Difference between revisions of "Easdale"

Revision as of 13:11, 21 September 2012

Easdale (Scottish Gaelic: Eilean Èisdeal) [1] is a small island in Argyll and Bute, 16 miles south of Oban.

Understand

Once the centre of the British slate industry, Easdale Island is the smallest permanently-inhabited island of the Inner Hebrides, off Scotland's west coast. Situated in the Firth of Lorn, it covers an area of less than 10 hectares but has a permanent population of about 70, plus a similar number who own residential property and visit regularly.

There is one settlement on Easdale, however the neighbouring village of Ellenabeich (on the island of Seil) culturally considers itself part of Easdale due to its proximity and common heritage.

Get in

By ferry

Unless you have your own boat, the only way to get to Easdale is by a ferry operated by the Argyll and Bute Council. This runs at set times (and occasionally on demand) from early in the morning until late at night on a daily basis. Timetables and fare information can be found either in the waiting rooms in Ellenabeich or Easdale or on the CalMac [2] website. The crossing takes approximately 1-2 minutes.

Be aware that the ferry only carries 10 passengers and no cars and is not wheelchair accessible.

At the Ellenabeich side, the ferry must be summoned by the spotlight and/or the klaxon horn in the waiting room.

By boat

Skippers may berth their own vessels in Easdale Harbour upon completion of a Berthing Agreement [3].

By road

Ellenabeich is connected to the rest of Seil and the Scottish mainland by the B844 road, linking with the A816 near the hamlet of Kilninver.

By bus

West Coast Motors [4] operate the 418 bus service from Oban railway station to the ferry waiting room in Ellenabeich up to five times per day, with no service on Sundays. Be aware that buses often read 'Easdale' on the front of them. Bicycles can also be taken on board for free.

Various bus, train and ferry connections are available in Oban.

Get around

With the exception of some construction and agricultural machinery, there are no vehicles on Easdale. Hence, the only way to get around is by walking. That being said, the path that follows the circumference of the island is less than a mile in length. It is possible to walk around the island and summit the 38m hill in less than two hours.

There is a risk of falling into former slate quarries - be careful.

See

• The still pools - former slate quarries that define the landscape of Easdale

• The Easdale Island Folk Museum [5]

• The surrounding islands from the top of the hill - including Seil, Mull and Luing among others

• The local flora and fauna

Do

• Stone-skimming - thanks to the quality of the local slate and the still pools, Easdale is an internationally-renowned stone-skimming destination. The World Stone-Skimming Championships [6] are held every September on Easdale and now attracts over 300 contestants from around the world and many spectators. Anyone of any age and any level of skill can enter the championships.

• The Atlantic Adventure Day [7] - involves raft races, the 'Aquathon' (swim the sound & run round the island), sponsored swim, duck race, wheelbarrow races, craft stalls, BBQ, kayak races, round the island trips by Sea.Fari Adventures and more. Occurs on a Saturday in August.

• Go on a fast boat trip with Sea.Fari Adventures [8] to see the local wildlife.

• Year-round events at the Easdale Island Hall [9].

Buy

There is one local art and craft shop [10] on the island. A post office and village shop can be found in Balvicar on the island of Seil.

Eat

• The Puffer Bar and Restaurant [11] - the only eatery on the island. Uses local produce extensively and has won multiple awards. Also sells food hampers.

Drink

The Puffer is the only place to drink on Easdale. That being said, it was voted Best Community Pub in the 2010 Scottish Licensed Trade News Awards. Serves a variety of international, national and local alcohol.

Sleep

Options for sleeping on Easdale and in the surrounding area can be limited at times. In addition to Easdale and the surrounding area, a variety of accommodation can be found in Oban.

Self-catering

There are five self-catering properties on Easdale:

Tigh Earla, ☎ +44 1852 300154. Offers 2 double rooms, plus 1 double sofabed. =.

An Rubha, ☎ +44 7831 838717, [12]. Offers 3 double rooms. =.

An Lionadh, ☎ +44 1688 400388, [13]. Offers 4 bedrooms and sleeps 8 +2. =.

5 Easdale Island, ☎ +44 1786 870266, [14]. Offers a twin room and also has a double sofabed. =.

64 Easdale Island, ☎ +44 1555 772370, [15]. Offers 1 king room, 1 double room and 1 twin room. =.

Bed and Breakfast

Garragh Mhor, Ellenabeich, ☎ +44 1852 300513, [16]. Offers 3 double rooms and 1 twin room. =.

Camping

Wild camping on Easdale, although legal, is not recommended owing to lack of space and the chances of falling into a disused quarry.

Highland Arts, Ellenabeich, ☎ +44 1852 300273. Limited pitches are available for tents and campervans. =.

Get out

The same way as you got in - over the water. From Ellenabeich, various destinations in Argyll and Bute can be reached, including Oban and Lochgilphead.