4 hours 50 minute crossing from Oban to CastleBay operated by Caledonian McBrayne – N.B. Oban is 24 miles north of Ardfern

The mainly Gaelic speaking island of Barra, nestled at the foot of the Outer Hebridean chain, is small and perfectly formed. From your first sight of Kisimul Castle standing guard over Castlebay, you know you have arrived in a place where a sense of tradition runs deep.

Barra is only five miles across by eight miles long, with a ring road all the way around it. Barra is a compact paradise with stunning coastal scenery – the island boasts white sandy beaches, remarkable wildlife and diverse flora and fauna. The rare machair environment is home to over 1000 different species of wild flower, including Irish Lady’s Tresses and Wild Rattle. The waters around Barra are also home to a playful, friendly school of dolphins.

With so much to see, the island is a favourite with walkers and cyclists, many of whom use the island as the starting point for a long distance route of the entire Outer Hebridean chain.