It’s October already, but a welcome break is on the cards – a trip to Colonsay, a remote island off the coast of West Scotland. It takes me longer to travel there than it did to get to Egypt. First of all I get the sleeper train from Euston, travelling overnight to wake up in Glasgow Central station. Then it’s a bus ride across to Oban (3 hours), then a ferry (3 hours) to Colonsay. I could have gone to Egypt and back in that time. But it’s not just about how long it takes to get there, more to do with being worth it. And the answer is yes it definitely is worth it. Colonsay had a music festival for the first time this year too.

Bagpipes are not my favourite instruments. Nor are raging bulls my favourite animals. And I got to experience both. I also ate fresh oysters and yummy honey, drank the local beer (not so good) and collected fresh mussels from the beach. But it’s a real once in a lifetime experience to see the beautiful colours and go for long breathtaking walks.

Colonsay House has a stunning woodland garden to wander around, free of charge.

There are lovely empty, white-sand beaches to meander along.


And watch out for the fluffy sheep that seem to be everywhere.