Ok, I think I've found my new favourite place - welcome to Easdale on the west coast of Scotland!
Easdale is one of the Slate Isles, about 15 miles south of Oban on the west coast of Scotland. The island has a fascinating history, with slate quarried here and shipped all over the world before the great storm of 1851 when the Atlantic Ocean swept over the island, flooding the quarries and ending the industry of the island overnight. Today, the island has a population of around 60 people, making it the smallest permanently inhabited island in the Inner Hebrides. I had never been here before and as quickly as the ocean swept ashore on that fateful night, this has become one of my favourite places ANYwhere in Scotland. Straight home to search real estate websites!
Hi, I’m Steve. I am a travel reviewer and post my trip reports here on KZread. I pay for my own travel and produce my own videos. If you have any questions about my journeys or travel advice in general, please drop me a comment - I do my best to respond to every single one. I’d also love to hear any recommendations you may have for future content, or why not challenge me to try something a little out of the ordinary! If you are looking to collaborate on any type of project, I’d love to hear from you - email me your ideas and hopefully we can work together in the future.
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#Scotland #Easdale #IslandsOfScotland
Пікірлер: 416
Nice video. I lived on the island for 10 years and my wife’s family had a house there for the 1970s until recently. One of the quarries is actually called ‘the swimming quarry’, the small quarry right next to the one you chose to swim in. It’s been used for swimming for generations as it has the safest sloped access, island kids use it all the time. Also, as it’s the smallest it heats up the quickest. The great storm was in 1881 by the way.
@steve-marsh
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the correction Stephen, and I can trust you as an islander yourself :) I went back with my girlfriend for her birthday a few days later and we swam in the swimming quarry and chatted with some locals there, was again an incredible experience :)
@floridajeanp
Жыл бұрын
Was it fun living there?
@kadriyecalskaner8514
3 ай бұрын
İsland very beatiful,,and different stons.
Visited here in 1971 with my then girlfriend while staying in a cottage on "the mainland". We have now been married for 46 years yet still love our only visit to this unique location.
@steve-marsh
3 жыл бұрын
Congratulations Magnus and better-half!
Thank you Steve, for bringing this place to the millions of people who have never been there! I have been many times over the years when my family sailed the west coast, and the area is so beautiful. One time, when we had anchored in Puilladobhran which is a beautiful bay just "over the hill" from the Bridge Over The Atlantic at Clachan Seil, several of us walked to the bridge and sought afternoon tea at the Hotel there. When we arrived, it was apparent that there was a wedding reception on the go. As we turned away someone told us to come on in as the dinner was over and there was plenty room for some visitors. In we went, and as we sat ourselves down amongst the wedding guests a lady appeared from the kitchen and called out "Who's for tea?" and there was a show of hands. Then she called out "Who's for coffee?" and again there was a show of hands. After careful counting she declared "The teas have it!" and tea it was! Aye, it's a different life, and the people there are kind...it's no wonder that the western isles attract good folk. Thanks for your wonderful videos!
@steve-marsh
11 ай бұрын
Thanks so much! I'm amazed how few Scots (me included) know/knew NOTHING about the place, it's an absolute gem!
I remember going to Seil island from Oban. You cross to the island over a big arch bridge that is called 'The Bridge over the Atlantic' because there is a channel that is actually an arm of the ocean that passes underneath. Easdale is at the far end of Seil Island. I'd recommend climbing the hill close to the harbour .. from there the view is breathtaking up the whole length of the Firth of Lorn and across the steep cliffs of Mull. Magical place with magical atmosphere.
Just wanted to say that you made an amazing tour of the island! I have personally been coming around 3 times a year with my family since 2007, staying in the ellenabeich tramway self catoring house. Every day we would go to the island and sit on the slate beaches skimming stones. I am very happy someone finally made a youtube video on it because it really is hidden away and so unknown (apart from the skimming championships) even by most scottish people !
@steve-marsh
Жыл бұрын
Thanks so much, I had such a fun time there! And I noticed when researching it there weren't many videos on Easdale, so was very happy to bring it a bit more to attention, it's a wonderful, unique island (as you well know!) :)
Hi Steve. I'm on Easdale, right now, swimming. All because of this video and it's magical.
Terrified of deep water? My father used to say "Once it's over your head, what difference does it make how much deeper?"
@deltanovember1672
3 жыл бұрын
Just before he drowned.
A lovely island indeed. We’ve stayed on Seil many times, at the “Tin Church” when it was a b&b, and at a b&b by the bridge and cycled all over the island and also on Luing. The cattle on Luing are amazing. We went onto Easdle a couple of times and ate in the lovely restaurant- lovely fish - just what was caught that day so really fresh. Some really great hoildays - and we got some sunshine.
What a fabulous place l had never heard of it. Truly we live in a beautiful country
@steve-marsh
3 жыл бұрын
Me neither Alister! We are very lucky to live in this great country!
Nice to see this part of Scotland again Steve. I actually scuba dived the quarry back in the 80's, and saw a lot of the equipment that was "drowned" and checking my logs, I find the depth we went to was 32m. The vis was just as good at the bottom as it was, and still is judging by your video, at the top. Thanx for resurrecting some pleasant memories. Barnacle Bern, SW Wales. 👍👍
@steve-marsh
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks so much Barnacle Bern! Sounds amazing, although as you'll know from my video, too scary for me! Glad to bring back some memories :)
World stone skimming championship is held there and bridge over Atlantic 😎
beautiful place and no cars -- I love it! Great camera work, thank you!
What a beautiful quaint place. Thanks for sharing
I lived there for a few years. Hence my KZread name :-) Loved the place and miss it.
Another pleasant experience. Thank you
Awesome vid. Thanks for taking us along. :)
Steve ,, simply put you never fail when it comes to posting interesting and well made ( very well made ) videos. What a fascinating place ,, I seriously doubt that I'll see Scotland's shores this September ,, perhaps next year. Your video clips keeps this auld Scotsman up to date, great work pal ,, take care.
@steve-marsh
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks so much mate! When you do get here you'll appreciate it all the more :) thanks so much for the support!
@mstrdiver
2 жыл бұрын
@@steve-marsh - Did you ever make an offer on the stone cottage @ 06:30 after you stated you wanted her?
I’ve lived on Easdale for 18 months and it’s been a delight to watch your video and how much you enjoyed. Come back soon
It’s a beautiful little place. We went out on a rib a few years ago with a company call Seafari from there out to the Corryvreckan👍 was a great day out.
@steve-marsh
3 жыл бұрын
Oh I really want to do that one Mark!
Easdale's an amazing place Steve. Thanks for showing us around there. As per my comments a few weeks ago (and for the benefit of other people reading this), you can also go on a fast RIB whale watching trip out of the Isle of Seil with Seafari Adventures - that was a group of their passengers in the blue and yellow waterproofs at the top of the ramp when you got off the ferry on your return from Easdale. You can even ride through the Corryvreckan whirlpool on the RIB which is something special if the tide is right. I'll definitely go across to Easdale someday. You're a lucky guy Steve!
@steve-marsh
3 жыл бұрын
Cheers for that Davey! Aye, I would have loved to get down to Corryvreckan, it looks like an incredible place! Next time for sure, and when Alicja is there with me :)
@DaveyPalmer1
3 жыл бұрын
@@steve-marsh look forward to seeing that 👍
@DaveyPalmer1
3 жыл бұрын
By the way Steve. You said in this video that Easdale was probably your new favourite island. I've just watched your Kerrera video again for about the 5th time (!!!) and it looks gorgeous. Better than Easdale or would you call it a tie?
Stunningly beautiful place! And so peaceful...it's like heaven for those of us that live in an urban jungle! Need to put this place on my to-do list. Thanks for taking us along on this trip, Steve!!
@steve-marsh
3 жыл бұрын
Cheers Dirk! Heading back tomorrow with Alicja for her birthday :)
@dpvisser
3 жыл бұрын
I’m jealous!! But please do wish Alicja a very happy birthday from me :)
Thanks for showing us around Steve. Great video!
Thanks Steve! As always…great video content, banter and education thrown in. Safe travels
🤩👍😁👋🇳🇱 thank you!
Once again, a fabulous video of yet another place I love so much
The wheel barrows by the harbour belong to the islanders as there are no cars on the island and they use them to get their shopping from the boat to home. There was a fantastic little museum on the island when we last went, it's well worth a visit if it's open.
@steve-marsh
3 жыл бұрын
Loved all those wheel barrows! Now totally makes sense! Will try to check out the museum tomorrow when I take Alicja there :)
Great video, thanks!
That really made me smile watching you jump in it looked fab. Totally envious of the space you have up there just to breathe
Hi Steve, truly a beautiful little island, so peaceful and relaxing. Another great video from yourself, keep up the good work and stay safe.
What a great place to escape to. Thanks for showing us Steve.
Loved this explore video. There is no more beautiful country than Scotland. The scenery is breathtaking. You get a feeling of peace and tranquillity at this location.
@steve-marsh
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks Alasdair! I had no idea what to expect and was pleasantly surprised :)
@raykeogh1972
Жыл бұрын
People look at me daft when I say that, them knowing I have travelled a lot all over the world but I still try do one trip to Scotland a year. I know it sounds stupid being a Scouser but I think COVID has spoilt Scotland but also have to say its done the Scottish economy wonders.
Your excellent videos make me want to travel to Scotland. So many interesting and scenic places to visit!
Looks like a fantastic island to visit. Thanks for making the vid.
A beautiful place! Especially in the sunshine.
Nice hat! much respect for RNLI, phenomenal people. Thank you for another interesting video; enjoyed the cool shots and getting your point of view.
Beautiful place! Thanks for sharing it with us! Cheers!
@steve-marsh
3 жыл бұрын
Cheers Bill!
Smashing video! Great place. Keep them coming Steve. Thanks.
@steve-marsh
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks John! 👍
Another great video Steve, thank you. I'd love to go there, so tranquil.
@steve-marsh
3 жыл бұрын
I liked it so much we're going back tomorrow :)
Great video once again Steve!!!
@steve-marsh
Жыл бұрын
Cheers David!
Thanks so much for this! I got a view of Easedale from a florence and the machine video and and have been enamored since then. This video validates everything I imagined. Id totally take that roofless hut over if I retire. Good irl footage of walking the village!
Enjoyed that Steve thanks for posting x
@steve-marsh
3 жыл бұрын
Glad you enjoyed it Jeanette!
Love it Steve. Seems a fascinating place to spend a day. You really find some unusual places to visit.
@steve-marsh
3 жыл бұрын
Haha yes, can't believe I didn't know about this place!
SAD REALLY. So sad yet so beautiful. Thank you
What a wonderful video ! - the walk along past the houses at the start was well done - as always the conversation to camera was friendly and informative - thanks for the experience !
@steve-marsh
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks so much John, glad you enjoyed it!
Beautiful place, we loved it and could so easily live there x
Looks beautiful!! I want one of those cottages PRONTO! Great video!
@steve-marsh
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks :) Those wee cottages are a dream!
Nice video thanks for sharing
So glad I found your videos. This is the best yet. Would love to visit here one day
@steve-marsh
Жыл бұрын
Thanks for watching!
I visited the island in 2019 and loved it. Will definitely visit again. The restaurant served some great food too
Another great video
another great video and this place is now on my places I need to visit in Scotland!
@steve-marsh
3 жыл бұрын
I'm surprised I'd never even heard of it - some great places to explore close to home eh?!
Hi Steve, enjoyed “ our “ walk today . What a beautiful little island . Looking forward to our next trip🇨🇦💕
@steve-marsh
3 жыл бұрын
Haha thanks for coming along as always Jean :)
Loved the sound of the slate crunching as u stepped on it .. and that water omg beautiful im on ayrshire coast its nice but that was something else !
@steve-marsh
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks Leanne, I'm totally with you on that! Loved the sound too :)
Hi Steve, hope you and Alicja are well. Beautiful place Easdale, and it so deserves to thrive. Quiet and peaceful, no traffic. Except for the mainlander causing a stooshie in the quarry. Thanks for sharing. Stay safe and keep up the good work. :)
Great video and a great place ! - keep em coming !
@steve-marsh
3 жыл бұрын
Cheers!
very cool, thanks for sharing!!
@steve-marsh
3 жыл бұрын
And to you for watching Steve!
Sorry to pull up an old video but that brought back some great memories. My friends and I went over in March 2022 and had an amazing time. They skimmed loads of stones whilst I wandered around photographing the island, the distant islands and the wonderful geology of the place. I'm not sure how I missed this video before but I'd often thought from watching your videos that you'd really enjoy the island and the unique ferry journey to get there.
It was my very first island visited in Scotland. And I loved it and went there again and again and ....Thank you Steve for the memories 😘
@steve-marsh
3 жыл бұрын
So glad you've had the chance to experience this awesome place Milena - what a great choice for first Scottish island :) I'm delighted to be able to bring back some happy memories!
👍 Another fantastic vlog.
What beautiful places you always discover Steve. This one was really extraordinarily beautiful. This calm and the beautiful landscape, the turquoise water in the pools and the sound of the slate as you walked over it. Simply fantastic and a wonderful day for your discovery tour. I admire that you jumped into the water, I'm also terrified of deep water. It was a great pleasure to join your trip. Thanks a lot Steve. 👌👍
@steve-marsh
3 жыл бұрын
Aww thanks so much! Yessss I totally loved the sound of the slate too, I'm with you on that one :)
Another wonderful video Steve, looks a marvelous place. Thanks a lot.
@steve-marsh
3 жыл бұрын
Oh it really is, can't wait to go back for another swim!
@roroger2402
3 жыл бұрын
Was that a wetsuit you were wearing... The water looked great.
Your videos are simply brilliant!! My wife and I have been kept busy all week watching your videos! subscribers/fans from Singapore 😃.
@steve-marsh
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks you so much John and wife! :) to think I have subscribers in Singapore is wonderful! Thanks, your support is super-appreciated!
I went there on my holidays about three decades ago. It hasn’t changed.
@steve-marsh
3 жыл бұрын
Haha I can believe that! These sleepy wee places don't change much at all! I'd love to spend a holiday there :)
Hi Steve, l have thurly enjoyed your video, now just to let you know that I have been to this Island & have actually crossed over on the small boat & went into the cafe, but that was years & years ago, I'm very happy that you went to one of my favourite Islands.
Beautiful place 👌🏻😎
Thanks for the video. I can only imagine what it would be like on a bleak winter's day.
@steve-marsh
3 жыл бұрын
So true Adrian!
We used to say in the Air Force (U.S.). "No Guts No Glory". Well done on over coming your fears.
@steve-marsh
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks so much Suzette! Once I'd overcome them, it was a lot of fun :)
GREAT LITTLE PLACE VERY BRAVE TO JUMP IN ENJOY WATCHING UR VIDEOS
@steve-marsh
2 жыл бұрын
Thanks so much! Love that island!
Didn't Princess Diana's mother live on Seil Island on and off. I love the West Coast of Scotland we used to visit that neck of the woods regularly,that and Campbeltown,Tarbert,Lochgilphead and Oban,have crossed the Atlantic bridge many a time,beautiful countryside,sadly as my wife had to give up the car for health reasons we can no longer do the travelling we used to do,I miss these times so much.😞
great video, my mate brought me here in 1991 before he emigrated to new Zealand, going over in the ferry a lady was sitting beside me on the ferry with her cat and luggage, i offered to help her carrythem of the ferry, she said, its ok, that her daughter was coming to collect her,thinking by car, silly me, she was greeted by her daughter and a wheel barrrow. been back many times since, is now my grandson of 6, favourite destination in our camper, great place!!
AWSOME TRIP i AM IN UK FROM 1984 AND NEVER KNEW ANY OF THESE REMORE PLACES. I LOVED IT YOUR VIDEO, LOCATION QUITE PEACEFULLY.
@steve-marsh
3 жыл бұрын
Glad you enjoyed it Harry! Must confess I hadn't heard of Easdale either!
Thank you so much!! I've been visiting Seil from Glasgow area for over 40 years - but never been over to Easdale. Will definitely be visiting it next time I go up there.
@steve-marsh
2 жыл бұрын
Thanks so much for watching :)
Great video Steve
@steve-marsh
3 жыл бұрын
Cheers Shaun!
Thanks for the visit to a beautiful island
@steve-marsh
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks Marie :)
Great recommendation. We went today, got round before the weather closed in. Really enjoyed it. Didn't swim....
Thanks for that! The family and I are moving to Scotland in a few weeks, I look forward to watching your content to get familiar with my new country!
@steve-marsh
3 жыл бұрын
Wishing you all the best with the big move Graham and Family! Probably see you around this wee country sometime :)
@lindsayrussell2546
3 жыл бұрын
Welcome!
Easdale is stunning. I went on a bus trip from Oban and unfortunately had time wasted at a tourist shop the bus trip obviously gets paid to stop at. The rest of the village is stunning and there is a micro brewery, whale watching trips etc. I didn't have time to visit these places but I will one day.
@steve-marsh
Жыл бұрын
Oh I hate it when they stop at those places!
@NymphetamineGirl777
11 ай бұрын
For anyone else planning a visit, the 418 bus goes from Oban. The timetables in bus stops were pretty much universally incorrect but the times online were correct.
Awesome! I would be terrified of swimming in that quarry too!
@steve-marsh
3 жыл бұрын
Haha I had to be very brave :)
What an extraordinary beautiful place, perfect for a swim 👍
@steve-marsh
3 жыл бұрын
Going back for another dip tomorrow Jane :)
Superb video. Been there many times but not walked right to the other side as you did.
@steve-marsh
3 жыл бұрын
Great place eh! Thanks Julian
What a good video and lovely views,
@steve-marsh
Жыл бұрын
Oh Christine that is a special place!
Beautiful looking place Easdale.cheers.🍺
@steve-marsh
3 жыл бұрын
It really is!
What a lovely place to visit an ideal get away place plenty of broken down property Ripe for conversion lol.😉 nice tour you done and brilliant a tea shop 👌 important that 👌
God help you, Steve, when Alijcia sees this vid! Never fool a woman with fools gold v. bad for the health! I like that you always thank the ferry/airline cabin crew when you leave, sadly one of the things that society seems to have forgotten!!!
just found your channel & subscribed. Indeed it is a wonderful place in Scotland! The Oyster Bar on the mainland is great. Also, another amazing gem is An Cala, the private gardens you can visit. It's next to the Easdale Primary school on the mainland before you arrive at Easdale. Possibly one of the most amazing gardens you will ever see.
@steve-marsh
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks so much for the info Howard! And even more for your support of my channel :)
hats off tae ye for goin for a dip..beautiful island..
@steve-marsh
3 жыл бұрын
The things I do for KZread Paul!
Annnnnd another one added to the list for our week in Oban next month✔👍🏻 thanks! Love the videos as always!
@tonysutton6559
3 жыл бұрын
It's an easy trip from Oban, just down the road, across the bridge over the Atlantic to the Isle Sheil and then down to the end to catch the boat to Easdale. Make sure that you visit the museum.
@JBFlytography
3 жыл бұрын
@@tonysutton6559 I've been down that way, to see the bridge over the Atlantic just never ventured further never realised Easdale was even an island until today 🤣 thank you! Going for a week, doing Tiree, Lismore and Southern end of Kerrera. Be nice to tick Easdale off now too👌🏻😬
@steve-marsh
3 жыл бұрын
SO glad to add it to the list Bryan! My next video might be another one.... ;)
@JBFlytography
3 жыл бұрын
@@steve-marsh Already been to Kerrera, Coll and even Colinton Tunnel after watching your videos. So safe to say yes, it probably will! 🤣 I look forward to seeing where it is 🤔👌🏻
Agree with one of the comments below, what an absolutely beautiful country we have! Some find again mate lucky man 🏴🏴
@steve-marsh
3 жыл бұрын
Cheer Arron! So true!
Ahoy matey! Easdale looks so cute and those wee (but deep) pools you shot (and bombed in later)! XD Must see, indeed! Thank you for filming, all the best for you, keep going! Your country is a pearl that needs my exploring! Aye! Captain of the good old Blackthorne
@steve-marsh
3 жыл бұрын
A captain needs an island, this could all be yours :)
WILL WATCH YOUR ALL VIDEOS KEEP IT UP FOR US
@steve-marsh
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks so much!
One day…. Hopefully soon. Thanks for the awesome video. 🖖🏻
@steve-marsh
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks Bryan! I can't wait to go back as well!
What a great island Steve. We were there in 2019 and it was breathtaking although we did not have a swim.
@steve-marsh
3 жыл бұрын
So glad you've been there Hans!
Gosh you get around Steve, and part of Scotland ave not seen - till now! Cheers!
@steve-marsh
Жыл бұрын
Oh you've put it back at the front of my mind for another visit!
I have watched about 20 or 30 videos today and I'm loving all of them. I'm pretty sure you'd enjoy another similar channel but with a Canadian guy "Foresty Forest". Thank you for taking the time to show us Scotland.
@steve-marsh
Жыл бұрын
Haha no way! I love Simon's channel! :) Thanks so much for watching Rob!
This look absolutely idyllic, would love a trip up there
Another great video. Wanna go.
Been over to Seil a couple of times, but not to Easdale. A little bit hairy going over that Atlantic Bridge! Thank you for a proper tour of the island - I've only seen film of the stone throwing championships.
What a magnificent place and that quarry all to yourself to swim in what a wonderful day out, stay safe and well my friend.
@steve-marsh
3 жыл бұрын
Simon it was a real treat, taking Alicja there for a swim tomorrow! :)
@simonwhitlock9189
3 жыл бұрын
@@steve-marsh I am sure she will enjoy it and it will be very romantic if you have the whole pool to yourselves.
Holidayed on Easdale many times in the 90's very remote and peaceful place back then, a good close community and very friendly people .
Amazing 😁