Scotland island hopping holiday, car free

Description of Scotland island hopping holiday, car free

Scottish island holidays can take a bit of planning, working out ferry logistics, how big each island is to navigate and so on, which is why we crafted an itinerary that takes in the three very different islands of Iona, Skye and Mull. Also, these islands are wonderfully remote and so many people don’t want to take a car, so holiday is all about leaving the car at home, travelling up on the stunning West Highland Line and travelling as a foot passenger after that. This holiday starts in Glasgow where you will travel on the West Highland Line, one of the UK’s most spectacular rail journeys, through highlands to the islands and passing Loch Lomond en route to Oban ferry port.

Mull and Iona

Although you take the ferry from Oban to Mull, you connect almost immediately to the neighbouring island of Iona by taking another short ferry crossing. This is because Iona’s spiritual and mystical heritage really immerses you in island life, making for the most refreshing start to any island hopping Scotland holiday. The island was first settled by Irish monk St Columba in 563 AD when he arrived with a handful of followers with a view to spreading Christianity in Scotland. They built a monastery and, although the present monastery dates back to the 11th century, this has long been a place of pilgrimage for many, and still is today. Worshippers of nature also travel long journeys to enjoy the wildlife and tranquillity here, from seals, sea birds, sandy beaches, wild flowers and incredible night skies.

You will stay in a locally owned hotel, built in 1868, with a waterfront location and ever changing views of the Sound of Iona and over to Mull.

Mull

Return to Mull, taking the ferry and bus to Tobermory, the island hub well known for its candy coloured terraced houses that line the seafront. The family owned hotel where you will be based for two nights is a beautiful restoration of several fishing houses on the waterfront.

Another wildlife lover’s haven, you will definitely want to bring your binoculars for some seriously good bird watching, with the chance to spot some whales or dolphins on coastal walks too. We are able to organise guided walks and wildlife tours if needed. In the evenings, Tobermory is a lively place to be, with friendly seafront bars and a very laid back atmosphere, as befits all Scottish islands.

Spean Bridge and Isle of Skye
After heading back to Oban, take the West Highland Line again to Spean Bridge, a small village in the Highlands and a beautiful location to take a break before your next island adventure. Spend the night in a small, locally owned hotel, celebrated not only for its fine organic food but also its ideal location for strolls that give views out to the natural wonders of Ben Nevis, the Great Glen valley and the wonderfully named Loch Lochy.

The next day, take the West Highland Line again to the port of Mallaig where the Isle of Skye awaits after a crossing of about 40 minutes. On Skye your hotel is in a beautiful sheltered cove with views for miles across the waters. The hotel is also a hub for the community, where Scottish Gaelic is the usual language spoken, and the traditional ‘craic’ is par for the course, making the bar a warm and welcoming place. The food is also excellent, specialising in local fare such as seafood and game. Whisky is, of course, always on the cards here, especially with The Gaelic Whiskies distillery, shop and sampling room just within a skimming stone’s distance from your hotel.

On the final full day of your holiday you can experience the delights of the Isle of Skye on a full day small group tour, led by one of our hand-selected local guides. If you have anything in particular that you would love to see, please advise your guide and they will try to incorporate it into the day.

The following morning you will leave Skye and travel by ferry to Mallaig and then along the length of the West Highland Line to Glasgow once more.

Departure information