7 October

United Kingdom: Coll

The Isle of Coll is rocky and rugged in the north, while to the south a landscape of grassy dunes known as machair is surrounded by sandy beaches. The tranquility is disturbed only by the island’s abundant birdlife, and in particular by the rasping call of the corncrake.

7 October

United Kingdom: Hynish (Isle of Tiree)

Tiree is the westernmost of the Inner Hebrides, and enjoys some of the longest sunshine hours in the UK. The influence of the Gulf Stream also means the climate is milder than on the mainland, and the island is characterised by sweeping white sand beaches, pretty wildflowers and strong winds that keep the midges away.

8 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.

8 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.

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: Loch na Mile (Isle of Jura)

Jura is a wild and rugged island, where a population of 200 people is outnumbered by some 5,000 red deer. The landscape is dominated by the Paps mountains, and the island is known for its fine whiskies. Jura was also once home to George Orwell, who completed ‘1984’ at the remote Barnhill farmhouse.

10 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.

11 October

United Kingdom: Loch a Chairn Bhain

11 October

United Kingdom: Craignure

The village of Craignure is the main ferry port on the Isle of Mull. This rugged and varied island is one of the most popular destinations in the Hebrides, and is rich in wildlife, home to species including white-tailed eagles, otters and whales.

12 October

United Kingdom: Glenmore Bay

Glenmore Bay is a remote and sleepy bay on the southern side of the Ardnamurchan Peninsula. The main attractions, other than the region’s wild beauty, are the Ardnamurchan Natural History Visitor Centre and the Ardnamurchan Distillery at Glenbeg.

12 October

United Kingdom: Tobermory

Tobermory, an old fishing station brightened by a crescent of colourful houses, is the main settlement on the Isle of Mull. This rugged and varied island is one of the most popular destinations in the Hebrides, and is rich in wildlife, home to species including white-tailed eagles, otters and whales.

13 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.