Our long awaited trip to Colonsay finally took place last Wednesday – the only day that the ferry goes from Kennacraig to Islay, to Colonsay, thence to Oban, back to Colonsay, Islay and finally docks again at Kennacraig. Bikes packed we set off very early, and were breakfasting (full Scottish) on the ferry by 9am! Stunning scenery on all sides and beautiful sunny weather made it a trip to remember. We powered up the Sound of Islay against the tide and after picking up about 100 more cyclists there we completed our voyage over to Colonsay. We landed at Scalasaig and took in the amazing little book shop and craft shop before setting off uphill towards Colonsay House and Gardens. It was a tough climb but a long downward scoot followed and brought us to a little village where we saw a sign – “Cakes for sale”. The cakes were displayed in the porch of a sweet cottage, and we entered the garden under an archway of roses. We couldn’t believe our luck on seeing row upon row of unbelievably delicious cakes for only £1 each!!! So we bought one each and carried on to the Gardens. We did the tour, had a delicious lunch on the sunny terrace, ate our cakes and then made for Kiloran Bay, a marvellous sandy beach facing westwards, with big white waves breaking. I plunged in, feeling very excited, and was immediately knocked down by an unexpectedly big wave and given the washing machine treatment. Got a bit of a fright, so kept to the shallows, enjoying the fresh warm water and the joy of swimming at this beautiful beach. Keeping to our timetable we cycled on, past the well kept graveyard on the West side, and down to the Hotel, where we enjoyed a swift G&T before assembling en masse to board the ferry for our return trip. We arrived home about 11pm, exhausted but very happy and determined to go back for a longer stay next year.
wildswimmers 
What a lovely day – I’ll come too next time!
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By: Lottie on July 31, 2012
at 8:36 pm
A fabulous day, well summed up in this post. Colonsay and the trip on the ferry in the morning sunshine and the return journey in glorious evening sunshine was unbeatable. Josie and I loved our day out on this super island. We will definitely go back for longer. And Lottie, you should come too!
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By: Catriona Watt on August 1, 2012
at 9:27 am