Hiking Scotland’s Islands (DRAFT Concept)

Day 1 - 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 pretty town of Brodick. After a coffee, it’s time to hike. 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.

Hike details: 10km, approx 120m elevation gain, 3-4 hours

Overnight: Glenisle Hotel, Lamlash, Arran (or similar)

Meals included: Lunch, Dinner

NB. Pre-night accommodation available upon request

Day 2 - Hiking Brodick to Sannox via Arran’s Highest Peak

Today is a challenging day that will be a high point of your trip in more ways than one!

Returning to Brodick, we hike northwards towards the tiny village of Corrie. However, our route will take us over the highest peak in Arran. The route starts in forest, then breaks out onto more open ground. The ascent is constant but the trail is good and we’ll gain height steadily. As we ascend, the landscape becomes rugged with jagged peaks coming into view. At the summit, we stand 874m above sea level, with incredible views all around. We descend by a different route which takes us down to the village of Corrie, with its pretty harbour. From here, we can decide to push north to the village of Sannox, or simply hop on a bus and return to Brodick.

Note: An alternative option if you prefer, is to hike an alternative route following the low-level coastal path from Brodick north to finish at Corrie (11km), and then have a Whiskey Distillery Tour in the afternoon.

Hike details: 11km (to Corrie) or 14km (to Sannox), 860m of elevation gain, 6-8 hours.

Overnight: Glenisle Hotel, Lamlash, Arran (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Dinner

Day 3 - Hiking Sannox to Lochranza on the Arran Coastal Path

Today’s hike is perhaps the finest stage of the Arran Coastal Path.

The trail hugs the NE coastline, as it strays far from the nearest road, giving a real sense of remoteness. The views north across the water are wonderful, and there is much interest on the trail, including passing huge boulders, a cave associated with the mythological poet Ossian, and Arran’s most northerly point. Emerging from the wilderness, we arrive in the sleepy port of Lochranza, best known for its ruined castle, which dates back to the 1200s.

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

Hike details: 16km, 120m elevation gain, 5-6 hours

Overnight: Glenisle Hotel, Lamlash, Arran (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast, Packed Lunch (free evening – dinner not included)

Day 4 - Arran to Argyll

After a couple of energetic days of hiking, we enjoy an easier day as we make our way west.

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.

Walk details: 4-6 km, mostly flat, 1-2 hours

Overnight: Loch Melfort, near Oban (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast, Cafe Lunch, Dinner

Day 5 - 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 hike 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 dram of local whisky!

Hike details: 10km, 300m elevation gain, 4-5 hours

Overnight: Loch Melfort, near Oban (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Dinner

Day 6 - The Isle of Mull

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 town of Tobermory. From here, we enjoy a coastal hike to the Rubha nan Gall lighthouse, located north of the town. The sea views from the elevated trails are fantastic. The lighthouse itself, like many others across Scotland, was built by Thomas Stevenson, father of the acclaimed novelist, Robert Louis Stevenson.

Back in Tobermory, there should be time to explore the town before we make the short drive to our hotel in the rural settlement of Dervaig.

Hike details: 6km, 180m elevation gain, 2-3 hours

Overnight: The Bellachroy, Dervaig, Isle of Mull (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast, Cafe Lunch, Dinner

Day 7 - 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. However, it’s a fascinating island with rich wildlife and history. Our hike takes us on a loop 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.

Hike details: 8km, 200m elevation gain, 3-4 hours

Overnight: The Bellachroy, Dervaig, Isle of Mull (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast, Packed Lunch (free evening – dinner not included)

Day 8 - 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 hike 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, we enjoy a celebratory dinner as we look back on this awesome island-hopping adventure before heading back to the mainland tomorrow.

Hike details: Approx 8km, 120m of elevation gain, 3 hours

Overnight: The Bellachroy, Dervaig, Isle of Mull (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Dinner

Day 9 - Loch Lomond National Park

We catch a mid-morning ferry back to the mainland and transfer to Loch Lomond National Park.

Today we have our final hike which is a classic hike up an easy peak offering unbeatable scenery over Loch Lomond. Conic Hill is a small summit (358m high) with an almighty view and is a part of the West Highland Way. The view across Loch Lomond from the summit is one of the best in Scotland.

Note: An alternative option instead of hiking if you prefer, is a relaxing lunch followed by a boat trip on Loch Lomond in the afternoon.

Afterwards, enjoy a celebratory drink before returning to our final hotel of the trip, where we will enjoy one last special meal together and reminise about our Island hopping adventure.

Hike details: 6km, 400m of ascent, approx 3-4 hours hiking

Overnight: The Winnock Hotel, Drymen, Loch Lomond (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast, Cafe Lunch, Dinner

Day 10 - 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.

Hike details: N/A

Overnight: N/A

Meals included: Breakfast