is my philosophy. But I've got to admit I thought the exact same thoughts you are right now when someone first suggested it: the Isle of Tiree … in the Hebrides … in winter … are you mad?

Then again, we Brits are a little balmy. Head out on any windswept and drizzly day, from Lands' End to John O'Groats, and you'll find some determined souls, anoraks on, taking in the bracing British countryside. (Nor are our friends across the Irish Sea much different.) After all, if you didn't explore the British Isles in the rain and the wind and the snow and the winter – you wouldn't get out much at all.

So – a winter holiday in Tiree: is it really that crazy? I don't think so. In fact, it might be one of the most unforgettable – and yes, enjoyable – experiences of your life. You'll call it a once in a lifetime experience… only to keep coming back again and again and again.

You don’t just holiday in Tiree; you discover Tiree. It reveals itself to you as you explore the little coves hunkered down amidst the roar of the Atlantic and then shelter inside the squat and cosy cottages. Indeed, we Scots have a special practice called còsagach – a little like the Danish hygge. There's no better place to experience it than in the wild and woolly landscape of Tiree (more of this in a bit).

To experience the Isle of Tiree in winter is to commune with nature and Scotland in all its wild beauty. The summer months are stunning and peaceful and full of life – but winter is when nature comes out to play. When you discover Tiree. When this sleepy little island awakens from its slumber. There's salt in the air and sweaters to be worn.

Not convinced yet? No worries – I'm not quite finished. We've got a ton of reasons why you should visit Tiree this winter. I promise, by the end, you'll be a convert, and you'll be heading north the moment the first frost appears.

Why?

1. Nature is fierce

2. Experience Còsagach

3. Nature spectacular

4. Get surfing

5. A festive Christmas getaway

Why you need to discover Tiree this winter

1. Nature is fierce

   It's said that the Scottish are fierce. And there's a little truth to that – though don't worry, the locals on Tiree are a friendly bunch. But where do you think they learned their fierceness? Nature, of course. Nowhere is that on better display than on the Isle of Tiree.

   This is nature unbridled and beautiful. This little rock in the North Atlantic has never looked more majestic. The ocean crashes upon the shore, and the sea salt spray can be smelt in the air. And you get it all to yourself. It's a time to think and reflect and marvel at the wonder of nature in all her glory.

   Around here, we call it 'sweater weather'. Indeed, there's no better way to spend the day than wrapped up in your duffel coat and heading out into the winter's weather.

   Like an ice plunge or the greatest gym session of all time, it's an invigorating experience. Plus, the beer or tea or coffee at the end has never tasted so good. 

2. Experience Còsagach

   Of course, we island-folk aren't gluttons for punishment. Just as the natural world is at its fiercest, the inner world is at its cosiest. This is a time for hunkering down beneath blankets and beside a roaring fire.

   It's more the mere cosiness; it's coorie.

   Think barn cakes and blankets and warm spiced cider. It's about thick wool sweaters (perhaps even one grown and knitted on the island) and delicious hearty meals. It's conversations with friends and taking pleasure in the simple things during the darkest days of the year.

   As I mentioned, it's related to the Danish hygge. However, coorie is distinctly Scottish, ingrained in the fierce landscape and its people. To truly experience this Scottish (and Tiree) tradition is a little like tequila and lime. First comes the bracing hike, and only then do you get to shelter with a pint and hearty meal.

   And a little spot of the island's home-distilled gin never went amiss, either!

3. Nature spectacular

   Out on your winter walks, you're sure to spot all manner of wildlife. The winter months draw the seabirds towards the island for shelter. To discover Tiree is to discover its denizens – and I'm not talking about the locals at the Alan Stephenson House!

   Look out for Tufted Ducks, Goldeneyes, and Little Grebes. Oh, and the wet and damp make this the perfect season for spotting Whooper Swans on the plains of Tiree. But this is just a tiny fraction of the different species seen in this display of nature spectacular.

   You'll also find brown hares on the hunt for food. And, when the clouds clear, far out at sea, the dolphins and whale pods roam majestically.

   If you like nature – you'll love a winter holiday in Tiree.

4. Get surfing

   What do you need for windsurfing? Well, wind, of course. We're a humble bunch here on the island – but, if we had to boast, we'd mention that we're the windiest place in the UK (and the winter months are amongst the windiest).

   Here, you'll have towering waves and enough wind to propel you across the Atlantic! We host many different surfing and windsurfing businesses, each eager to get you started. There's also the Tiree Wave Classic in October (which, although it isn't strictly winter, is still worth seeing).

   It's a windsurfing extravaganza of epic proportions with 46 miles of coastline and waves more than 15 feet high. Or, if you're not quite that brave, get your wetsuit on and try a little body or free surfing. Peak conditions typically last from October through March, with the best waves in January.

   But be warned – water temperatures can drop as low as 6 degrees C.

5. A festive Christmas getaway

   Christmas may have started in the Middle East, but these days we think of cold winter nights, crackling logs, and warm, hearty food. The Isle of Tiree has all that and more. And it's the friendliest, most welcoming bunch of folks you could ever hope to spend Yuletide with.

   Spend the special day wandering along the empty beaches or opening presents by the fire. Then settle down for your Christmas dinner. You can always cook food in one of the island's self-catering cottages (and the local Co-op has all your favourite ingredients). But, if you want to truly relax, the Scarinish Hotel serves up a delicious Christmas dinner, complete with all the trimmings.

   When you discover Tiree at Christmas, you go back to basics. We tell tales and stories, play games, take in nature, and spend time together. It's nothing fancy – but that's the point. In Tiree, you learn to love the simple things.

   Conclusion

   Going on holiday in Tiree never disappoints. However, winter on the island is a special time, unlike any other. The islands feel magical and primordial. The wider world seems so far away, and it's easy for your troubles to just melt. It also helps that it's so wild and beautiful one moment and then majestically vivid the next.

   Are you brave enough? Will you visit this winter?

   We hope so. We can't wait to see you!