20 FERRY GOOD IDEAS FOR 2020
EXPLORE AND EXPERIENCE THE VERY BEST OF THE WEST Make the most of the year of Coasts and Waters
It’s the Year of Coasts and Waters and there’s no better way to mark the celebration than by taking to the seas with Caledonian MacBrayne.
The ferry operator, famous for its vessels with their iconic red funnels traversing the west coast islands of Scotland, has a range of activities taking place this year.
There’s no shortage of must-visit, jaw dropping and beautiful destinations to choose from and it’s cheaper than you think.
Build your own adventure with CalMac’s Island Hopscotch ticket and, with 30 options to choose from, you can create the journey of a lifetime. Tailor the itinerary to your own budget and remember that under-fives go free. This year, there are events, activities, festivals, food and drink you’ll want to savour across the Scottish west coast.
CalMac allows you to travel in comfort, with family and dog friendly ferries, so everyone can make the most of the treasures on our doorstep.
Here, we showcase just 20 of the many events and locations all worth a visit in 2020, and all accessible on a CalMac Ferry. VISIT BRITAIN’S MOST
WESTERLY POINT, on a remote headland in Ardnamurchan, in the
Western Highlands.
Seek adventure with the
HEBRIDEAN WHALE TRAIL of 30 unique sites across the west coast popular with dolphins and whales.
CHALLENGE YOURSELF with Barra’s Half Marathon, the Barrathon; cycle the Mull Sportive; take on the St Kilda Challenge or run, bike and kayak The Heb, a race on the edge through The Hebrides? ENJOY SOME FESTIVAL FUN – and there’s plenty to choose from including Tiree’s Music Festival; HebCelt on the Outer Hebrides, celebrating its 25th year; Colonsay’s book festival; or Bute’s Jazz festival. Marvel at the newly restored
ROTHESAY PAVILLION on the Isle of Bute. It’s one of only a few modernist Bauhaus-inspired buildings in the UK, and one of Scotland’s favourite structures. Arran’s BRODICK CASTLE also re- opens this year after its renovation. It has a country park offering 10 miles of trails and the chance to spot red deer, red squirrels, otters, seals and Golden TAKE A PILGRIMAGE from Mull to Iona, a well-trodden path for religious pilgrims but equally popular for day trippers who want to explore this tiny island. Spot CROCODILE ROCK at Millport, a much-loved landmark on the Isle of Cumbrae, where all ages can cycle an easy 11 miles round the island. Fans of CALL THE
MIDWIFE are flocking to the
Outer Hebrides, featured it its full glory in the BBCs Christmas special.
FERRY TALES is a unique collaboration between CalMac and the National Theatre of Scotland, with pop-up performaces on ferry routes Wemyss Bay to Rothesay, Oban to Craignure and Ullapool to Stornoway.
WEST COAST WATERS is designed to tie in with Visit Scotland’s Year of Coasts and Waters and offers you great ways to see the sights, hear the sounds, taste the produce, experience nature and explore the area’s history and heritage. Look out for Baton Relay events, a Scavenger Hunt trail.
On many CalMac sailings, you can MEET A WILDLIFE OFFICER who will be delighted to tell you about the mammals, birds and plant life you might see during your time on the west coast.
Trace the past and travel back in time, visiting the mysterious Standing Stones of Machrie Moor on Arran, Raasay’s Iron Age Dun Borodale Broch, Mull’s Bronze Age Burial Cairns, or Skye’s dinosaur footprints near Staffin.
FEED YOUR PASSION for Scotland’s extraordinary larder, with the Eat Drink Hebrides Trail and the Mull and Iona Food Trail – self-guided journeys to some of the best places to taste the best of the west.
BAG A MUNRO or a Corbett, such as Goatfell on Arran, and there’s plenty more west coast island hills to explore for walkers of all levels. FEEL THE SAND BETWEEN
YOUR TOES on idyllic beaches, including Tangasdale on Barra, Langamull on Mull, on The Monks on Iona, all secluded beauty spots worth seeking out.