Scottish Islands – 8 Days

From Glasgow or Edinburgh head north for a first flavour of the landscapes that Scotland has to offer ads your travel the banks of Loch Lomond and through theTrossachs National Park. Possibly stop at Inveraray and Inveraray Castle on route to Oban, “gateway to the islands” to visit this charming port home of Mccaigs Tower overlooking the docks and the famous Oban Whiskey Distillery.

• Accommodation: overnight in Oban.
• Distance: 115 miles / 185 km, 2 hours 35 minutes (approx.), if starting at Edinburgh Airport*.
• Highlights: Oban Distillery.

DAY TWO – The Isles of Mull, Iona and Iona Abbey

Taking the ferry to Mull experience the first of Scotland’s Islands. Visit the magical Torosay Castle and gardens before heading to the most southerly tip of the island and the port of Fionnphort to cross to the tiny Isle of Iona and the spiritual Iona Abbey. Returning north trough the remote landscapes visit the tiny fishing town of Tobermory famed for its quaint pastel coloured cottages and natural port.

• Accommodation: overnight in Isle fo Mull.
• Distance: 30 miles / 50 km, 2 hours (approx.), ferry crossing required.
• Highlights: Isle of Mull, Isle of Iona and Iona Abbey.

DAY THREE – Road to the Isles and the Isle of Skye

Cross briefly back to the Scottish mainland before a further leisurely ferry to arrive on another of Scotland’s Inner Hebrides and better known islands, the Isle of Skye. Visit the Clan Donald centre, Talisker Distillery and the famous Cuillin Mountains on route to the quaint island capital, the fishing town of Portree.

• Accommodation: overnight in Isle of Skye.
• Distance: 110 miles / 180 km, 4 hours 35 minutes (approx.), ferry crossing required.
• Highlights:  Isle of Skye.

DAY FOUR – Dunvegan Castle and the Isle of Lewis

Spend this morning enjoying the natural scenery of Skye as you drive the Trotternish Peninsula to features such as “Kilt Rock” and “the Old Man of Storr”. Time permitting visit Dunvegan Castle before your ferry passage to the outer Hebrides and the Isle of Harris.

• Accommodation: overnight in Isle of Lewis or Harris.
• Distance: 80 miles / 130 km, 3 hours 50 minutes (approx.), ferry crossing required.
• Highlights: Dunvegan Castle.

DAY FIVE – The Isles of Lewis and Harris

Explore the magical islands of Lewis and Harris with its truly breathtaking landscapes of rocky terrain and glorious deserted sweeping sandy beaches. Experience the rare wildlife including whales, dolphins and sharks off the shores as well as an array of birdlife. There are a number of stunning historic sites to uncover such as the iron-age Carloway Broch and the mysterious neolithic Callainish Standing Stones.

• Accommodation: overnight in Isle of Lewis or Harris.
• Highlights:  Isle of Lewis and Isle of Harris, Carloway Broch and the Callanish Stone.

DAY SIX – Lews Castle, the Highlands and Inverness

This morning enjoy the bustle of harbour town Stornoway and perhaps visit Lews Castle perched above the town where you’ll gain stunning views over the town and beyond. After lunch take the ferry back to the mainland and embark on s tunningly scenic drive through the highlands with a possible stop at Falls of Measach in Corrieshalloch Gorge on route to Inverness, capital of the Highlands.

• Accommodation: overnight in Inverness.
• Distance: 110 miles / 180 km, 4 hours 40 minutes (approx.), ferry crossing required.
• Highlights: Inverness.

DAY SEVEN – Culloden Moor, Pitlochry and Stirling

As you leave Inverness you may choose to visit the eerie Culloden Moor before continuing south through the heart of Scotland. The Victorian town of Pitlochry makes for a nice lunch-stop where you can visit the Blair Athol whisky distillery. As you arrive back in to he south of Scotland visit Stirling where you’ll uncover Scottish history and Stirling Castle and the Wallace Monument before arriving in Edinburgh.

• Accommodation: overnight in Edinburgh.
• Distance: 155 miles / 250 km, 3 hours 15 minutes (approx.)*.
• Highlights: Culloden Moor and Stirling Castle.

DAYS EIGHT – The Scottish Capital Edinburgh and Edinburgh Castle

Your final day can be spent exploring the enchanting capital city of Scotland; experience the winding alleys and cobbled lanes of the old town and the wide avenues of the Georgian New Town. Visit the royal residence at the palace of Holyrood House and don’t miss out on the stunning Edinburgh Castle home of the Scottish Crown Jewels.

• Highlights: Edinrburgh City and Edinburgh Castle.

Return your vehicle.

*Journey times and distances are estimates and are based on the direct route between the start location and end location for each day of the itinerary, where applicable. They do not include detours or stops for sightseeing.