Kerrera

Forget  Skye – this secret island paradise is just 10 minutes from Oban and will blow your mind

Picture this: You’re standing on a windswept cliff overlooking turquoise waters, ancient castle ruins behind you, not another soul in sight except for some friendly sheep giving you curious looks. Sound like a dream? Welcome to the Isle of Kerrera – Scotland’s best-kept secret that’s hiding in plain sight, literally right across the bay from bustling Oban.

Why Kerrera Should Be Your Next Scottish Adventure

Let’s be honest – everyone goes to Skye. But while Instagram influencers are fighting for the perfect shot at the Old Man of Storr, you could be having an entire Scottish island practically to yourself. Kerrera has only about 40 permanent residents on the entire island, which means you’ll encounter more sheep than people (and trust me, the sheep are much better company).

This 4-mile-long slice of heaven sits tantalizingly close to Oban – it’s only 400 metres away at some points – yet feels like you’ve been transported to another world entirely. More than 15,000 day-trippers visit the island annually, but spread that across the entire year and you’ll understand why it feels so blissfully empty.

Getting There: Your Mini Adventure Begins

Ferry from Gallanach (The Main Route)

Coordinates : 56°23′53″N 05°32′19″W

The journey to Kerrera starts with a mini-adventure that sets the tone perfectly. You travel 2.5 miles south from Oban to Gallanach where a ferry crosses the 600 metres of the Sound of Kerrera. The crossing takes just 5 minutes, but don’t let that fool you – this isn’t your typical CalMac ferry experience.

Picture a WWII landing craft with a drop-down ramp that can carry one car but for some strange reason there is a limit of only 12 passengers at a time. The good news? The ferry runs as many times as needed to get everyone across, so you won’t be stranded even if you arrive at a busy time.

Pro tip: There are no buses from Oban to Gallanach. It’s a £8ish taxi ride in 2024 or 2ish mile walk each way. If you’re feeling energetic, the walk along the coastal road is actually quite pleasant and builds anticipation for your island adventure.

Alternative: Water Taxi from Kerrera Marina

For a different experience, Kerrera Marina at the north end of the island operates a water taxi to and from Oban. This drops you at the northern end of the island, which is perfect if you want to explore the marina area and the Waypoint Bar / Restaurant. You need to pre-book this via the Oban Marina website.

What Makes Kerrera Absolutely Unmissable

Gylen Castle: Your Game of Thrones Moment

If it was more accessible, this little clifftop stronghold of the MacDougall’s would probably be appearing on lots of Scottish postcards and calendars. Built in 1582, Gylen Castle perches dramatically on the southern cliffs like something straight out of a fantasy novel.

The walk to the castle is about 2.5 miles and it is an easy route to follow as it is a well-defined farm track. What makes this trek special isn’t just the destination – it’s the journey itself, with delightful views at every turn.

Kerrera Tea Garden: The Stuff of Legends

Here’s where Kerrera gets truly magical. The Tea Garden is one of those places that you can’t help falling in love with. A delightful wee oasis positioned perfectly for some refreshments whilst visiting Gylen Castle.

Martin and Aideen took over the business in 2013 and it’s built up a great reputation for serving delicious food with friendly service nestled in a wonderful garden teeming with birds. They’re open Thursdays – Mondays (closed Tuesday and Wednesday) 11am til 4pm from April til the end of September serving home made lunches, soups and cakes.

The setup is charmingly rustic – you place your order over the garden hedge and then wait for them to bring it out before settling at one of their picnic tables – all with amazing views! It’s like having afternoon tea in someone’s back garden, except that back garden happens to overlook some of Scotland’s most stunning scenery.

Walking Routes That’ll Make Your Instagram Jealous

The Southern Loop: Castle and Tea Garden Circuit

This is the classic Kerrera experience and perfect for first-timers. Most of the south end of the island is owned by Dunollie Estate, and this route takes you through some of the most scenic parts.

The Route:

• Start at the Gallanach ferry terminal
• Follow the well-marked farm track west
• The path is also good fun for kids as they can play a game of trying to be the first to spot colourful teapots that act as waymarkers along the route to the tearoom
• Reach the Tea Garden (perfect lunch stop)
• Continue to Gylen Castle for those epic cliff-top photos
• Return the same way or explore alternative paths

Distance: About 6 miles round trip Time: 3-4 hours with stops Difficulty: Easy to moderate

The Northern Adventure: Marina and Monument

This slightly shorter, 6-mile loop takes you around the northern half of Kerrera. It’s perfect if you want a different perspective or if you’re using the water taxi service.

Highlights include:

• The wreck of Hyacinth – In 1920, the motor fishing boat Hyacinth left Oban and caught fire near Maiden Island… The hull of the motorboat was towed to Ardantrive Bay, where it has now rested for over 100 years
• Hutcheson’s Memorial – Erected in memory of David Hutcheson, the ship owner who operated services to the islands in the 1800s, this large obelisk monument
• The Waypoint Restaurant for a proper meal with a view

Where to Stay: From Budget to Bliss

Kerrera Bunkhouse: The Authentic Experience

If you fancy staying over and taking in an amazing sunset or some incredible dark skies, the Bunkhouse sleeps up to 7 people. Located on the stunning Isle of Kerrera off the coast of Oban, Kerrera Bunkhouse is a great place for a family or group of friends to stay.

The bunkhouse is run by the same lovely couple who operate the Tea Garden, so you know you’re in good hands. You can book the bunkhouse with my Airbnb discount code (you get £25 off and I receive £15 travel credit) according to some travel bloggers.

Unique Airbnb Options

For those wanting something special, there are some incredible options:

• Horseshoe Bay Chalet: Situated on the south end of the island, right near Gylen Castle, this Airbnb rental offers stunning sea views and a peaceful retreat. The chalet is perfect for couples or families (sleeps up to 5 people)
• The Boat House: Located on the north end of the island… This charming accommodation features modern amenities and a gorgeous coastal location looking right across the sea to Oban. It’s a great choice for families or groups (sleeps up to 8 people)
• Galley Cabin: Situated on the remote end of Kerrera Island it’s in the perfect spot to “get away” from the hustle and bustle of modern life. Galley Cabin is situated at the end of a road to nowhere

Dining: From Tea Garden Treats to Marina Meals

The Tea Garden Experience

The menu is beautifully simple and seasonal. Recent visitors mention Two choices of main course pasta, in a paper pot with goats cheese £8 or a bagel with bread and red onion in a paper bag £7. Don’t expect fine dining – expect honest, hearty food served with a smile in one of Scotland’s most beautiful settings.

The Waypoint Restaurant

For a more substantial meal, The Waypoint – A delightful restaurant at Kerrera Marina, where the menu is seasonal and the produce is local from farms and waters surrounding the island… The restaurant is open Thursday to Sunday but the bar, and coffee and cake corner (which is currently run as an honesty box), is open daily.

Practical Tips for Your Kerrera Adventure

What to Bring

• Waterproof clothing: It’s often rainy, so side paths can be muddy
• Good walking boots: The tracks can be rough, especially after rain
• Cash: Some services operate on honesty boxes
• Camera: Obviously!
• Swimwear: Bring a swimsuit as you can swim in the cove at the base of the castle safely

Ferry Times and Booking

Ferry details: the Gallanach-Kerrera ferry runs every 30 min and gets you to the trailhead. Must pay online beforehand. The last scheduled ferry off the island each day is 17:55pm. You can book a 7pm ferry but this must be done 24 hours in advance through the Calmac website.

Getting Around the Island

There is a vehicle exclusion policy on the island, except for those of the locals, making it a walker’s paradise. You can hire (e-)bikes from Oban Cycles in Oban or from Kerrera Marina on the Isle of Kerrera if you want to cover more ground.

The Perfect Day Trip Itinerary

9:00 AM: Catch early ferry from Gallanach (beat the crowds!) 9:30 AM: Start walking towards Tea Garden via the western coastal route 11:30 AM: Arrive at Tea Garden for early coffee and cake 12:30 PM: Explore Gylen Castle and take all the photos 1:30 PM: Lunch at Tea Garden 2:30 PM: Return journey via eastern route for different scenery 4:00 PM: Back at Gallanach, mission accomplished!

Why Kerrera Beats the Tourist Traps

While everyone else is queueing for photos at Neist Point or fighting for parking at the Fairy Pools, you’ll be having an authentic Scottish island experience. We hardly saw anyone there is a common refrain from visitors, and honestly, isn’t that exactly what you want from a day out in Scotland?

The island offers everything you come to Scotland for – dramatic scenery, ancient history, friendly locals, and that ineffable sense of peace that only comes from being surrounded by water. Plus, It’s a perfect and often overlooked day trip destination from the west coast of Scotland.

Planning Your Kerrera Escape

Whether you’re island-hopping through the Hebrides or just spending a few days in Oban, Kerrera deserves a spot on your itinerary. It’s proof that sometimes the best adventures are hiding right under your nose – you just need to know where to look.

So next time you’re standing on Oban’s waterfront looking across the bay, remember that that green island beckoning in the distance isn’t just pretty scenery. It’s your next adventure waiting to happen. And trust me, once you’ve experienced the magic of Kerrera, you’ll be planning your return visit before you’ve even caught the ferry back to the mainland.

Ready to explore? The ferry’s waiting, the Tea Garden’s brewing, and Kerrera’s ready to show you what Scottish island life is really all about.