Hidden amongst the Inner Hebrides off the west coast of Scotland, this small inhabited island offers a true sense of escapism.
At just 25 hectares, Easdale in Argyll and Bute is reasonably tiny, but undoubtedly makes a big impression.
The island has a population of under 60 residents and it takes only an hour to walk across, meaning there is little need for tarmacked highways and, as such, Easdale has no roads.
Considering the lack of mass development, Easdale has maintained a unique charm as an island peppered with rural cottages and, according to visitors, a “wee gem” of a pub.
The isolated island has such stunning landscapes that one visitor to this remote part of the Scottish Highlands has remarked how it “doesn’t seem real”, the Mirror reports.
Getting to Easdale is an adventure in itself, as the island is reachable by a five-minute boat journey from neighbouring Ellenabeich, Seil, which is connected to mainland Scotland via the famed Clachan Bridge, The Bridge over the Atlantic.
The island’s tranquil atmosphere is one of the key attractions for visitors, with the lack of roads playing into the serene nature of this unique island free of traffic.
Once at the centre of the Scottish slate industry, one of the island’s flooded disused quarries is now used as a natural swimming pool.
The coastal landscape offers the perfect base for sea kayakers seeking to explore the intricate network of small islands or travellers on sailing trips in need of a few nights on solid ground.
Slightly inland, the island’s Puffer Bar and Restaurant is a popular stop for tourists, offering everything from coffee and cake to burgers and beer.
One recent visitor described it on TripAdvisor as “a wee gem on the wonderful Easdale Island”, adding the pub has “so much charm”.
Across the water in Ellenbeich, The Oyster Bar also received rave reviews, with tourists noting the bar has a Scotch whiskey selection to suit all tastes.
For those seeking to enjoy the peace of Easdale, it’s best to avoid early September, when around 1,000 visitors descend on the island for the unique opportunity to witness the World Stone Skimming Championships.
The contest has competitors skim stones across a quarry and the crowds transform the usually quiet island into a vibrant community with music and celebrations across the weekend.