The tiny Hebridean island of Iona is in a way worth visiting as much for what is not there as what is. The absent quality is rush. That is not to say that this is not a stunningly beautiful spot, as it is rightly famous for its rugged but peaceful scenery. Dotted around the island, which is just three miles long by a mile to a mile-and-a-half wide, there are beaches both sandy and pebbled, where you are unlikely to bump into the smart crowd, or indeed a crowd of any description. Such tranquillity suits the wildlife too, the birding here often excellent – Corncrakes, Dunlin, Fulmar and Redshank just four of the species you may be lucky enough to spot. The mammalian population is equally interesting – otters, grey seals and Minke whales some of the highlights. But it’s the ancient abbey that is the great draw here, whether or not you share the faith of its founders, a beautifully preserved building mostly dating from about 1200AD. The abbey and another chapel here are the last resting place of many Scottish kings, and some Norwegian too. For such a minute islet Iona played a huge role in the history of Ireland, Scotland and of British Christianity. Accessed by ferries from Fionnphort on Mull just 10 minutes away across the Sound of Iona, only locals can take cars onto the island, so you’ll need to use taxis, hire bikes, or stretch your legs – nowhere is very far from anywhere else here. You can though extend your travels by taking one of the boat trips from Iona, to spot whales, drop a line in the sea, or take a look at other little islands nearby.
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Alternative Boat Hire(Boat Trips and Cruises)