Perfect Destination For A Scottish Staycation
An Island Paradise: Why the Isle of Tiree is the perfect Scottish destination for a staycation
After a Tiree summer of calmer seas on its south shore and moderate swell on Tiree’s north shore, there is a real shift through September to more surf on the north shore, exciting conditions if you’re into your surfing on your Scottish staycation. Rather than good waves, you have impeccable waves. Rather than flat weeks, you have week after week of amazing sets of waves – And all at a time when we need a break from the everyday. However if you’re more of a relaxing dip or paddle there are always the beaches that line Tiree’s south shores. An altogether more subdued, even calm experience when you’re on your Inner Hebrides staycation.
It is not uncommon to head into winter knowing you’re going to miss summer. An awesome autumn long weekend staycation could be exactly what you need to keep the mainland bad-weather blues at bay. That’s the great thing about an Isle of Tiree staycation, the island sits in its own weather system, warm autumns and winters. Just what’s needed. And where better for a perfect Scottish staycation than on one of the UK’s hidden jewels.
The Isle of Tiree is the perfect destination for an autumn Staycation because it offers more than you can imagine, because it is just a drive away, and because when you’re on the island you can always see the ocean. The little Scottish Isle of Tiree will treat you to entire beaches all to yourself. Pearly white sand will beckon you on your Scottish island staycation, and you will be gifted by calm and beauty at every turn. In short, Tiree is a staycation paradise.
I’m a big fan of the staycation anyway, and find long weekends really break up the year and give me the opportunity to see parts of the country I haven’t before. Just a few nights away can give you the time you need to find some fantastic new experiences, have some great fun and a rest from the everyday. I’ve always recommended Tiree for an autumn staycation for a wide range of reasons, but my top five would have to be:
Beaches perfect whether you are, walking the dunes, relaxing in the sun or going for a dip
Fantastic surf culture and Coorie
Awesome weather and views
Close to home and easy to travel too
A mix of accommodation for all tastes
With all these in mind, it is easy to see why people travel far and wide to get here. As far as checklists go, I believe it offers everything you need for an awesome and successful autumn short break.
PERFECT BEACHES
One of the real highlights of this wonderful little island is the beaches. No matter what the weather, no matter what the swell, somewhere will be right for your mood. Personally, this is the number one reason that it will always be the top spot for a staycation in Scotland.
Getting away on a staycation is all about making the time yours and really taking advantage of a few days away from the the everyday. On Tiree, you don’t have to wait and watch the forecast, because there will almost certainly be breathtaking weather. And when we say breathtaking, we’re talking world class. These are spots worth travelling for. I’ve spoken to many people that insist the Inner Hebrides is the place to be for a staycation, and I really don’t disagree. Driving along the single track road on Tiree is a game of ‘Can the next amazing moment beat the last’ with a chorus of “Look at that! It’s awesome. Look at it!” as you pass bay after bay of perfect sand and ocean.
“A gold mine of opportunity, Tiree offers a huge range of breaks to get your teeth into.”
Even on a windy day, you’ll be able to find somewhere sheltered enough to enjoy the freedom your Tiree Staycation has to offer you. These white sand, turquoise water beaches are perfect. And to make it even better, it takes only 30 minutes to drive across the Tiree. No more traipsing up and down the coast, looking for that spot to make your own.
You can come away to Tiree on Scottish island staycation, and within half an hour you feel a million miles from the day-to-day. We’re talking three to four days of staycation magic, a short holiday to get you through the winter months. A long weekend, but a long weekend of lasting moments. There aren’t many other places you can get that good a deal.
FANTASTIC SURF CULTURE
One of my favourite things about a staycation on Tiree is that the conditions mean it’s so inclusive, and welcoming. I love rocking up at one of my favourite island spots, and being half in and out of a wetsuit – only to be stopped because somebody else (probably on a staycation as well) is coming out of the water, and wants to tell me how great their day has been.
You might never see each other again, you might never again share the same beach or machair, but that one moment on that morning you know that this person is loving life just as much as you are. It’s one of the best feelings in the world, and one of the reasons I keep spending time here. There are few sports that inspire the same passion in strangers that they’ll talk to each other like good friends, all because of a shared desire to be on Tiree.
The surf culture on Tiree is actually one of a huge mix of sports, from cold water swimmers to windsurfers and kite surfers alike, but all with a common love of the the island and the ocean that surrounds it. If you’re looking for a staycation destination that serves more than the usual long weekend, with people that fully understand your quirky desire to get cold and wet for the thrill, then you’re looking at the right place. Or if you’re more the type of person that loves just being inspired by a place, its sounds, its smells and its unexpected moments then the Isle of Tiree is equally a staycation destination for you.
TROPICAL WEATHER AND SCENERY
My first experience of Tiree was early on a crisp, January morning. The ferry had set off at six, and the weather had been a little stormy on the way over. But by the time we reached our Scottish staycation destination of Tiree, grey had faded into blue – the bright sky seemed to stretch out in every direction, as if we were in the eye of a storm. For the depths of winter, it was surprisingly warm and jumpers were shed to feel the cool sea breeze on our skin. We’d stepped through a portal into solitude what a way to start our Hebridean staycation.
The drive across the island took us past various lay-bys, where we stopped to get out of the car and just breathe. You could see the ocean, and distant peaks of curling waves, sparkling green grass covers everything except the winding ribbon of a road. Like a drawing from a Katie Morag book, the Isle of Tiree is a picture perfect representation of the very best of Scotland.
Never mind Indonesia or Hawaii, here we’re talking about glassy and perfect waves. Driving off the ferry, and onto the island to start your staycation in Scotland, is a treat of panoramic views and picture-perfect coastline.
AN EASY, STRESS-FREE TRIP AWAY THAT ADDS TO THE ADVENTURE
One of the real perks of a staycation is the ease of travelling. Not only is driving much easier, you can travel at your own pace and enjoy the journey more when you’re staying in the UK than if you were looking at a long haul flight abroad.
Unlike travelling by air, when travelling by car there are considerably less things to worry about. Packing becomes more fun than a problem, and you’re much more likely to be able to fit things in the boot than in a suitcase. Wetsuits alone can take up a lot of room in a bag, and you want to make sure hand paddles and ear plugs do not get lost in transition. Driving to your staycation destination takes away the stress of cabin luggage and checking in. Instead, you can pack everything you need (and more), jump in the car and you’re on your way.
Another major positive to staycation travelling, in my opinion, is the opportunity to see more of the country. The drive up to Oban is relatively easy, and beautifully scenic. With no security to pass, no cramped queues and rushing through airports, you’re in the perfect position to chill out and enjoy the view.
Passing through Glasgow always feels like the last major checkpoint for me, when we leave society behind and head into the wilderness and wonder of the Scottish Highlands. Over the last few years, I have travelled to the United States, and through large parts of Europe, and I can honestly say I have never enjoyed the trip as much as I enjoy that fantasy-esque twisting road of lochs and mountainsides.
From Oban, it is a 4 hour ferry journey to the Isle of Tiree. A holiday is all about making the most of opportunities to relax, and getting away from the noise of everyday life – before you’ve even got to your destination, these four hours are a chance to rest. With a delightful range of food (I can really recommend the Scottish Breakfast if you’re getting the early boat) and comfortable seating, you’ll be treated to views of the Ardnamurchan Peninsula and Coll. Not only that, but you might also meet other surfers on their way to experience the magic Tiree has to offer, or that have been before and are willing to show you some really sweet spots.
From start to finish, I believe driving up the country is more enjoyable and practical than heading away – especially for a short trip. It is a fun answer to any autumn holiday.
COSY ACCOMMODATION TO WARM UP IN AFTER A LONG DAY ENJOYING THE ISLAND
You’ve out of the sea. It was an awesome experience. The sun was shining bright overhead, blue skies stretch out in both directions.
But it is October and, it doesn’t matter where you are in the UK, getting changed afterwards is not always fun experience. What you really need is a cosy safe-haven from the chill of autumn weather, a roaring fire to warm your bones and a space that will let you relax and rest ready for the next day of Tiree adventures.
This is a situation I’ve often found myself in, and can safely say that the small door of a blackhouse that opens to the warm lights inside is one of the most welcoming staycation sights in the world. Many a staycation evening has been spent wrapped up in a blanket, after a lovely hot shower, whilst wetsuits hang over a drying horse in-front of a flickering log fire. Buildings on Tiree are made to weather any storm. With thick stone walls and plenty of heating, coming back to this picturesque dream is like returning to bed on a dark and grey Sunday, the whole place feels like it wraps around you in a hug.
The Atlantic Ocean is one of the most wonderful playgrounds, rich with beauty and wild energy that keeps you in for hours, but being able to treat yourself to a small and cosy cottage after three to four hours in the sea makes all the difference to a successful staycation weekend.
CONCLUSION
Autumn is the perfect time to be planning a short weekend away. A staycation is the ideal answer to the need to escape, and Tiree has everything you could possibly want to make the trip the best it can be. The waves are perfect, steep curves of water that arc in idyllic barrels, the island itself is rugged and beautiful, and the accommodation is welcoming and homely. For an experience that will have you desperate to come back as soon as possible, I can’t recommend anywhere more. A paradise of quiet beaches and even quieter line-ups, it really is a dream destination.
By Christine Candeland