Reflections on Tràigh Mhòr

Tiree is the westernmost island of the Inner Hebrides.

Destinations

• Scarinish, from which ferries sail to Arinagour on Coll and to Oban on the mainland.
• Crossapol where 'Tiree Airport is located.
• Other settlements include Hynish and Sandaig, which boast museums.

Understand

Traigh Bail

The island is approximately 12 miles (19km) long and 3 miles (5km) wide. The terrain is mostly flat and it enjoys a mild climate with average annual hours of sunshine well above the average for the UK.

Get in

By air

• Flybe (operated by Loganair). Flights operate at least twice daily (weekdays only in winter) to Tiree airport (TRE) from Glasgow International (GLA), which has good domestic and international connections. 
• From Oban Airport at Connel there are flights to Tiree twice weekly, with some flights also calling at Coll.

By sea

• Caledonian MacBrayne. Sail to Tiree from Oban, with most sailings also serving the island of Coll. The crossing takes about 4 hours. Daily sailings in summer (Apr-Oct); Tues, Thurs, Sat, Sun only in winter. One sailing per day plus on some days the Oban - Barra boat also calls at Tiree. 

See

• 1 An Iodhlann (Tiree Historical Centre), An Iodhlann, Scarinish, PA77 6UH, ☏ +44 1879 220793. Jul-Aug: Mon-Fri 11:00 - 17:00, Sep-Jun: Mon, Wed, Thu 9:00-13:00, Tue, Fri 10:30-15:30. 
• 2 Skerryvore Lighthouse Museum, Upper Square, Hynish, PA77 6UQ, ☏ +44 1865 311468. Shore station for a lighthouse built between 1838 and 1844. The lighthouse is on some rocks 12 miles away. There is an exhibition on the building of the lighthouse, and another building has an exhibition on the Treshnish Isles. The signal tower is sometimes also open. Free, but donation appreciated. 
• 3 The Ringing Stone. Always open. About 2 miles walk on a roughly marked path from Balephetrish. Start by following track along the shore past the wind turbines, then follow arrows through 3 gates, then continue for 350m after the last gate, past Loch na Gille, and the Stone can be seen next the beach just after passing a small loch (Loch Dubh a Gharraidh Fail). There is an information sign giving near the Stone telling of use in 2500BC. Throw a fist sized rock at the stone to hear it ring. Free. 
• 4 An Turas (The Journey) (Next the ferry terminal.). Always open. A Millennium Project of a modern art installation. A long open building, with a view over Gott Bay. Shortlisted for the Stirling (architecture) Prize. Free. 

Do

• Windsurfing, Kiting, SUP, Surf Board Hire and Sandyatching are all available through Wild Diamond.
• The Loch on tiree is an ideal place to take your first steps as a Windsurfer
• Tiree Music Festival. 3 days in Mid July. 

Buy

• 1 Co-op Supermarket, Scarinish, PA77 6UH. Open daily 7am - 10pm. 
• 2 Blue Beyond Gallery, Sunbeam Cottage, Balemartine, PA77 6UA. Wed - Fri 1pm-5pm.. Small gallery selling textile pictures, raku pottery and cards produced onsite by the owners. 
• 3 Tiree Glass, Ceosabh, Balinoe, PA77 6TZ. Apr-Oct Wed-Fri 12.30-17.00. Glass Studio and Gallery 

Eat

See the sleep section for hotels.

• Ceabhar Restaurant, Sandaig, PA77 6XQ, ☏ +44 1879 220684. 
• 1 Cobbled Cow Cafe, Crossapol PA77 6UP. Mon noon-7.30pm, Tue-Sat 9.30am-7.30pm. Booking advised for evenings 

Sleep

Typical Architecture on Tiree

Camping

• 1 Balinoe Campsite, ☏ +44 1879 220399. Tents, caravans and campervans welcome. Facilities include toilets, showers, indoor kitchen and dining area, and wifi. 
• Wild camping is allowed (free of charge) on the island for walkers, cyclists, kayakers, etc, so long as you follow the Outdoor Access Code. Much of the island is used for crofting, so you are advised to watch out for livestock grazing.

Hostel

• 2 Millhouse Hostel, Cornaigmore, PA77 6XA (8km from pier), ☏ +44 1879 220435. 

Bed and Breakfasts

• 3 Rockvale Guest House, 35 Balephetrish, PA77 6UY,, ☏ +44 1879 220675. From £45pppn. 

Hotels

• 4 Scarinish Hotel, Scarinish,Isle of Tiree,PA77 6UH, ☏ +44 1879 220308. From £57. 
• 5 Tiree Lodge Hotel, Gott Bay,Isle of Tiree PA77 6TW, ☏ +44 1879 220329. From £50.