Annie’s Croft - Self Catering on the Isle of Coll

Activities and things to do on the Isle of Coll

Throughout the summer there are lively ceilidh’s, dances, fishing competitions and the famous Coll show.

Outdoor pursuits and things to do include:-

• Scuba diving, swimming in the crystal clear waters, walking, cycling, fishing, sailing, power kiting, plus the island boasts an interesting 9 hole golf course.
  
  
• You may also bring your own boat or sea kayak as the water’s edge is just yards from Annie’s Croft.
  
  
• Beach combing on any of the many beautiful beaches.
  
  
• Birdwatching, wildlife, rare flowers and photography.
  
  
• Shrimping in the rockpools and cockle picking in the bay at low tide

Also on the island is a local pottery where children can learn to throw their own unique pot at regular classes held throughout the summer.

Swimming

Eider Duck

Beaches

Bikes can be hired from the Post Office and it is recommended that you pre-book these by contacting Mr. Angus Kennedy on 01879 230395.

Fishing: mackerel and lythe can be caught from the “Big Pier”, and brown trout can be found in the peaty inland lochs.

Bike & Body Board Hire

Bike Hire on Isle of Coll

Fishing for mackerel at the big pier

Wildlife and Nature
For the ornithologist the RSPB Reserve on the island of Coll can offer arctic terns and flocks of greylag geese as well the rare and elusive corncrake. The reserve has a small visitor centre and the warden takes weekly guided walks throughout the summer months.

The reserve has long, white shell sand beaches, sand dunes and machair grassland which supports over 300 flowers including rare orchids. Throughout May and August, visitors may hear the 'crex, crex' call of the corncrake, though they are quite elusive birds and difficult to see in the hay/silage fields. In Summer the reserve is full of breeding birds whilst offfshore, seabirds which can be seen include razorbills, guillemots, manx shearwaters, terns and gannets.

On many beaches, such as Cliad and Gallanach, you will see colonies of common and grey seals. If you are not lucky enough to spot an otter, you will always see their tracks in the sand.

Every summer the gentle giants, the Basking Sharks visit our waters, together with dolphin and porpoise. You may even spot a pod of Orcas (killer whales).

HOW TO GET TO COLL

Coll is easily accessible from the bustling port of Oban. Calmac Ferries operate a service every day in the summer. Please ensure you make your booking in good time by telephone or website:- www.calmac.co.uk Telephone for reservations: 08705 650000

These ferries are in heavy demand, therefore if you are bringing your car, you must make your reservation as early as possible.
Cars can be left in Oban as there is a taxi service on the island, and of course, bike hire.

Links:

www.isleofcoll-cottage.com - Wildlife and photography on Coll

http://aolpictures.aol.co.uk/galleries/alp2311
My personal gallery of Coll images

http://www.oban.org.uk/info.html
Information and accommodation in Oban

http://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/guide/c/coll/index.asp
RSPB on Coll

www.calmac.co.uk
Ferry Timetable

www.visitcoll.co.uk
Visitors guide with stunning photography

http://www.islandstores.co.uk/
Place your grocery order here

http://www.scotland-info.co.uk/coll.htm
Internet Guide to Scotland

www.collofthewild.co.uk - Exclusive wildlife holidays on the beautiful Hebridean islands of Coll and Tiree. Licensed Taxi Service and tours around the islands.

Please click all photos on website to enlarge