All this for £18? A CalMac day return is the best value boat trip! Caledonian MacBrayne and dolphins

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Boat trips from Oban in are plentiful, after all the west coast of Scotland is stunning and needs to be explored 'on the water' to be best appreciated. But rather than shelling out for a (sometimes very expensive) boat trip, how about a day return on a Caledonian MacBrayne (CalMac) ferry? Join me on the Oban - Coll route to see what all the fuss is about. £18.10 is what I spent on this, and I still can't quite believe the value...
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Hi, I’m Steve. I am a travel reviewer and post my trip reports here on KZbin. 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.
Music courtesy of epidemic sound - thanks to you as always!
#SteveMarsh

[@sosagecaserol6675]

Proud to say I work for CalMac. Travellers like yourself make the job very much worth doing, those who appreciate the beautiful Scottish Islands and the effort it can take to take people here ;) Great video. Thank you

[@thomasjohnrobinson4658]

Done the Kennacraig Port Helen a few times.Always went straight for the breakfast after a through the night 8 hours from Berkshire.

[@baywanderer4199]

Great voyage. We were at a loss as to what to do with our day in Oban when we saw the Calmac ferry in the harbour. We wandered over and jumped on board for a return trip to Mull. It included the coach from the harbour on Mull to Tobermory where we saw the Balymory cat in the window! I can honestly say it was our favorite ever day in Scotland. I now, 15 years later, still recommend that trip to anyone heading to Scotland. Thanks for the memories.

[@steve-marsh]

Oh great to know you can get to Tobermory from the ferry port - and at such short notice! Fantastic! Need to try it myself now :)

[@vivellasmum]

That must be what I did but was planned with my little girl 20 yrs ago (ish!)

[@greensam7074]

When I was 16, I started working as an apprentice Sculptor, all over the West coast of Scotland and proudly told my mum, after visiting Morar & Arisaig, “it’s like the Bahamas”, only to grow up, get married on a beach in the Bahamas and realise, that the West coast of Scotland and especially Morar & Arisaig, are 100 times more beautiful, than anywhere i’ve ever travelled to in the Bahamas & Caribbean. What an amazing & beautiful country we live in ❤

[@steve-marsh]

So true! And somewhere you mention in this comment is being edited into a future video right now ;)

[@dpvisser]

Absolutely stunning! And people often wonder why I call Scotland a little peace of heaven on earth.

[@steve-marsh]

Cheers mate! Yeah, especially the west coast, I'll never tire of it!

[@antonrudenham3259]

I'm a merchant seaman and I've worked on Calmac quite a few times, it is without a doubt one of the few jobs that actually gives satisfaction and a sense of worthiness. I've always maintained that if I get a permanent start I'd move to Oban in a heartbeat. Stunning place and you haven't been to Scotland unless you've sailed the islands on Calmac.

[@steve-marsh]

Couldn’t agree more! Thanks so much for watching!

[@antonrudenham3259]

@Wal Leece engine room mate.

[@Min-xm8tp]

@@antonrudenham3259 He woudn't know what an Engine room is Mate, my Dad was in the Merchant Navy for 30 plus years, Chief Engineer, round the world dozens of times, and he loved going on the Calmac Ferries, good to hear Calmac are a good employer and thanks for all you do Mate.

[@superally8077]

I am Scottish, I live in Ontario now. I am so homesick after seeing this video. Its incredible! Thanks so much for making it.

[@steve-marsh]

Cheers for watching! Really appreciate it! All the best to you over there in Canada :)

[@mstrdiver]

@SteveMarsh I'm ready to return to Scotland any time now. I did not know about these ferries when I was first there. It almost seems a magical way to travel the coasts. What stunning scenery!

[@annetivendale8616]

A photographers dream! Been on many a Calmac sailing over the years but most of them to Arran.Boy do I ever miss that stunning Scottish scenery.Need to do this one on our next vacation “home” from Canada 💙🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿💙

[@collachsyoutubechannel]

A great video, Steve as I am an original 'Collach' (Not that many left) being born in a cottage on the island in 1954. Keep up the good work Steve and your girlfriend when she joins you.

[@steve-marsh]

Great to hear from you, thank you!

[@andrewdolinskiatcarpathian]

Ha ha, the dreaded “car alarms”. CalMacs signature tune on all departures. 😂 The scenery through the Sound of Mull is stunning. Thank you for sharing. 👏👏👍😎

[@jeffpatterson7330]

There’s just nothing that makes me quite so content as a trip on a CalMac ferry. I have travelled to a good many places on the West Coast over the past few years but never yet to Coll or Tiree - nor have I yet been fortunate enough to set foot on MV Clansman. My favourite memory was a midsummer day-trip from Kennacraig to Colonsay via Port Askaig and back. Magnificent scenery, unbelievable weather and over 6 hours visiting idyllic Scottish island life. A 15+ hour trip and a day I’ll never forget.

[@steve-marsh]

Sounds just perfect! Thanks so much for watching, I need to do more CalMac’ing for sure!

[@GLICKMIRE]

Beautifully photographed and edited. Just the right background music. Job well done!

[@steve-marsh]

Cheers!

[@rossdn44]

I agree nicely done! We're hoping to travel to Scotland and the Hebrides next year can't wait to see this in person.

[@thebear3178]

Lovely to see. I live in the South East of England and have always said that there is plenty enough to see and enjoy in the UK & Ireland without venturing halfway across the world.

[@steve-marsh]

I'm starting to see that! Have never appreciated this big island we call home enough! Thanks for watching :)

[@malahammer]

Stunning! Who needs a West of Scotland tourist board when you have Steve.

[@steve-marsh]

Haha cheers Paul!

[@julesmorrissey]

I've always had a soft spot for Cal-Macs cooked breakfasts...😊

[@steve-marsh]

I can’t wait to try it!

[@charlottemaclean204]

The guy that you handed your ticket to first is my uncle. That made me laugh

[@steve-marsh]

Ha that's so cool Charlotte! :)

[@charlottemaclean204]

He's Ferry master, I saw his grey hair and recognised him immediately

[@derekcollier7899]

My first experience of CalMac was in 1952 when I went to Barra , since then I have traveled with them many times the last time was in 2003 , I will no doubt manage one more trip before I reach 90.!!

[@steve-marsh]

Many more trips for you Sir! :)

[@MjrMeerkat]

We spent our Honeymoon in the scottish Highlands, we visited Iverness, Sterling, Killin, Fort William, Mallaig and ofcourse Oban the Gate to the Hebrides. That day we had a Hot Chocolate at the Oban Chocolate Companys Cafe´ with a great view at the Harbour and we ate at the legendary Green Shack too watching the Ferrys coming in and going out like every 10 Minutes. The People of Scotland were super welcoming and decent, all the stereotypes we had went out of the window. We crave the day we can visit Scotland again, this time maybe the eastern Coast. Your Video brought the Memories back, thank you! Greetings from Saxony, Germany!

[@steve-marsh]

So glad I could bring back some memories, and very pleased you were well treated in Scotland - I have to say the people of Germany are exactly the same, and what a wonderful country!

[@thomasschafer7268]

Ich auch.aber schon in1995.die selben orte und das gleiche café

[@spectrumisgreen7252]

Ahhhhhhhhhh yet another wonderfully therapeutic relaxing festival for the eyes and soul ........ so beautifully edited ... Thank you Steve M

[@steve-marsh]

Cheers for the kind words!

[@gazzavfe]

Wow, that must be one of the most scenic ferry routes in the UK a photographers dream

[@steve-marsh]

It was incredible, wayyy beyond expectations!

[@jeannellies4778]

Thank you for this video Steve. Brought back so many memories. I lived and worked on the Outer Hebrides for 6 years and my job took me all over from Stornoway to Barra. I've visited many of the Inner Hebrideans islands too. So many ferry trips and flights! A wonderful experience and I still regularly visit the friends I made there even after 24 years. It truly is a piece of heaven. X

[@leonlowe]

This video captures the magic of Scotland! Oban is my favorite destination and my first Scottish destination outside of Edinburgh - in 1961. No steam locomotives today, but it's still a nice rail trip. And, the ferry? I has to be the best bargain in travel anywhere! I wear my CalMac cap frequently, when I'm not wearing my Britannia one!!!

[@steve-marsh]

I need to get myself both of those caps!!!

[@thattrainguy]

Happy memory's of calmac ferries. Sat in the back of the car for 8 hours through the night, to get onto a lovely ferry for a breakfast and a morning departure from Uig on Skye. Never had a bad experience with Calmac. Top quality service.

[@steve-marsh]

Glad to hear it! And cheers for watching :)

[@roundandroundmyworld]

I've often travelled in Scotland, and twice I've gotten one of Calmac's multi-trip passes and explored as many islands as I could get to in the 8 days. Calmac's service has always been excellent. I've been up and down the outer Hebrides to Lewis, Harris, Berneray, North Uist, Benbecula, South Uist, Eriskay, Vatersay, and Barra. In the inner islands: Skye, Mull, Iona, Islay, Jura, and Bute. Another trip I'd love to see some of the smaller islands. I've sailed once on the Clansman, a fine ship. My most frequent Calmac ship is the classic old Lord of the Isles, a total of five sailings on that one. Of all the islands, my absolute favourite is Barra.

[@steve-marsh]

Wow I’m jealous of your list of destinations! And didn’t know about the pass, thanks so much! And of course cheers for watching :)

[@tabby2499]

I love Calmac Ferries.!!! I take tham every time we are in Scotland normaly in May .My Favorite Route is from Kennacraig to Isle of Islay 2 hours . And than from Islay back to Oban. 4 hours Great Journey So beautifull. Only Every Wednesday+ Saturday that goes from Islay to Oban . Please film more Ferry and Scotland Vids. You currently are my fav. Person on You tube . Thanks.

[@MaryMulholland-zg7jj]

❤

[@BarfusWOW]

The leave your keys in the car kinda place, I like that.. if someone steals it... where are they going to go... i guess on the ferry but you just have to wait at the dock lol

[@neilmackinnon3371]

I have been an occasional CalMac passenger for close to 60 years as my family are from Mull. These days I return every two years in early June to cycle on the island. This years trip was postponed, for obvious reasons so it was great to see Oban, Duart, Tobermory and Mull. I remember a few of the ferries and have very fond memories of them all.

[@steve-marsh]

So glad to bring back some memories in these lean times for travel - hope you get back soon, I’d love to cycle on the islands!

[@bjoeljones]

@Neil MacKinnon, greetings from a fellow clansman. I am a MacKinnon through my mum+'s Love family line. A friend and I went to Tobermory, Mull in 2015 on my first time home to Scotland. I hope to go back to Scotland, Oban, Mull, and Skye again one day. Audentes Fortuna Juvat. Slàinte from Oklahoma, America🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@neilmackinnon3371]

@@bjoeljones With the covid restrictions easing in the UK, I am on track to be back on Mull in a months time. I hope you manage to get back 'home' soon.

[@hughrainbird43]

Steve, thanks for posting all your videos of travel around the Scottish Islands. This one brought back many recollections of sailing out of Oban in the 1980's with pals on "Max's Tours" from the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway. Firstly in 1983 for a cruise around Mull (and through the Corryvreckan) aboard the Paddle Steamer "Waverley" as the prelude to the first of a number of unforgettable steam sailings in the Firth of Clyde and the sea lochs aboard the "Puffer" VIC 32 in the following years. We spent a week exploring Mull, Islay and Jura with CalMac in 1988 including an amazing three day/two nights "cruise" aboard the elegant "Columba", CalMac's last "proper" Hebridean ferry (not Ro-Ro) in her last year of service before being converted to the ultra-luxury "Caledonian Princess", accessible only to Royalty and the rich. Then it cost us a reasonable £70 each, for a shared cabin, and all meals - including Scottish "High Tea" - served in a proper restaurant, not a floating Motorway caff, during a "round trip" of sailings. To Colonsay; around Mull, with a landing on Iona; and Tiree and Coll. I see from your film there's a Wetherspoon's now on the pier at Oban, but we spent our evenings in the "Harbour Bar", with its amazing stock of malts. A novelty for us Sassenachs in those days, before licensing laws were eased down South, was to enjoy a Sunday morning pre-lunch pint there. The "Fishnish" on Tobermory's waterfront was memorable, too. There used to be a little Isle of Mull narrow-gauge railway that ran along the coast from near the ferry landing at Craignure to Torosay Castle, which we took (I think the castle's closed to the public now). After exploring the Castle and grounds we had tea on the terrace , which we shared with flocks of small colouful finches that came unafraid to our table to pinch sugar and cake crumbs. It's a wonderful, magical part of the World (with "interesting" variations in weather and in spite of the midges, who particularly seem to thrive on Southerners' blood!) and I have so many memories of those days. My wife and I have enjoyed going "Doon the Watter" on "Waverley", and sailing on Loch Katrine aboard the "Walter Scott" in later years. I'm subscribed and look forward to sharing your posts of future journeys.

[@steve-marsh]

Thanks so much for watching and for your message! I’m especially jealous of your Columba trip, sounds incredible! And sailing through Corryvreckan! Wow! What an experience! I have some catching up to do! These island adventures could be the future of my channel and already thinking up some more, so cheers for the sub, and thanks again for such an inspiring message!

[@daftirishmarej1827]

Your 80s were definitely not about shoulder pads! Sounds idyllic

[@muchasgracias6976]

I truly love Scotland. The scenery is truly breath taking and the people are amazing. Thanks Steve, this was s blinding video!

[@steve-marsh]

And muchas gracias a ti for watching :)

[@barry-cq4xg]

This is a really delightful video, in these turbulent times. Perfect syncronicity with the music. Great stuff.

[@steve-marsh]

Cheers Barry!

[@hoofie2002]

Riding the ferries on the Sabbath?? The wee free will be damning you!!😄

[@strokenumber3]

Worth the price of a ticket just to see all those dogs.

[@steve-marsh]

Agree :)

[@steveberry8547]

Great chilled out video something else on the list of things to do - it just gets bigger and bigger watching slick videos from people like yourself who come across with the right amount of information

[@steve-marsh]

Thanks so much!

[@frankiedeans7637]

Great job Steve... hi from lockdown Spain

[@steve-marsh]

Cheers Frankie! Espero que tengas un buen dia! :)

[@frankiedeans7637]

Hi Steve same to you and yours..hope your day brings fun....ggtthb..

[@andyseamaster]

Ah., so many happy memories from Scotland! Thanks you Steve for such a beautiful video.

[@steve-marsh]

Cheers for watching :) glad to spur some memories :)

[@crawfordg]

Makes me feel homesick. Even though not lived in Scotland for 45years. Fantastic video. Cheers from a long ago Greenockian.

[@steve-marsh]

Crawford G glad to make you sick :) cheers for watching!

[@crawfordg]

@Johnny RoadTrain Hi I understand what you say have been back a number of of times since the Shipyards demise. Sadly been to many place in the UK that have changed recently notably the Channel Islqands where I have visited 10 plus times in 40 years or so,it is outstanding what has occurred. It was a firm favourite from GFlasgow Airport or any airport in the old days 30 years ago. Now they are struggling to get tourists as the Hotels have been pulled down. It is a hidden jem of this extended Kingdom

[@terryentoure6475]

@Johnny RoadTrain Where is it you live again? Just in case you missed the point, you are a foreigner yourself.

[@vivellasmum]

Probs already mentioned on a previous vid, 20 yrs ago to Mull, to visit 'Balamory' with an excited child, in fact I was just as excited & still can't believe we did it all in a day trip from Glasgow! Great vid again Steve thanks.

[@dmc2269]

When in Scotland last year we took five CalMac ferry rides. Gill's Bay on the North Coast to St. Margaret's Hope on Orkney and return, Armadale on Skye to Mallaig, Oban to Craignure on Mull and return, And the short hop from Fionnphort over to Iona and return. Enjoyed them all! Very comfortable even when full. A great value.

[@steve-marsh]

You’ve just reminded me that I’ve done the Mallaig Armadale route! I was thinking this was my first CalMac but it wasn’t! 🤣 thanks so much for watching, great to hear you’ve enjoyed some crossings too! Thanks :)

[@iain789]

Small point, but Gills Bay to Orkney is not a CalMac route. That route is served by Pentland Ferries, a private company, and no connection to CalMac. Still enjoyable, though!

[@dmc2269]

@@iain789 That's right. Thanks for the correction and reminder!

[@jaapvandam5106]

Steve thank you very much for your video. In 2009 we made a HopSchotch tour with CalMac by motorcycle from Scotland, via Sky to South and North Uist, Harris and Lewis and back through the North of Scotland back to New Caste. So many good memories of this trip, and after visiting many beautiful places in Ireland, Norway, Malawi, the first moments of your video made me go back to this trip and CalMac. Specially the light of 2:55, so stunning. I just looked up my photos of that tour, and I was all into this region. I guess we have to go back once more.

[@steve-marsh]

I’m so glad it brought back some memories, please come back again soon! Thanks for watching!

[@ukbearsd]

Thanks Steve for another stunning video. Great cinematography and narration. I like the fact that you are able to put so much into a short video and show that travel doesn't have to be expensive for you to get the most out of your trip! Cheers!

[@steve-marsh]

Thanks so much for watching and for the kind comments! That’s exactly what I want to show, so really appreciate your feedback! Cheers!

[@neilbain8736]

I liked to get the MV Isle of Arran from Ardrossan to Campbeltown, cycle up the East coast of the Mull of Kintyre, take another Calmac ferry- the Catriona- from Claonig to Lochranza, cycle to Brodick and get the PS Waverley back up the Clyde. It took two or three days or more if you wanted. The scenery was astounding, as was the seclusion until you got to Glasgow.

[@johnfenn3188]

Did the self-same trip but from Tobermory (the boat used to stop off there) 40 years ago. Coll looks just the same!

[@steve-marsh]

Ha yeah, I bet it's barely changed at all! Would have been cool to have the stop off in Tobermory! Thanks for watching :)

[@johnfenn3188]

SteveMarsh It was the St Columba - also did Colonsay, and the round Mull day trip Cal MAC used to do, viewing the Treshnish Isles, Staffa, Loch na Keal, Iona (non-landing). Tobermory pier was awkward, and when they couldn’t use the gangway, they'd stand you on the car lift on the foredeck, and you would ceremonially rise, and just walk off. Cars, of course, normally used the route to Craignure, and there were better facilities at Arinagour and Scarinish. There were always a few for the day trip to Coll, or the cruise to Tiree and back.

[@benw7601]

For all my life (I'm 15) I've been on calmac vessels to go to the Isle of Arran. Beautiful vessels and friendly staff that I've grown up with :D

[@harbourwoodlandvisitor2445]

Your lucky to live in such a place. In all my 52 years I've never once been to Scotland. It's a crime I know since I live nr Brighton and I have Scottish ancestors. I keep saying I will get there one day.

[@benw7601]

@@harbourwoodlandvisitor2445 It really is worth the visit. The island still excites me every time we go!

[@harbourwoodlandvisitor2445]

@@benw7601and I'm glad to see your setting up as a local guide for out of towners who want to come visit all the key interesting places and listen to talks about the local history of the area. Ok I'll buy a ticket and come but how do a book one of your tours lol. I'm sure there is a market for people like me who prefer visiting places in groups and not by self. I think its why older single people enjoy river cruises down the Nile as you tend to feel safer in groups of people with similar interest as yourself.

[@benw7601]

@@harbourwoodlandvisitor2445 Aha, here's a good video kzbin.info/www/bejne/eHrLaZaGoqyCZtk

[@steve-marsh]

Lucky you! Can’t wait to get to Arran!

[@colin.d]

Brought back memories as I used to travel on the Isle of Mull back in the 80's fairly regularly. Thanks for that lovely video.

[@steve-marsh]

Col Dal thanks for watching! Bet it hasn’t changed much :)

[@normandalgarno3242]

Thanks Steve for taking us on such a lovely trip. A bargain indeed. We used to sail with my Dad to Tobermory from Gourock quite often when I was a teenager. It’s so beautiful around there on a nice day. Can get very sporting though at times.

[@steve-marsh]

I've not been there in years! Well overdue a return!

[@Gourockian1]

I worked on Coll for a week in 1972, with Post Office Telephones and at that time, there was no electricity on the island. I stayed with the local part-time lineman, who had 4 or 5 other jobs in the community. When I returned a good few years later, now with British Telecom, there was a modern telephone exchange with bunk beds, shower and cooking facilities. My one-week planned trip was extended due to the ferry being unable to make the crossing from Oban because of storms. That was on MacBrayne's Columba which is now the cruise ship, Hebridean Princess. Great days.

[@steve-marsh]

Awesome! Thanks so much for sharing :)

[@shytalker]

Just had a rubbish day, however this film has lifted my spirits,thanks for posting, most interesting.

[@steve-marsh]

Thanks so much! Glad it did the job :)

[@ethankiff7261]

this is just stunning the dolphins are amazing can't believe that sea was that calm!

[@steve-marsh]

Cheers! I know, I got so lucky with the weather, but certainly wasn’t expecting the trip to be so epic! Thanks for your support and inspiration for this trip!

[@ron-waynehoekstra7007]

Dreaming of a Star Trek beam me over there these Covid days . Feeling rare peace of heart and mind these days seeing your images the sacred waters and landscapes of Scotland . Can smell the ocean waters .Edmonton , Alberta Canada here .

[@steve-marsh]

Great to have people from such wonderful far away places watching my wee videos! Thanks so much! Love your country and the strong ties we share 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 🇨🇦

[@m.v747]

I love calmac I, and just yesterday, I had my own calmac adventure. I went to the isle of Arran for a day trip aboard the mv Caledonian isles. I also saw the pentland ferries mv alfred, calmacs mv catroina (a hybrid vessel working out of loch ranza) and saw the mv hebridean isles. I would also recomend taking the mv loch seaforth form ullapool to stornoway it is a beutiful crossing and stornoway is a fabulous town. Happy sailing :)

[@CJT80]

I have a relative who lives in Oban and I have never seen what it looks like till this video. Stunning along with Coll :-) Fantastic video.

[@steve-marsh]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@jameslennon6680]

How on earth could 19 people give this heart warming video thumbs down. Thanks Steve for 15 minutes away from reality.

[@steve-marsh]

Ahh cheers Jimmy! Much appreciated!

[@bjoeljones]

@@steve-marsh, I have never seen a 'bad' video from you yet. Keep up the good work.

[@michaeljackson2838]

Maybe they wanted some trees, rain, wind and snow!

[@user-qf1vx2wn2w]

One of these days hopefully I will venture out to Scotland again on my own 😊

[@jamesmulhern6733]

great way to spend a Peaceful Sunday

[@steve-marsh]

Absolutely! Cheers :)

[@sugarbertie1143]

An excellently produced video of a stunning part of the UK. You can't beat a bit of coastal scenery like this. My camera would be clicking away every few minutes. We've travelled all over Scotland including the West Coast but apart from Skye and Bute we've yet to visit the other islands. They look beautiful. Sunrise is also a good time to sail youve got some fantastic shots of rhe mountains. More please!

[@steve-marsh]

Thanks very much Michael! The weather certainly made making this video all the easier! This is one of the only trips where I used every ounce of camera battery power :)

[@mls4139]

Superb! I will be watching this more than a couple of times for therapy. I can't believe how cheap for all the glory and dolphins, too.

[@steve-marsh]

Thanks so much! I was amazed by the dolphins, first time I’ve seen them and I’ll never forget it, I got really lucky on Sunday!

[@elizabethjohnson3123]

CalMac get such a lot of bad press, but the staff are terrific & I love my little trips on the ferries, it’s always part of my holiday, love it

[@bobmckenzie386]

As a Scotsman who lives in Canada it was great to see another part of heaven. Thank you.

[@steve-marsh]

Thanks so much for watching Bob! You live in another part of heaven now, love Canada!

[@irishblossom1]

Amazing scenery, so beautiful. Thank you.

[@steve-marsh]

Thanks to you for watching Tracy!

[@cascinagianni]

The photography was stunning. Thank you.

[@steve-marsh]

Thanks so much for watching, glad you enjoyed :)

[@okiejammer2736]

Exquisite choices of music on your videos. Matches the emotion of the sublime visuals. Wow. Thank you.

[@rosemarymonty5399]

Coll is a lovely little place.

[@TravelSignal]

Beautiful! Wife and I took our kids on this very day trip a few years ago, but with longer on Coll. In search of Katie Morag!

[@steve-marsh]

Ha so I’m not the only one doing these day trips! :) hope you found wee Katie! Thanks so much for watching and for the comments :)

[@proudsnowtiger]

For about ten years I spent every summer holiday in Scotland, taking countess CalMac ferries to the Western and Northern Isles. And I will again - was going to be this summer, but... absolutely part of the best of Scotland. With one exception. On one trip, I elected to eat a CalMac burger. What I got... I'm not sure what it was, but even the gannets of Bass Rock would reject it. They might try to nest on it, but eat it? It's not quite on the same level as the white pudding supper my companion talked me into eating one time in the Highlands - basically oatmeal mixed with lard, then fried in lard with a topping of lard jus - but my god. It will remain in my memory forever. On the other hand, the seafood in Oban is >chef's kiss

[@steve-marsh]

Oh I love a white pudding :) and wish I could afford the langoustines! Your making me so hungry I could almost eat a CalMac burger :) cheers for watching and sharing your memories :)

[@martinvaci7166]

I work for Scottish Water as service enginner and I would definatelly give up on my job, my area are Inner Hebrideas Isle Coll, Tiree, Colonsay, Mull, Iona and each trip is great adventure and job to travel. The scenery is breath taking. Shame of the COVID situation but I yould definatelly recommend the trip. Usually stunning view and you get delicious meal in cantine and friedly chat with crew and great storeies as bonus.

[@steve-marsh]

Wow that's awesome! Thanks so much for watching!

[@MichaelHeathcotepp]

Brilliant video I toured scotland on my motorcycle in the 70s and your videos make me want to return but this time by car as I am now retired thanks for your efforts

[@PlanesTrainsEverything]

Being on furlough this year, I'm finding myself out and about exploring Scotland, and I'm really starting to enjoy Calmac. Great video.

[@steve-marsh]

I’m in the same boat! Seeing more than I’ve ever seen! Thanks so much for watching!

[@torquilmacleod2577]

11:45 I wanna say Rùm with Skye in background, another cracking vid, and u sailed past my current home, Balamory ☺️

[@steve-marsh]

Wow so jealous you live there!!! Cheers for watching and for clearing up my geography question! :)

[@motosnape]

Simply put, goosebumps scenery.

[@steve-marsh]

Couldn't agree more, I still have very fond memories of this trip!

[@michaelbeckett9653]

The customer facing crew are of a very high standard,very professional!excellent filming.

[@steve-marsh]

Cheers Michael!

[@erikakakakaperry]

So I officially want to move to Coll now!!! 😍 Great video Steve! The ferry journey there looked beautiful!

[@steve-marsh]

It was so cool, got lucky with the weather for ONCE! 🤣

[@vwt4trips386]

Thought we might have seen Jack and Victor on the clansman! I'm off to Mull in a weeks time and this really wet my appetitie. Thanks.

[@steve-marsh]

Haha I was going to drop a Still Game reference in but worried it would have been lost on most of my viewers! Hope you get there ok, best wishes!

[@marymurray7528]

Hi Steve we are from Arran and moved to New Zealand 1973. Yesterday on KZbin we watched your visit to Arran and I had a wee cry. Thank you so much Steve. M. Murray

[@steve-marsh]

Ah the year of my birth! You settled in such a beautiful country though :)

[@marymurray7528]

@@steve-marsh Thanks Steve we are 58 years married this coming December. Watching your videos has been marvellous during our very wet and windy winter. Thank you.

[@marymurray7528]

@@steve-marsh Steve sorry to contact you again but my husband Danny has just watched you in Rothesay at the top of a very bendy road. He asked me to tell you that he was at the top of that road in 1966 in a 10 ton truck loaded with lemonade and someone had directed him to go there to drive down to the Village. He had no choice but to keep going and he said by the time he got to the bottom he had no hand break left! He said in these days you arrived on a small ferry 3 miles outside Rothesay somewhere called Glen Dhrul (not sure of spelling) and then drove in to Rothesay. We are working our way through all your videos and enjoying them very much.

[@chlemtom1]

Those have got to be the cutest dolphins I have ever seen.

[@aimeeandleetravel]

Good video! Been on calmac a couple of times before and look forward to travelling with them again!

[@steve-marsh]

Cheers Lee - it was my first time and they didn’t disappoint!

[@traderlondon]

Tip for you: you need to show a map ,with all locations, you visited for your international viewers.

[@steve-marsh]

Ok, thanks Grant, this is very much just a hobby for me, so feedback always appreciated and I'll try to improve.

[@DrewKF]

SteveMarsh // The in-video titles and location names are fine, and very much appreciated, Steve; most of us internet users know how to type into Google Maps, though some of us could be a bit less rude and demanding ;)

[@flyc3]

SteveMarsh I don’t think you can improve on this! Beautiful.

[@kreznreich]

@@steve-marsh Steve, agree, no need to bother w this! E.g. I had no clue where Coll or Oban were, but I could search them on Google Maps. Cheers!

[@magnetospin]

@@steve-marsh I think a map would be a great idea. Even though I know how to look up the place on Google Map, it doesn't help the viewing experience to stop the video every time I see a place name to look it up. A map with the route highlighted would improve the video.

[@MartinJordan]

i took my family on this very trip thanks to your video - we loved it. appreciate your work!

[@steve-marsh]

That's awesome Martin, thanks so much! Glad you had a fun time :)

[@RiverDanube]

Just stunning, thank you so much. We were lucky enough to have a few days in Scotland five years ago. We are Australian but both hubby and I have Scottish ancestry. We were overwhelmed with how beautiful Scotland was and never expected it to be so nice. Unfortunately, we will probably not be able to travel overseas again so those few days will remain in our memory. It's video's like yours that brings it all back to life again.

[@steve-marsh]

So glad I could bring back some memories! Will be focussing a lot more on Scottish videos now, so hope to bring you some more in the future. Best wishes to you!

[@aucourant9998]

Scotland is one of the most beautiful countries in the world. Only the weather stops me living there.

[@steve-marsh]

Oh yes, we moan about it all the time!

[@redyellowpink01]

I always think: what's the point of living somewhere with good weather if the scenery isn't worth getting out in anyway? I've lived in Scotland for a year and a half and I'm used to the rain and cold now, you just bring a coat everywhere. The wind is the worst part but no one ever talks about that

[@alistairmccausland1580]

Hi Steve Just got to say the complete production of your video above is exceptional from the quality/subject and music on film could easily be a TV documentary I was watching. Also, the mixture of commentary and on film subtitles is perfect for the viewer because in doing so you answer questions watching your film generates. Like what are we looking at here? you have the answer on film. So I will look forward to watching some more of your interesting filmmaking....good luck to you Steve!

[@steve-marsh]

Thanks so much Alistair, it does take a lot of effort to put these together so feedback like this just makes me want to get out and do more! Really appreciate the support and I’ll get planning the next one soon. Cheers!

[@alistairmccausland1580]

@@steve-marsh no problem, Steve it's well worth the effort because you have a natural gift in making very good films indeed...

[@steve-marsh]

Cheers, I really do enjoy it and glad that comes through!

[@bbgbear]

Done that trip many times and I still enjoy the views. Plus the breakfast on the early ferries is great.

[@mikebrough3434]

I've spent every summer holiday for the past 30 years visiting the Western Isles - Mull, Tiree, Uist. We're thinking of retiring to Oban or Tobermory later this year. Can't decide which.

[@ecossearthur]

You should have asked for a tour of the bridge! Most Masters will oblige!

[@ecossearthur]

Would be most likely Rum, with Skye further to the North

[@steve-marsh]

I did ask in advance, but corona put an end to that idea on this occasion! Bring back normality please!

[@prof.hectorholbrook4692]

Lovely. What video camera do you use please? Stunning quality.

[@steve-marsh]

Thanks very much! Canon 250d and gopro8 (it was the kit lens for this trip, but have now upgraded to an 18-135 for a bit more focal length) no regrets on any of my gear, lovely to use!

[@sassythesasquatch101]

I live in oban and stop to watch the ferries depart, especially from the tower it never gets old

[@steve-marsh]

I can imagine! Would love to live there!

[@johncrowe9775]

Thanks Steve for sharing . Having just recently returned from a 4 week tour of the West Cost of Scotland with our caravan your video has been a delight to watch and filled in some areas we did not reach. Keep Safe and keep sharing your travels my friend.

[@steve-marsh]

Thanks so much for watching John! Wow, 4 weeks, what an amazing adventure! I hope it’s filled with great memories :)

[@rext8949]

Lovely ferry ride in a very beautiful place in Scotland. The Calmac has a good design and interiors look comfortable and inviting. It is a treat being out on the deck like today when the weather is fine and you can feel the wind on your brow while watching the local scenery slip by.

[@steve-marsh]

Couldn’t agree more! I spend a lot of time out on deck :) cheers for watching

[@deniskidd9582]

Also did the Lochaline to Fishnish ferry in 2018 - back to the beloved T.Moray, and the Mishnish hotel & the Onich/Curran by return. Love it !!!

[@inkslinga1]

Beautiful, we just don't have enough time on this planet to enjoy all the beauty Scotland etc.......

[@johnlightfoot6176]

love oban been a few times we got the boat across to mull £6.40 return went for a walk for a couple of hours then got the next boat back a lovely day out

[@steve-marsh]

I need to do that one next time! Great place with so many opportunities!

[@gkeaoyrge]

Every time I watch one of your Scotland-based videos, I honestly cannot believe I live within a few hours train journey here in England and yet I haven't visit these places yet. You're easily one of the best reviewers on here Steve! No clickbait, genuinely funny and decent guy and well edited/filmed videos.

[@steve-marsh]

Thanks so much for the support and kind words! Aye, our islands have lots of beautiful hidden gems and I guess lockdown is helping us all discover more on our doorstep! Cheers George, all the best!

[@sammartindale8123]

As a young child I went on the Isle of Wight ferry and it left me with a deep fear if boats. When I was 8 years old my mum took me to Scotland for 6 weeks in a camper van. We bought an island hopscotch ticket from Oban and used CalMac to explore many islands. CalMac cured me of my fear of being on the water and gave me some of my favourite memories. CalMac made me fall in love with being on the water and ultimately led to spending the last 20 years building a career at sea. I work on the Dover Straits for P&O. Not such fantastic views from the ship but a happy career none the less. Thank you CalMac.

[@steve-marsh]

That’s such a fantastic story, thanks for sharing!

[@cheeseblog]

Glorious “wee” trip❣️ Would love to see your journeys on a map in the beginning.

[@steve-marsh]

Good point, I try (and often forget) to add maps!

[@mikegapper8485]

Great Video Steve ,.As i probably ,at my age will never get to come up to Scotland to visit ,I live in West Wales .by the way,.I want to thank you so much for taking me with you on your ,and Alicja's many trips around Bonny Scotland ,.We here in West wales have some stunning scenery but you have fantastic vista's.Thanks again Steve.

[@calicocatz7890]

Great video. The West coast of Scotland is on my bucket list. Have saved the video to watch again. Thanks.

[@steve-marsh]

Thanks so much for watching (especially more than once!) :)

[@saurabh988]

Beautiful video, loved the background score. Very soothing and glad that I watched before my upcoming trip.

[@pallesimonsen7672]

Igen en dejlig naturoplevelse. Tak for videoen.

[@andy70d35]

Steve Marsh Thank You Very much, for this video. Our beautiful black lab who we lost in 2016 at 14 and a half years old was called Coll, I now know where his name came from, we knew it was an island but to see it was amazing. Thank You

[@steve-marsh]

You're so welcome!

[@lochlainnmacneill2870]

Great Video and I am homesick...been in Nigeria for 13 years. you make me feel at home.

[@lifelong5425]

So many comments from us Scottish Canadians...missing what we never took for granted, but long to see again today....Spent a summer on Tiree as a kid....wind going one way, the wrong way all the time as I rode a bike around, getting attacked by the Tern birds on the beach as you neared their nests, the grocer van that came to the homes, ...seeing the twice weekly boat if I recall...And the first place I ever remember seeing people put evaporated milk and sugar in their tea...sweeeeet....To go to places like these today on a Calmac......beauty that beats anywhere in this world...so lucky to be born a Scot....Tae us all....Wha's like us.?..damn few, and they're a deid

[@steve-marsh]

Love your comment, thanks so much for sharing the wonderful memories :) And anyone who has spent much time on Three will forever remember the wind! All the best to you!

[@malcolmdickie2750]

Another thoroughly enjoyable video. Stunning scenery, informative commentary.

[@NaCreagachaDubha]

Lovely video as always. Thanks Steve!

[@steve-marsh]

My pleasure!