Walking on Scotland’s Islands (DRAFT Concept) - v2

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 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.

Walk details: 8km, approx 120m elevation gain, 2-3 hours

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

Meals included: Lunch, Dinner

NB. Pre-night accommodation available upon request

NB. There are other walking options of between 4-8km that we could do in lieu of above.

Day 2 - 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 visit a small Island whisky distillery for a private 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.

Walk details: Options between 4-9km, up to 150m elevation gain, 2-3 hours

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

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

Day 3 - 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.

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

Overnight: Loch Melfort, near Oban (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast, Cafe Lunch, Dinner

Day 4 - 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.

Walk details: 10km, 300m elevation gain, 4-5 hours (this is a longer walk than most days, but definitely worth doing)

Overnight: Loch Melfort, near Oban (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Dinner

Day 5 - 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.

Walk details: minimal

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

Meals included: Breakfast, Cafe Lunch, Dinner

Day 6 - 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.

Walk 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 7 - 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.

Walk 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 8 - 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 enjoy a relaxing boat trip on Loch Lomond.

Afterwards, enjoy a celebratory drink before returning to our final hotel of the trip, where we will reminisce about our Island hopping adventure.

Walk details: minimal – easy beach walk

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

Meals included: Breakfast, Cafe Lunch, Dinner

Day 9 - 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