When Is the Best Time
A wide variety of different wildflowers can be seen from May to September. The best months are June and July. However, it is not possible to see all of them during one visit. The best chance for pleasant weather is usually from April to the beginning of July. From mid-July to August it rains more frequently.
Best Months to Visit
Location and Tips
I visited the island in late June, and I was fortunate to see such a huge variety of wildflowers. Our group got picked up by Kip, an artist, and watercolourist who is also proud to show people the beautiful places of Coll. I didn't expect so many different orchids, like the common spotted or the heath spotted orchid. Different kind of speedwell and heather, yellow wattle and common bird's-foot trefoil can be seen. The common cottongrass with its pure white colour dancing in the wind is lovely. We were fortunate to see sea bindweed at Hogh Beach. It is rare and very local at the top of the beaches. Another pretty flower is the pink ragged robin. It was traditionally thought it could bring bad luck if they were cut and brought into the house. The yellow iris is important for the corncrake (bird) to hide when they arrive end of April. Other vegetation is still too short to be used for hiding. Coll is a unique island and perfect to slow down.
It has two lovely B&B's, a Bunkhouse and a hotel with an outstanding chef in the restaurant in Arinagour. You get the best fresh and local seafood I have ever eaten. You can rent a bike at the post office from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., but it is a bit pricey. The area around Coll has the second most sunny days of the UK. The beaches are stunning. You get to Coll by ferry from Oban (check out the hotels for the night before) which takes almost 3 hours. Close to Coll is Tiree also a beautiful island but not as quiet with a "bigger" airport. In June it won't get completely dark for six weeks. That's the reason I missed the perfect dark sky without light pollution.
If you want to discover the hidden gems of Coll get in contact with Kip: [email protected] or have a look at his gallery.
