"Whilst staying near Oban, my family and I decided to visit the lovely island of Kerrera. The island is just a quick five minute ferry ride, about 2 miles outside of Oban.

After parking our cars (only islanders are allowed cars on the island), we boarded the ferry and before we knew it we were alighting on Kerrera.

I had decided previously to walk down to the Tea Room and back again, with a quick stop at Gylen Castle on the way. We walked down towards Horseshoe Bay and passed the Islands newest tourist attraction - the Island Parrot Sanctuary. After this, the walk became steeper and then dropped down to the South coast of Kerrera, where we spied our first glimpse of the Tea Room ...."

The rest of this article is available as 'Down to a Tea ' on the Articles and Reviews page.

Kerrera

Click pictures to enlarge

Scottish Islands A-Z

Island Beaches

How do I get to Kerrera? The only ferry access to Kerrera is 2 miles south of Oban on the Gallanach Road. There are frequent sailings at times listed on the notice board by the quayside. Free car parking is available near the slipway. To attract the ferry, turn the board to BLACK. To travel throughout Scotland and the UK, you can book your tickets through The Trainline.

How do I get around Kerrera? The best way to get around Kerrera is on foot, as you cannot take your car over on the ferry. There are two circular walks - the northern route and the southern route. The most popular (and easier) route is to the south.

What's worth visiting on Kerrera? Gylen Castle was completed in the late 16th century and is currerntly owned by the MacDougall of Dunollie Preservation Trust. It is perched high on a promontory, with stunning views of the surrounding islands. The Kerrera Tea Garden is about halfway around the southern circular walk and offers welcome respite. Next to the Tea Garden is 'The Byre', which is a small converted barn with a woodburner, sofas and armchairs as well as a several tables and lots of chairs - this is often used by the Tea Garden when it is raining. Recently opened on Kerrara is the Island Parrot Sanctuary, a charity who are dedicated to improving the welfare of captive parrots.

Where can I stay on Kererra? The Bunk House at Lower Gylen is a converted 18th Century stable that sleeps upto 7 people. Bed and Breakfast is available at Ardentrive B & B and self-catering accommodation is available at Ardentrive Farm and at Horseshoe Bay Lodge.

Are there any books/DVD's about Kerrera? Island of Kerrera by H MacDougall

Any other information on Kerrera? Kerrera was once entirely owned by The MacDougall Clan, who at one stage owned nearly a third of Scotland. For more information on Kerrera, pleasse read the article 'Down to a Tea ' and the Blog Post 'Islands around Oban'.

Other islands in Inner Hebrides: Arran , Bute , Coll , Colonsay , Cumbrae , Easdale , Gigha , Holy Isle , Iona , Islay , Jura , Luing , Mull , Seil , Tiree , Ulva