Do & See: Beaches, Hiking, Sea Kayaking, Walking/Cycling the Hebridean Way

Check out the white sands and rolling Atlantic waves on Machir Bay. That is why they are now inviting new residents and the island is everything that you could possibly want it to be. Further offshore, but well worth the adventure lie the Isle of Staffa with its iconic Fingal’s Cave and the Treshnish Isles which are a paradise for wildlife watching. The island is covered in McPhies – “mountains” over 300 ft – which can be bagged in much the same manner as Munros. Transport: Rental Car, Public Transport, Walking/Cycling on the Hebridean Way Colonsay is an island for outdoor lovers and beach babes. Located halfway between Mull and Islay, it can be reached by ferry from Oban or Port Askaig on Islay.

distilleries here!

Check out my practical guide to renting a car in Scotland. There is a Scottish isle for everyone and each one has its own special character! These decisions have a direct impact on what island(s) might be right for your Scotland holiday. The Arran Coastal Way is a circular path around the island and fits well into a week-long holiday. YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: 20 Beautiful Towns to Visit in Scotland. A small boat brings you across to the privately owned Isle of Ulva which is great for walking.

Barra is a 5-hour ferry ride from the mainland, the Shetland ferry takes overnight from Aberdeen – you would only visit if you had plenty of time to spend at your destination. The beaches are a major draw for most visitors – Luskentyre, Horbabost, Seilebost, Borve and Husinish are hard to beat when it comes to beauty and they are dotted with campsites. You can also visit the archaeological site on St Ninian’s Isle. The island is known for its large amount of sunshine hours, its flat and bike-friendly roads and its wind which makes for perfect (wind-) surfing conditions. I hope that this list gave you an overview of what each Scottish island has to offer and which islands can fulfil what you are looking for. Electricity and Internet access are not a problem.

Spend 1 day or more. Or book a private walking tour in Glasgow with me! Spend 2 days or more. Transport: Rental Car, Guided Tour, Walking/Cycling

You can also cruise across to the volcanic island of St Kilda, which has the highest seacliffs in the UK and is home to the country’s largest colony of Atlantic puffins.

It sounds like a wonderful treat, but there are some things to consider before you sign on the dotted line. Once the ferry docks in Rothesay, you can navigate the island by bus or by walking the West Island Way – a 30-mile long-distance trail looping around the south and the north of the island. . The local community is super welcoming and the island has plenty to offer. And the more time you will spend on the road driving between these places. I didn’t see anything about Hoy. This tiny island lays off the coast of Scotland and they want to grow their population to a certain extent.

Barra is a 5-hour ferry ride from Oban, so it requires quite a commitment to reach it. Island hopping is the art of combining multiple islands in one trip. There is plenty to do to fill a weekend – hiking, bouldering, sandy beaches, watching the local deer herds, visiting Kinloch Castle and joining the local community at the village centre. For example, the electricity on the island comes from a hydroelectric dam and it doesn’t have a high output. Transport: Organised Boat Trip Some Scottish islands, such as the Outer Hebrides, the Small Isles or the southern Hebrides lend themselves to multi-island itineraries, while others such as the Isle of Coll or Shetland are harder to combine with other islands. Finding the right island is about making tough but smart choices in order to get the most out of your time in Scotland. The Isle of Skye, Orkney, Lewis and Harris – some islands hardly need an introduction. You’ve not mentioned the time of the year you are coming, so please be aware that puffins are usually only on land from mid-April to early August, give or take a little depending on the weather. A Tiny Island Off The Coast Of Scotland Is Looking For New Residents. Your email address will not be published. There are buses on Harris, but the easiest way to get around and reach the far-flung corners of the island is by rental car. Spend 2 days or more.