Easdale Island

One of the Slate Isles that helped roof the world at one time, the tiny isle of Easdale has only 60 inhabitants and there are no cars or roads, making it a tranquil getaway from the world's hustle and bustle.

Reached by a foot ferry from the Isle of Seil, Easdale oozes charm, from the colourful wooden wheelbarrows that residents use to transport their shopping from the ferry to their houses, to the pirate themed playground. The only eatery is the Puffer Bar & Restaurant, which serves the bounty of the sea along with tasty cakes, coffees and teas. Each year the island hosts the International World Stone Skimming Championships, which brings hundreds of people from around the globe to test their skills in the slate pools left by the mining industry.