Each season in the Hebrides has its own unique charm.

April sees the arrival of some welcome Spring sunshine, bluebells are in bloom and the puffins return from a winter at sea.

May and June have long days with blue skies and provide excellent wildlife opportunities.

July and August have ideal conditions for snorkelling with crystal clear waters and lush kelp forests.

In September and October the islands quieten down so there is a more relaxed, cosy vibe. Deer come down from the hills for the rutting season and the landscape pops with colours of orange and brown.

You don't really need anything but a swim suit and a woolly hat. Everything else we can provide from wetsuits (if needed), booties, gloves, tow floats to dry robes and even slippers. We have a more comprehensive Guide to Packing on our website.

The lovely staff at the Knipoch will take you to Seil Island where you’ll pick up your boat transport to Iona.

Emma is a qualified open water and pool coach and has taught swimmers of all ages - from learn to swim to age group triathletes - for over 10 years. She has an innate understanding of the mechanics behind swimming and a passion for helping others enjoy, and be safe, in and around water.

Rachel is Emma’s second coach and a marine biologist and coastguard. She has an extensive knowledge of birds and sea life and boundless energy!

Iona is an island with a long spiritual history. It is often referred to as a “thin place,” a concept in Celtic Christianity used to identify sacred spaces where the boundary between heaven and earth becomes more permeable.

We meet local guide David (also fireman, artist and ultra runner!) who takes us on a tour of the island via the nunnery and Abbey. David can tell you anything and everything from the reason behind ladies’ bedstraw growing on the island to archeological digs that have unearthed finds from Columba’s time!

We head first to the nunnery, or 'An Eaglais Dhubh' - the black church - named after the colour of nuns' robes.

Founded in 1200 and made derelict during the Reformation, the pink granite walls that remain are amongst the best examples of a medieval nunnery left in Britain.

Then it’s a short walk to the Abbey, the site of Columba’s original monastery which survived until the end of the 12th century, despite repeated Viking raids. It’s the burial place of 48 Scottish Kings including Macbeth and it’s thought that the world famous Book of Kells was written and illustrated here by Celtic monks in the late 8th or early 9th century.

One of our favourite places to eat is The Rookery. Jann makes simple, delicious soups and sandwiches.

We save ourselves for coffee and cake from Columba’s Larder (also a wonderful little gift shop!)

The beaches in Iona are white sand and the water a striking emerald green.

It was Iona’s unique light and scenery that inspired Scottish colourists like Cadell and Peploe to paint here.