Change your pace, visit Tiree. 

Check out the sky in the image of Millhouse Hostel on the Isle of Tiree. Blue, clear, wispy clouds. Let me tell you, the beaches are white, empty and lead down to crystal clear water.  That might sound a mite chilly on the winters day I write from, but fast forward 6 months or so to the height of summer.

Tiree is an idyllic Hebridean Island, blessed with some of the longest sunshine hours in teh British Isles. That’ll be because it is pretty flat, rising only a few meters in rocky outcrops over its fertile fields. It is only 12 miles by 3, so you can walk or cycle everywhere. 

You’d expect to find wildlife aplenty, ancient stones and early churches, because that’s the character of the Scottish Isles. You won’t be disappointed.

The Hostel is a gem as well. It has twin rooms, family rooms and dorm rooms and a bright, clean airy feel throughout. Just like the island.

Change your pace, visit Tiree. 

…a cosy haven to return to…

You can reach everything on the isle of Tiree on foot from Millhouse Hostel. Part of the inner Hebrides, Tiree is a low-lieing island ringed by pure white beaches. 

There’s a magic over the land on Tiree. Sparsely populated, perfect beaches, wild moors and rocky bays, you might start to feel it too. Visitors to the island, dating back to ancient times have built spiritual sites here. There are stone circles and standing stone; later St. Columba planted seeds of Christianity here which bloomed into a scattering of very ancient chapels.  

You may choose to explore the island by following the Tiree Pilgrimage walking route. Not only does it link these christian and pre-christian sacred sites, but it will also allow you to take in the full range of the island’s beauty and wildlife.

The hostel on Tiree, Millhouse, next to its rushing stream and eponymous mill is converted from a turn of the 19th century barn. When you enter, you’ll see it is wonderfully bright, airy and welcoming.  A great place to explore from and a cosy haven to return to. 

On the Isle of Tiree summers day are long and the evenings balmy

The Isle of Tiree, protected by the Gulf Stream has a mild climate and one of the highest records for sunshine in the UK.  Summers day are long and the evenings balmy.  There is rarely a frost in winter.   The Island is surrounded by crystal clear seas with a multitude of  stunning white  beaches all easily reached by bike.  The island abounds with wildlife from the Brown Hares which graze un- alarmed on the roadside, to bird life so plentiful that there is a resident RSPB warden who gives tours.   Grey seals, sea otters, dolphins and basking sharks (not the type that bite) can all be spotted from the shores of Tiree.  Millhouse hostel on the North Coast of the island is close to Loch Bhasapol which has bird and otter hides.  The hostel provides bright comfortable accommodation, a warm welcome and bike hire so you can explore the rest of the island.