14. Traigh an Tobair Fhuair

The walk to Kiloran Bay and back has been invigorating, but tiring. However, I still have over an hour until the return ferry to Islay, so I jump in the car and go for a drive around Colonsay’s deserted single track roads. First I head down to The Strand where, when the tide is out, you can walk or drive over to Colonsay’s little sister island, Oronsay. Not today though as the tide is in. I decide to do a clockwise circuit of the island with no obvious destination in mind. Suddenly, as I pass the Colonsay Golf Club, I spot a small but inviting white sandy beach to my left. I have to check this out. I have no prior knowledge of this lovely little sheltered beach, but it’s a wonderful surprise. I discover later that I’m on Traigh an Tobair Fhuair, which translates as the ‘Bay of the Cold Well’. A number of slate cairns form a majestic pattern among the rocks on the far side of the bay. I can’t spend long here, but it’s a memorable surprise on what has been a fabulous day on Colonsay. I have loved this little island. Back at Scalasaig, I still have time for a hot chocolate and doughnut from The Pantry before the ferry!