THE SLATE ISLANDS

Tour Highlights: Bridge over the Atlantic to the Isle of Seil...Tigh an Truish traditional pub...slate village of Ellenabeich...short ferry ride to Easdale island...The Puffer Bar...360 degree sea views...stone skimming–you’ve got to give it a go!...Hairy Coos of Glen Lonan.

Up to the early 20th century the islands of Seil, Scarba, Easdale and Luing off the coast to the south of Oban housed an enormous slate mining industry. The roof slates were taken by sea from the islands and exported all over the British Empire. The islands were said to have ‘roofed the Empire'.

We take you from Oban to the Isle of Seil, which is connected to the mainland by the famous and beautiful eighteenth century ‘Bridge over the Atlantic’. We stop at the ‘Tigh an Truish’ (House of Trousers) and explain how it got its name after Bonny Prince Charlie’s ill fated invasion of 1745. Next stop is the historic slate workers' village of Ellenabeich and a visit to the ‘Highland Arts Exhibition’,which just has to be seen to be believed-the zaniest gift shop in Scotland! Weather permitting, we take the little boat for the five minute trip across to Easdale, where you can have a light bite in the Puffer Bar.

Hardy souls can take the 20 minute walk to the top of the island, another great view down the Sound with open sea peppered with islands as far as the eye can see. Every September, Easdale plays host to the World Stone Skimming Championships on a flooded slate quarry. On our tour, you’ll want to try your hand at stone skimming on this world championship course. Can you match the World Championship record distance? On the way back we pass through Glen Lonan, the burial route of the ancient Scottish Kings on their way to Iona, now renowned for its herd of Highland Cattle, our very own‘Hairy Coos’.

Tour Prices

The Slate Islands Tours cost £27.50 per person

What's included

Your tour includes your lovely tour guide/driver and transport in our comfortable Oban Backpacker Tours vehicle. We provide tea and biscuits on all full day tours, and include a tot of single malt whisky so you don't just see the country, you taste it too!

We recommend you bring a bottle of water and a packed lunch – although we will stop at a pub or café during the day where refreshments can be purchased.

Tour prices do not include entrance fees to sites. Tour guests pay for these themselves on the day.

When and where

Your exact departure time will be confirmed when you book: Argyll-based tours generally leave from Oban Backpackers Hostel reception in Breadalbane Street between 09.00 and 09.30, returning by 17.00 unless otherwise stated.

Our schedule page shows trips planned for each day - trips not on the schedule run by arrangement so just let us know if you are interested! TRIP SCHEDULE

The Small Print

You must book and pay in advance, though you can cancel up to 48 hours beforehand. Should we have to cancel a tour, you will of course receive a full refund.

There is more information here: MORE SMALL PRINT