Visit the Isle of Kerrera, Oban’s local Island Getaway
The Isle of Kerrera is a little gem of a place with the shortest ferry crossing in history. If you are visiting or staying in Oban, then I would highly recommend a visit to the island.
Kerrera is not a large island, separated from the mainland by the Sound of Kerrera, the island is only 4 miles long and a just over a mile at its widest point. Only about 70 people live on the island, totally outnumbered by visitors in the summer.
Getting to Isle of Kerrera.
I mentioned the island has a verry short ferry journey at just 600mts. But in fact, there are two ferries to the island.
The regular ferry leaves from Gallanach, just two and a half miles from the centre of Oban. The short crossing takes only 5 minutes on what must be the smallest of the Calmac fleet. and there is a small car park where you can leave the car. Booking is not required.
The ferry resembles a landing craft and takes up to 12 passengers. Cars are not allowed onto the island unless you live there. So, it’s your two feet or a bike or transport. Be warned though the tracks are too rough for anything other than a mountain bike.
The second ferry operate like a private water taxi and runs from the marina to the north pier in the centre of Oban. Again, it’s a foot ferry and must be pre-booked.
Contact https://kerreramarina.com/book-a-ferry/
Walking around the Isle of Kerrera.
If you are taking the Calmac ferry from Gallanch road as you land on Kerrera you have two choices. Turn left or right.
Turning left takes you onto a newly tarmacked road heading to the north of the island.
The North of the island has the highest population and is home to the marina and the Waypoint restaurant. And It’s at the marina that the water taxi for Oban leaves from. This gives you an opportunity to take in a little of the island enjoy the views across to Oban and have lunch as well.
An easy circular route from Oban.
If you fancy just a light walk on the island, take a taxi from Oban to the Calmac ferry point. Cross over to the island and follow the newly tarmacked road to the right. This will lead you to the marina roughly a couple of miles away. One at the marina you can visit the Waypoint bar and grill for some refreshments. Then take the marina ferry back into Oban, (remember to pre-book the ferry)
Be sure to visit Ardentrive Farm, at the north end by the marina, run a farm shop and small gallery. Kerrera beef, lamb, and pork, is available along with other island produce.
The north end of the island is also home to a memorial to the Hutcheson memorial. An obelisk structure that can be seen from Oban. The landmark was constructed ed in 1883 in honour of the ship-owner David Hutcheson who operated services to the west coast islands. His company later became Caledonian MacBrayne who now run most of the ferries in the west of Scotland.
Isle of Kerrera south Circular Walk.
The south end circular walking loop takes around 3 hours to walk. And takes in the main attraction of Kerrera, Gylen Castle.
Starting from the Calmac ferry when you depart the landing ramp look left. Take the track which forks after a short distance. If your main interest is the castle, take the left fork, which follows the coast on a reasonably level route.
Its roughly two and a half miles to the castle. The good news is that this route also takes in the islands Tea Garden.
You will pass by a large bay followed by a smaller one with some white cottages. As the track starts to climb look out for colourful teapots by the side of the track indicating the tea garden and inviting you in for tea and cakes.
Isle of Kerrera Tea Garden.
The tea garden is located not too far from the castle in an old farmhouse with a garden and picnic tables There is no seating area inside the actual farmhouse, but one of the farms outbuildings has been adapted so there is indoor seating if you need it. There is a bunkhouse also on site, which can cater for up to 7 people, you can find the details here, https://kerrerabunkhouse.co.uk/bunkhouse
If you can resist the refreshments head left just before the tea garden, and you will see signs directing you towards the castle.
Once you have taken in the castle and views, if you want to take on the complete circuit return to the track and complete the route back to the Calmac ferry landing.
I would strongly recommend looking up the route details and having those with you to avoid unnecessary diversions.
These can be found here, https://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/argyll/kerrera-gylen.shtml
If doing the whole walk, consider this.
A few people have mentioned that if you are doing the whole route its better to do it anticlockwise. This is the reverse of the description I have give you. So, you would turn left after leaving the ferry. But then take the right fork in the track not the left.
The argument in doing this is that you get the hardest part of the route out of the way first. Enjoy some refreshments, then have a leisurely walk back to the ferry.
Seems to make sense to me.
Gylen Castle.
The castle sits high on old sea stacks and was constructed by Clan McDougall in 1582. It’s the main feature of the island. The castle was eventually besieged and burn down in 1647.
Although its without a roof, its in remarkable good condition. Historic Scotland and the Clan McDougall funded some restoration in 2006 to allow the public to visit the castle.
Such is its stunning location and grandeur the Turner made many sketches of the castle which can be found in the Tate gallery in London. If you are visiting Kerrera, be sure to take in the castle.
Staying on the Isle of Kerrera.
There are a small amount of holiday lets available for let on the island, but there is not a hotel. As mentioned above the Tea Garden has a bunkhouse that can sleep up to seven, and bell tent you can hire.
If you like a bit of luxury, then its best to stay in Oban and commute to the island using ether of the two ferry services.
Enjoy your stay.
John.
Hi, my name is John Webber, award winning chef and tutor, now retired to the west coast of Scotland. Welcome to our blog focusing on food, cooking, and countryside. My aim is to pass on my years of skills and knowledge together with an appreciation of the countryside.
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