Welcome toColl
Coll is a Dark Sky reserve with no less than 23 beaches. It's also the place to see basking sharks.
More about Coll
Ideal for:
Nature & wildlife
Outdoor adventure
Star gazing
Wildlife Watching
The Dark Sky island
Lying 6 miles to the west of Mull, the island of Coll is famous for its dark skies. With no street lights in sight, the island has gained official 'dark sky status'. It's the second location in the country to have this recognition and one of the six best stargazing and night time photography locations in the UK.
Rare birds and wild flowers
It's also a nature lover's paradise - thanks to the bird and marine life that frequent the area, too. The RSPB reserve on the west coast has corncrakes - a bird you're more likely to hear than to see. Coll is also one of the best places to see basking sharks, and you can even go for a swim with them. In summer, the island's wild flowers come into full bloom, which is the perfect backdrop to the half marathon that takes place in August.
Prior to your journey, familiarise yourself with VisitScotland's #RespectProtectEnjoy guidance and check the arrangements individual islands and locations have for managing the safety of their visitors and communities. For Argyll and Bute, please read through the area's 'Be a great Visitor' guidance.
Take care on our coast: slips and falls can happen in all locations, not just high cliffs. Check out these RNLI Safety Tips #RespectTheWater
Why not try Taste of Place Trails .
For more on Coll visit Visit Coll's website.
How to get here
The ferry from Oban to Coll takes just over 2 hours 30 minutes. Vehicle reservations are recommended on these routes. You can book travel online, and when you do, you'll immediately receive an eTicket direct to your inbox - ready to board.
Looking for the best form of travel to and from our ports? Our Public Transport Journey Planner can help you plot your journey from anywhere in the UK, using a wide range of public transport companies.
We have also listed some travel information below that you may find useful:
Getting to Oban
By car
Oban is a 2 hours 30 minutes drive from Glasgow, 3 hours from Edinburgh, 4 hours from Aberdeen, and 2 hours 45 minutes from Inverness. If you are travelling with an electric vehicle, charging points are at Argyll College in Oban. There are no electric vehicle charging points on Coll.
Helpful tips for driving on Coll
Video transcript - How to drive on single track roads
Postcode for sat nav
Oban Port: PA34 4DB
Travelling without a car
By train
If you're coming from the east coast, Edinburgh, or the South, you'll need to travel through Glasgow. There's a regular direct train to Oban from Glasgow Queen Street Station, and it takes just over 3 hours.
By bus
The bus route to Oban from Glasgow takes just under 3 hours, traffic permitting. The bus from Inverness to Oban takes 3 hours 30 minutes, with a change at Fort William.
By foot
The Isle of Coll is only 13 miles long and 3 miles wide and makes it a perfect destination for exploring without getting lost. Arinagour is the main settlement on Coll where you can find most local facilities and the ferry terminal. Coll is an ideal spot for all levels of walkers with the terrain consisting of quiet minor roads and sections of sandy track. Much of the western region of Coll is a RSPB reserve with machair flower meadows providing important habitats for a range of bird life such as meadow pipits, skylarks, and twits. The Visit Scotland website offers more information about walking on Coll
By bike
Mountain biking is the one of the best ways to appreciate Coll and its contrasting landscapes and stunning white beaches. Cyclists can navigate around the islands circular main road and take in many of the islands wonderful beaches at your own leisure. Bike tours and bike hire are available on the island and information can be found at Visit Coll.
If you're bringing your bike, please add your bike(s) to your booking, - this means that you have more certainty about space. This ticket will remain free of charge.
Plan your cycle journey at CycleStreets.