Scotland reigns supreme in the UK for those seeking a serene escape.
With its vast, stunning landscapes and charming small towns, the Highlands and islands provide the perfect sanctuary from the relentless pace of contemporary life.
For those in pursuit of tranquillity, the diminutive island of Easdale in Argyll and Bute could be the answer. It’s one of Scotland’s tiniest inhabited islands, spanning just 25 hectares, and is home to fewer than 60 souls.
Located in the Slate Islands cluster within the Inner Hebrides, approximately 17 miles from Oban, this tranquil gem can be traversed on foot in under an hour, thanks to its lack of roads. A quick five-minute ferry ride from Ellenabeich on Seil linked to the mainland by the iconic ‘Bridge Over The Atlantic’ takes you to the quiet shores of Easdale.
The enchanting allure of Easdale has consistently captivated visitors, with one enthusiast remarking that it “doesn’t seem real”. In agreement, The Chaotic Scot travel blog describes Easdale as “as cute and quirky as they come”, reports the Daily Record.
Once central to Scotland’s slate industry, Easdale still bears the marks of its historical significance, including a disused quarry now repurposed into a community swimming pool, according to the Scottish Daily Express.
With no cars in sight, brightly coloured wheelbarrows are used to transport goods, adding to the charm of the picturesque white cottages scattered across the island.
On the quaint isle, devoid of shops but brimming with camaraderie, stands The Puffer Bar and Restaurant, a bastion of hospitality that has charmed numerous patrons one TripAdvisor user even dubbed it a “wee gem”.
Modest in elevation, the 38-metre peak of the island boasts awe-inspiring panoramas, granting those who ascend a majestic view across the Firth of Lorn.
Easdale’s community hub, its village hall, regularly resounds with music from a variety of bands, and the island has gained fame for the annual World Stone Skimming Championships held each September.
Not only does the captivating Easdale Folk Museum hold allure for those intrigued by history, but despite the isle’s seemingly secluded location, accessibility is surprisingly easy – a mere stone’s skim under three hours from Glasgow by car.