The approach to Iona is stunning. A short
ferry crossing takes foot passengers across the mile-long stretch of water
between the isle and Mull’s south-west coast. Dotted along the shoreline is
sheltered inlet after inlet, just waiting for little feet to run over the white
sands, dip their toes and paddle in the crystal-clear waters.
The island itself is only one mile across
and three in length, but the beaches and rocky outcrops that speckle Iona’s
grassland – inviting intrepid pint-sized explorers to scramble up and conquer
–
more than justify a few days’ stay. Until recently, there wasn’t a single
campsite here, but at long last Iona Campsite has thrown open its gates to
tents.
The site itself is very basic. A mile’s
walk from the ferry – half of it uphill – it’s really just a field located
behind Cnoc-Oran B&B. The sparse facilities take the form of a small toilet
and shower block, but then, what more do you need when there are so many
beaches waiting to be discovered just a short walk away?
There are no designated pitches or
hook-ups, but plenty of level patches of grass are interspersed among the hills
and rocks that provide welcome shelter from Iona’s winds and a little privacy
from other campers. A couple of picnic tables await alfresco diners and you’ll
spy a few hens and sheep roaming around: amusement for the little ones while
Mum and Dad pack up the day sacks before the whole family hits the beach.
