2026 Wander Your Way - Walking on Scotland’s Islands

Prepared with pleasure exclusively for Wander Your Way

Tuesday 1st September – Wednesday 9th September 2026

Number of Travellers: 14
Duration: 9 Days / 8 Nights

Overview

This itinerary is designed to combine a mix of history and culinary experiences, as you meander your way through Scotland’s stunning west coast islands.

We will visit 5 islands in total: Arran, Kerrera, Mull, Ulva and Iona – each with a different history, culture, character and way of life.

Walks would be no more than 10 km and with little elevation gain.

Itinerary:

  • Meet in Glasgow. Ferry to Isle of Arran. Walk along part of the Arran Coastal Path. Overnight Arran.
  • Walk through the Glens of Arran and visit an Island Distillery. Overnight Arran.
  • Ferry to the Mull of Kintyre. Easy walk at historic Kilmartin Glen. Overnight near Oban.
  • Day trip to walk on the tiny isle of Kerrera. Overnight near Oban.
  • Ferry to Isle of Mull. Morning walk through Tobermory and afternoon activity coastal foraging or visiting a local cheese maker. Overnight Isle of Mull.
  • Walk on the Isle of Ulva Overnight Isle of Mull.
  • Day trip to the tiny and historic Isle of Iona. Overnight Isle of Mull.
  • Ferry to mainland. Beach walk followed by a special lunch together, then a boat cruise in Loch Lomond National Park. Overnight Loch Lomond National Park.
  • Morning transfer to Glasgow. Trip ends.

 

Start / Finish – Glasgow / Glasgow

Glasgow is easily accessible, connected by regular flights from various cities in the UK and Europe.  It’s also on the UK mainline rail network, with the train being an attractive option for the journey to/from destinations in the south of the UK. The airport is just 20 minutes from the city center and is connected by bus and taxi.

Day by Day

Day 1 - Tuesday 1st September - Travel to the Isle of Arran

Meeting in Glasgow this morning, a short transfer takes us to the port of Ardrossan.

A scenic ferry crossing of 1 hour takes us to the Isle of Arran, where we disembark in the town of Brodick. After a coffee, it’s time to go for our first walk. We follow a pretty section of the Arran Coastal Path southwards, directly from Brodick. Enjoying great views of the Holy Isle, we finish directly at our hotel in the neighbouring village of Lamlash.

After settling in, enjoy a welcome dinner as you look forward to the days which lie ahead.

NB. Pre-night accommodation available upon request

Overnight: Isle of Arran | Auchrannie Resort
Meals Included: Lunch and Dinner
Walk Details: 8 km / 5 miles | 120 m / 394 ft elevation gain | Approx: 2 hrs 30 mins

Day 2 - Wednesday 2nd September - Morning Walk through the Glens of Arran

This morning we’ll walk through the glens of Arran, and there is much interest along the way, with some wonderful views, pools and waterfalls. After lunch we could visit a small Island whisky distillery for a tour to learn about the magical Uisge Beatha (water of life) and maybe even enjoy a dram or two afterwards.

We transfer back to the hotel, and you have a free evening to explore the local restaurants and bars before we leave Arran tomorrow.

Overnight: Isle of Arran | Auchrannie Resort
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Walk Details: 5 km / 3 miles | 150 m / 492 ft elevation gain | Approx: 2 hrs

Day 3 - Thursday 3rd September - Arran to Argyll

Today we depart Arran for a short crossing to the Mull of Kintyre, where our first stop is Dunadd Pictish Fort – known as the birthplace of Scotland!

After standing in the footsteps of ancient kings, we make our way north to Kilmartin Glen. This remarkable valley is home to over 350 ancient monuments – standing stones, burial sites, rock carvings and more – which date back over 5,000 years of human history. A local guide will walk us through several of the key sights on a short walk back through time.

Afterwards, we check into our hotel, located in a tranquil spot with views across Loch Feochan.

Overnight: By Oban | Loch Melfort Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Walk Details: 5 km / 3 miles

Day 4 - Friday 4th September - The Green Isle of Kerrera

This little island is truly one of Scotland’s hidden gems.

We take a small boat (passengers only) across the Sound of Kerrera to this small island, which has about 100 residents. We enjoy a superb walk which takes a circular route covering the southern half of the island. On the way, we pass the ruins of Gylen Castle, once a stronghold for the Clan MacDougall. The views across to the Isle of Mull are wonderful and will whet the appetite for the coming days!

After hopping back across to the mainland, we return to our hotel to relax in the comfortable surroundings of the hotel, perhaps sinking into one of the deep leather sofas with a local Scottish Gin.

Overnight: By Oban | Loch Melfort Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Walk Details: 10 km / 6 miles | 300 m / 984 ft elevation gain | Approx: 5 hrs

Day 5 - Saturday 5th September - The Isle of Mull - afternoon activity

We transfer north to Oban and hop on a ferry which takes us across to the Isle of Mull (50 mins).

We make our way north to the colourful port of Tobermory, where we will take some time this morning to explore this wonderful and unique town. In the afternoon we could visit a local award winning cheese maker, or perhaps go foraging along the coast.

Back in Tobermory, we make the short drive to our hotel in the rural settlement of Dervaig.

Overnight: Isle of Mull | Isle of Mull Hotel and Spa
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 6 - Sunday 6th September - The Isle of Ulva

This small island, located just off Mull’s west coast, receives few visitors and has a population of less than 20 full-time residents, but is a place to behold. However, it’s a fascinating island with rich wildlife and history. We will meander across the island and around part of its south coast. Along the way, we’ll pass a ruined homestead which was once home to the grandparents of the explorer David Livingstone – did his trips to this island spark his adventurous spirit?

Back on the mainland, we’ll head into Tobermory in the evening for a free night where you can explore its restaurants and pubs, which are famous for live folk music.

Overnight: Isle of Mull | Isle of Mull Hotel and Spa
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Walk Details: 8 km / 5 miles | 200 m / 656 ft elevation gain | Approx: 4 hrs

Day 7 - Monday 7th September - Iona

This is our furthest point west, and perhaps the most special of the whole trip.

We travel to the very south west of Mull, from where a small ferry takes us 5 minutes across the Sound of Iona to the island of that name. The island is known as the cradle of Christianity in Scotland, and is also one of the most beautiful in the Hebrides. We’ll visit Iona Abbey and then spend the day exploring the tiny island, with its beautiful coastline and rich history that dates back to the Iron Age. We’ll plan to walk to the highest point on the island, Dun I, which offers far-reaching views across the western seaboard. Just below the summit, splash your face with water from a dark pool in a rocky cleft known as the Well of Eternal Youth – it’s worth a try! An evocative and atmospheric island, the beauty and history of Iona will stay with you long after this trip ends.

Back on Mull that evening, we enjoy a celebratory dinner as we look back on this awesome island-hopping adventure before heading back to the mainland tomorrow.

Overnight: Isle of Mull | Isle of Mull Hotel and Spa
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Walk Details: 8 km / 5 miles | 120 m / 394 ft elevation gain | Approx: 3 hrs

Day 8 - Tuesday 8th September - Travel to Loch Lomond National Park

Today we catch a mid-morning ferry back to the mainland, stop for a brief stroll along the beach and then on to a very special location for an extended and relaxing lunch in a cosy seafood restaurant with breathtaking views.

After lunch we continue on towards Loch Lomond National Park, where we could enjoy a relaxing boat trip on Loch Lomond, or a gentle stroll along the banks of the famous Loch.

Afterwards, enjoy a drink before returning to the hotel for our final dinner together.

Overnight: Luss | Loch Lomond Arms
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 9 - Wednesday 9th September - Return to Glasgow

We check out of our hotel after breakfast and make our way south to Glasgow, arriving late morning where the trip ends at Glasgow airport.

NB. Post-night accommodation available upon request.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Trip Details

Inclusions Read More
  • 8 nights accommodation in small hotels and inns, as detailed above
  • 8 breakfasts, 8 lunches and 6 evening meals
  • Services of qualified and experienced guides throughout the trip (1:8 ratio)
  • All transfers throughout the trip, including ferry fares
  • All guided activities and visits as mentioned in the itinerary, specifically:
    • Day 2 – Island whisky distillery tour.
    • Day 3 – Local guided walk at Kilmartin Glen
    • Day 5 – Visit a local cheese maker or coastal foraging
    • Day 8 – Boat trip on Loch Lomond
  • All gratuities except for the lead guide(s)
  • Trip Design and Delivery
  • 24/7 in-country support during trips
Exclusions Read More
  • Flights
  • Travel insurance
  • Meals not mentioned in the inclusions
  • Activities and entrance fees not mentioned in the inclusions
  • Gratuities for lead guide
Notes Read More

** Please note, effective January 8, 2025, all visitors to the UK must apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) prior to entry. Please follow this link for further information.**

Important Contact Numbers Read More
Wilderness Scotland Office | 9:00am – 5:30pm

UK: +44 (0)1479 420 020
US: 866 740 3890


Out of Office Hours | 5:30pm – 9:00am

+44 (0)7766 794 640


Emergency Services

999

Arrival & Departure Read More

Your guide will meet you at Glasgow at 9:30 am on the first day of your trip.

You will be returned to Glasgow at 12:00 pm on the final day of your trip.

Pricing Read More

The NET price for this itinerary varies depending on group size as follows:

  • 5 travelers: £4,600pp*
  • 6 travelers: £4,500pp
  • 7 travelers: £4,400pp
  • 8 travelers: £4,300pp
  • 9 travelers: £4,000pp
  • 10 travelers: £3,900pp
  • 11 travelers: £3,800pp
  • 12 travelers: £3,700pp
  • 13 travelers: £3,600pp

Single supplement: £900 (max. 2 single occupancy rooms available)

Forced single: £850

*Trip confirmed on 5 guests

 

Rooming: 9 x Total rooms (3 x Double rooms; 3 x Twin share rooms; 2 x Double rooms for single occupancy; 1 x Double room for Expedition Leader)

NB. Pre & Post TBC:

  • Pre-night options – Glasgow – £275pn
  • Post night options – Glasgow – £275pn

 

The above prices includes 1 x free place for Wander Your Way expedition leader (Lynne), included in the above group size allocation ( 13 x guests and 1 x expedition leader – 14 travelers).

Please also see the Partner Agreement (to follow) for terms and conditions about the running of this itinerary.


Accommodation

Auchrannie Resort

Auchrannie Road | Isle of Arran |
KA27 8BZ | Scotland
Phone: +44 (0) 1770 302 234 
Web: auchrannie.co.uk

Loch Melfort Hotel

Arduaine | By Oban | Argyll |
PA34 4XG | Scotland
Phone: +44 (0) 1852 200 233
Web: lochmelfort.co.uk

Isle of Mull Hotel and Spa

Craignure | Isle of Mull |
PA65 6BB | Scotland
Phone: +44(0) 1680 812544
Web: crerarhotels.com/collection/isle-of-mull-hotel-and-spa

Loch Lomond Arms

Main Road | Luss | Argyll & Bute |
G83 8NY | UK
Phone: +44(0)1436 860 420
Web: lochlomondarmshotel.com