6 October

United Kingdom: Craobh Haven

Craobh Haven was built in 1983 as a holiday village and marina, and you’ll see plenty of yachts moored here. There are some lovely walks nearby, and the region is home to wildlife including kestrels, seals and porpoises. Arduaine Garden is also worth a visit for its colourful collection of exotic plants.

6 October

United Kingdom: Ardfern

7 October

United Kingdom: Crinan

The village of Crinan guards the entrance to the Crinan Canal, built in the 19th century to cut out the long and perilous journey around the Kintyre peninsula. There is a lovely network of towpaths, lock gates and walking trails to explore, set amongst the picturesque Knapdale forest.

7 October

United Kingdom: Tayvallich

The pretty village of Tayvallich is a popular yachting haven, situated on a sheltered bay on the western shore of Loch Sween. There are some lovely walks amongst the dense woods, and a single-track road leads to the remote Chapel of Keills, which houses a collection of medieval stone carvings.

8 October to 9 October

United Kingdom: Port Ellen (Islay)

Islay is renowned for its peaty, smoky whiskies, and the island is home to nine different distilleries, including the famous Laphroaig. Other highlights include the RSPB Loch Gruinart Nature Reserve and the ruins at Finlaggan, former seat of the Lords of the Isles.

9 October

United Kingdom: Gigha Island

10 October

United Kingdom: Oronsay

10 October

United Kingdom: Colonsay

The island of Colonsay is blessed with a varied landscape of birch woods, sandy beaches, rugged hills and grassy lowlands known as ‘machair’. Highlights include the dramatic sweep of Kiloran Bay and the magnificent gardens of Colonsay House, spread over some 30 acres.

11 October

United Kingdom: Iona

The tiny island of Iona, situated off the southwestern tip of Mull, is said to be the cradle of Christianity in Scotland, and is a popular place of pilgrimage. Thousands of visitors flock here every year to visit the Abbey, and the island gets particularly busy in summer.

11 October

United Kingdom: Ulva

The traffic-free, privately owned island of Ulva is situated just off the west coast of Mull. With a permanent population of around sixteen people it’s a peaceful and unspoilt place, offering excellent hiking and cycling opportunities, varied wildlife and an intriguing history.

12 October

Arriving in Oban

The waterfront town of Oban, situated on Scotland’s west coast, is the main gateway to the Hebridean islands, and it’s a busy place in summer. We recommend sampling the excellent seafood while enjoying the views across to the islands of Mull and Kerrera.