Port Ban Beach — Attraction in Iona

Worth any extra walking to reach this beach along a row of less lovely ones. This pale beach is all broken shells so a bit tough on the bare feet in the nicest possible way. Swim shoes a good idea here. Lovely long stretch of safe shallow bathing or paddling here. Some days are warmer than others I was assured. Years ago I would swim out to sea in a swimsuit no problem, but this time i was impressed to make it up to my ribcage before bottling out. Super cold. There were one or two swimmers though. Rocks around the cove keep the bay sheltered and relatively calm and turquoise. Shell hunting is absorbing too. Take a picnic. There are no nearby facilities. Maybe 45 minute walk back to...

Great beach, saw a seal and otters at the north end. But not on the main beach, people had their dogs there. Seals - understandably - stay away when...

On of the most sheltered beaches on Iona. This is where the children of Iona used to learn to swim. A very gradual deepening of the sea makes it...