Oban and Small Isles – Wild Swimming Scotland Adventure

6 Islands, 3 days, Millions of happy memories

Well here we are again, another Oban based weekend of adventure with Take to the Water, some of which you’ve heard before with a sprinkling of new watering holes that differ to the last Oban based swimming extravaganza.

Setting out on the Friday as before heading to the turquoise azures of Easdale quarries, with the bright brilliant sunshine making the waters beneath translucent. As we all know though no two swims are the same, even if they are at the same location. New people, new conditions and for the swimmers this really did feel like a local swim gathering getting into the local swim spot. Sharing the water with locals is never a con, hearing splashing about of children playing on this secluded island always feels encouraging. After all, this is where the world stone skimming championships are held, so it’s a well-known spot. There was also a ceilidh scheduled on the island for that night, so lots of people bustling about getting ready. I’m sure the boat ferry was full to the brim on the last ferry crossing of the day.

Not long after leaving Easdale they headed to their second swim and to Lynda’s local contact’s farm. Last time the group swam here, there were cows with their young guarding the watery entry, so a quieter passage was achieved, no cow safari today

It was very kelpy for this swim, with it twirling around ankles as you stepped into the water. There is something about underwater plants, I don’t know whether it’s the way they lap up against your skin or nonchalantly touching the toes that makes some swimmers squeal, but it just does. Lynda on the other hand slopped in happily like the selkie she believes she is, albeit slipping on rocks and landing with a splash. The swimmers joining her amongst the kelp to bask in the ambiance and romance of the silver sparkles of the sea against the setting sun.

Saturday started at Oban Harbour, meeting Cammy on their rib from Costal Connections as Basking Shark Scotland were preparing for their seasonal shark encounters further afield. Evan, Basking Shark Scotland’s guides and marine biologists joined Cammy to assist in the continued quest for adventure and local wildlife.

Starting the day with a perfect swim into Fingal’s Cave thanks to the northerly winds the group headed straight to Staffa to beat the maddening crowds. With the wind on their side too, it also meant very few jellyfish encounters. Something that comes as a welcome surprise after being told there could be an abundance of them in the week leading up to the trip. Of course, Lynda had prepared her kit with anti-histamine, hot water troughs and membership cards just in case there were any unfortunate cuddles, but thankfully the special sting kit wasn’t needed.

After arriving at the cave, swimmers gracefully slid over the edge of the rib into the crisp water, making their way to the mouth of the cave. The swell made for a fun fairground ride-esque thrill, as if swimmers were being beckoned by Poseidon himself to experience the wealth of history inside. Ornately carved walls and a ceiling that makes you really marvel at nature’s sculpting abilities. The dark grey basalt columns complimenting the picture-perfect blue water beneath it.

As they were exiting a Staffa boat tour was bringing its passengers in for a closer look, which is always a touch unnerving but luckily the swimmers were wearing their brightly coloured hats and tow floats. Giving them the best chance to be successfully spotted and were able to get safely back onboard our boat, beautifully named Rannoch moor boat, where Cammy was waiting.

Moving around the island the swimmers’ next adventure would be McKinnon’s cave, the lesser known and explored cave always brings an alluring quality of adventure to it too. Evan, headed in first to check it out. He also swims ahead to see whether any nature or points of interest can be spotted for our swimmers, whilst she’s making sure swimmers are all safe in the water. It’s a partnership that really works in these scenarios to help everyone get the most out of their experience. They took in the beauty of the dancing kelp whilst keeping a safe distance from a territorial nesting shag on the ledge of the cave. Now referred to as the keeper of McKinnans cave, but once passed it was decided conditions were perfect for the opportunity to swim through the cave along a thin corridor.

This was something Lynda has been eager to do for some time, but as this may not be for everyone it was put to a vote. All the swimmers were hands right up showing they were game to take on the challenge.

A truly unbelievable experience from one opening to the other. The excited and delighted chatter surrounded us during our swim, gasps heard and the swell of water against the sides of this perfectly formed corridor. It was as if Staffa had given them a perfectly formed flume just with much more excitement and a lot less chlorine. The excitement didn’t stop there either, that wonderful buzz of excitement followed the group back to the boat whilst they were getting changed too. A sure sign that we had just created a memorable moment, long to be cherished amongst a watery log of best swim spots to date.

Time for a more relaxed and tranquil swim. This time swapping basalt columns for iconic white sands and that blue gin like water the Hebrides are known for. The Ross of Mull was the anchoring point in which our swimmers relaxed in the sunshine whilst nattering over lunch before heading onto the beach. This particular beach is not the easiest to get to from land, so can appreciate the alarm of the two folk camping with their dog as we arrived on the secluded beach. Although as swimmers do, soon striking up conversation before leaving them in peace to warm up back on the boat.

What followed was a slow ride south of the island, the feeling of cruising on the med in a catamaran came to mind, but no, our group were still firmly sat on our Rib. Then after a bit of lizard lying it was time to speed up and head back to Oban.

Day three and into unchartered waters for Lynda, the isles of Eigg & Muck. That’s the beauty of the isles around Scotland, there’s always another island or mainland nook to explore so it’s always extra exciting when the weather is on your side and it’s brand new for everyone involved.

Starting the day off bright and early, with our enthusiastic guide and marine biologist Ben today as Evan took a well-earned day off. Ben would be heading out on the great shark hunt off Coll for the next month, so his mum had come up to visit him in Oban, and as Lynda had a space on the boat she jumped at the chance to come and do a bit of sight seeing and see her son in action.

Alas I say this is all new territory, but it wouldn’t be a trip to the small isles without a stop at Tobermory bakery for pastries, pies and cake. Honestly, it’s the law of the trip.

After stocking up and gobbling up our delicious buys it was off to Eigg for the group’s first swim stop of the day. Cammy as usual sharing his wealth of knowledge about the tales of the Inner Hebrides such as tales of the hills of Rhum and the alleged antics of Sir George Bullough, Community owned Eigg and the documentary Prince of Muck about Lawrence MacEwan Laird of Isle of Muck.

En route to the beach the rib was flanked by a pod of dolphins, showing off in the wake of the water. Common dolphins coming up and showing off their sleek stripes down the sides of their bodies, much like an adidas stripe in a tracksuit, with a lot more flare! Always a delight to see marine mammals choosing to come and interact in these situations, leaping out of the waves and catching a glimpse of that underwater world.

Fresh from the excitement of the dolphin interaction, the boat arrived at another beautiful sandy beach where swimmers swam to shore. They pottered around the rocks, wrote their names in the sand (which really is obligatory at this stage) and then took a slow swim back to the boat. Shags stood to attention on surrounding rocks as they dried their wings, almost taking a hierarchical look down their beaks at the swimmers’ relaxed pace compared to theirs.

We docked up alongside another boat at Eigg jetty where the skipper gave permission for us to board his boat and exit onto terra firma. We explored the local area, drank in the exquisite view before clambering back over the decks having the obligatory banter with the sailors.

Next stop was Muck where they walked along the submerged Jetty in the heat of the day to an honesty shop. The shop was stocked with books, cards & Mutton, all paid with using the honesty box, which is very trusting nowadays, but means it’s open for new arrivals to the island, and all with local sourced products.

The heat of the day had melted the tar from the pavements, which was alluded to the quality product used to make the road in question, but we’ll say it was the incredible heat that rivalled Europe’s. (I know which story I prefer). Although even though the story is fun, the reality wasn’t as the group had to make sure to remove footwear to ensure there was no mess on the boat, but everyone happily placed shoes in bin bags to help Cammy retain his pristine deck.

Time for another swim, so it was decided to take a plunge in Muck harbour and the clear blue sea. It was a short dip around a couple of the anchored boats to wet the appetite before heading across the sea back to the mainland for the final swim of the weekend. Straight off the boat and onto the glistening sands of Sanna beach. There was a little exploring and playing mermaids emerging from the sea, sunning themselves on rocks before heading back into the water for a mini sea explore to see whether any sea creatures would be spotted on the way back to the boat.

Hot chocolate was passed around as we passed three of the huge clippers taking part in the round the world race ending in Oban that weekend. With the wind speed low, they were in full sail to try and capture any available wind to take thein into Oban where that race leg concluded. They were making slow progress as we sped past them at a safe distance in our sexy speedy rib, waving at each other across the water, feeling very euphoric in it’s epicness.

What a way to finish a spectacular weekend of swimming.