While Scotland is bountiful of natural wonders, there is this one extra special place one should visit at least once in their life. Just off the shores of the West Coast lies the uninhabited small island of Staffa, home to the majestic Fingal’s Cave.
Staffa is located in the Inner Hebrides in Argyll and Bute about six miles away from the Isle of Mull and is a tiny uninhabited island around half a mile long and a quarter of a mile wide. Home to the mysterious Fingal’s Cave with the famous hexagonal columns, the island is fairly hard to access and can usually only be reached between April and September.
Fingal’s Cave is a natural nature reserve and is owned by the Natural Trust of Scotland. The cave’s unusual formations of hexagonally-shaped basalt columns are a truly spectacular sight, having inspired artists throughout history. The natural marvel is also known as the Melodic Cave by locals, and even one of Pink Floyd’s early songs was inspired by the echoey sounds of the waves crashing inside Fingal’s Cave.
The formation of the cave
The unique hexagonal formation of the basalt columns has been caused by a lava flow. The columns were formed by the cooling of the lava, causing cracks over time, as well as the Atlantic Ocean waves crashing against the island over a long period of time. Witnessing the wonder of this awe-inspiring creation of nature is a privilege in itself, making us appreciate the planet even more.
Visiting Fingal’s Cave
Setting off from Edinburgh, taking a sea tour from Oban is the quickest way to visit Fingal’s Cave, and it is just over three hour’s drive away. Staffa Tours organise several tours to Staffa and surrounding islands that take up to 12 hours. The Tobermory, Treshnish and Staffa Wildlife Tour will take guests on an adventure exploring the scenic village of Tobermory, famous for its colourful houses, before sailing off to The Treshnish Isles and Staffa.
Visitors will get the chance to explore the abundant wildlife of The Treshnish Isles, then sail to Staffa to visit Fingal’s Cave and enjoy breathtaking views of its cliffs. Also, expect to witness Scotland’s beloved birds, puffins, as they come to nest on Staffa. What is more, the tours are only available until August 5, 2023, as the island will be closed for a complex maintenance project until October 2023.