GUIDING SERVICES IN COLONSAY
The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds sponsors a qualified ornithologist who offers a variety of walks to suit all ages and abilities throughout the summer - see notices which are posted seasonally. In addition, Kevin and Christa Byrne provide a range of guiding services, outlined below.
HIDDEN COLONSAY, 2012 Every Saturday by arrangement
This is an energetic weekly walking tour, normally on Saturday and 2012 is the fifth year in a projected series of ten, d.v. The first year covered the ground from Glassard to Port Cheann a' Gharraidh on the east coast, and the second year covered the whole of Balnahard, up the west coast and down the east as far as Port Cheann a' Gharraidh. Year three started at Port Mor and consisted of an extensive circular route to cover most of the high ground inside the island road circuit - the Central Massif. In year four there was a lengthy figure-of-eight of both Baleromindubh and Balerominmor. If you missed any of those trips and can get a few friends to join you, Kevin would be delighted to arrange catch-up trips - but time is a great problem so please give as much notice as possible.
In 2012, things will be a little different, because Oransay is to be included. The details will follow here shortly - because of tides, the Oransay walk will take place every second Saturday, and the intervening Saturdays will feature re-runs of previous routes and/or (just possibly) a circuit of the McPhies. Details will appear here when they are available, but this should help to whet the appetite.
The trip is not intended to be competitive, but participants should be reasonably fit. As well as your lunch, please remember to bring chocolate and a bottle of water. Children will need to be reasonably independent - perhaps 12 yrs. or more; and well-behaved dogs are very welcome (there are no difficult fences on this route).
The trip starts at 10.30hrs. on Saturday and we should normally be back for 16.30hrs ... Kevin has a minibus and will be able to drop you off if you have no transport to get home.
Cost is £12.00 per adult, £10.00 students, £7.50 per child under 16yrs. - ideally there should be a minimum return of £60.00 to make the project viable, but in fact we often go with just one or two persons. In any event, please contact Kevin Byrne in advance on 01951 200320. There is no particular upper limit - perhaps we might hope for 10 or 12 persons?
Payment by cheque or credit card is very acceptable. Telephone 01951 200320 to book.
MINIBUS TOURS OF COLONSAY 2012
Every Tuesday by arrangement
Why not take a brief guided minibus tour of the island to get your bearings? Kevin Byrne has lived in Colonsay since 1978 and will outline the major features of interest in geology, wildlife, archaeology, history and island life - more to the point, he will be very happy to tailor the trip to suit your interests. Kevin is particularly interested in topography and social history (genealogy, emigration, agriculture etc.).
A tour is possible almost every Tuesday, 11.30hrs - 13.00hrs
Tour starts and finishes at Colonsay Hotel car-park or by arrangement elsewhere.
TUESDAY TOUR COSTS £12.50 per adult, £10.00 students, £7.50 per child under 16yrs.
Maximum of 14 persons. Please reserve on 01951 200320
Payment by cheque or credit card is very acceptable. Telephone 01951 200320 to book.
Every Wednesday (tailored to suit day-visitors)
Ferry arrives Colonsay 11.25 hrs from Kennacraig and Port Askaig
On arrival, passengers have 50 minutes to explore the harbour area, or to visit the island shop, Post Office or Pantry (all within 150 metres of Bus Stop).
Guided Tour departs Pier 12.15hrs, via Colonsay House Gardens , Kiloran Bay , Port Mór Bookshop, Machrins, Hotel, Pantry finishes at Pier 12.45hrs
Passengers may alight at any point, for uplift on second run, timetabled below
Collection service starts at Kiloran Bay 15.45hrs, via Colonsay House Gardens 15.50hrs, Port Mor Bookshop 15.55hrs, Machrins 16.00hrs, can drop passengers at Hotel or Pantry for refreshments, finishes at Pier 16.15hrs.
Ferry departs Colonsay at 18.15hrs for return to Port Askaig and Kennacraig
The tour includes an outline commentary on the general history and wildlife of Colonsay but can readily be varied to meet specific interests.
WEDNESDAY TOUR COSTS £8.50 per adult, £4.00 per child 5 - 15 yrs. inc.
Maximum of 14 persons. Please reserve on 01951 200320
Payment by cheque or credit card is very acceptable.
TAILOR-MADE TOURS
Kevin Byrne may also be able to assist with a special tour, whether on foot or by minibus, tailored to your own specific requirements. Cost is likely to be about £25.00 an hour on foot or £50.00 an hour if using the minibus.
Incidentally, sometimes people wish to hire the minibus (14 seats plus driver) for private hire. The cost is £30 per hour before 9pm, or £50 per hour after 9pm but before 1am. Charge starts at the agreed pickup point and place, entails a minimum of 1 hr charge and any additional time is charged to the nearest 5 minutes. The bus has COIF, operator's licence, valid MOT and insurance; the driver holds a full PSV licence.
Telephone 01951 200320 for further details.
We also have a wee site here: colonsayguide.co.uk