Tobermory, Isle of Mull

© VisitScotland / John Duncan

An island hopping holiday on the west coast

Get ready for seven unforgettable days of island adventure!

Discover what it means to island hop across the western islands of Scotland. This itinerary takes you from Arran in the Firth of Clyde to the Isle of Skye in The Highlands. As you explore, you'll discover top attractions, see incredible coastline and scenery, and get a taste of island life. A good network of ferry services makes getting around pretty straightforward.

So, what are you waiting for?!

Start / Finish
Brodick / Kyle of Lochalsh
  • Days
    7
  • Distance
    292Miles

    467km
  • Transport
    Car
  • Main theme
    Islands
Highlights
Island scenery
Wildlife
Historic sites
Distilleries
Outdoor activities
Seafood
Areas covered
West

Day 1Isle of Arran

Transport:
Car
Ferry

And so you're off! Take the ferry from the Ayrshire port of Ardrossan and spend today discovering the charms of Arran, a small island with bags going on. Arran's one of Scotland's most accessible islands and the isle can be reached entirely by public transport. The ferry crossing takes just 55 minutes - so what are you waiting for?!

When it comes to dining out in the evening, choose from one of the many eateries - we recommend trying the island cheese if it's on the menu!

  • Brodick Castle and Country Park Brodick

    Brodick Castle, Garden & Country Park

    © National Trust for Scotland

    Head to Brodick Castle and Country Park, the only island country park in Britain. Traditionalists will love it; it's the quintessential Victorian Scottish estate. Steeped in history, the castle was the ancient seat of the Dukes of Hamilton and houses a fabulous collection of artefacts, from silverware and paintings to even sporting trophies. Explore the garden to see the famous collection of rhododendrons or follow one of the woodland trails - you might even spot rare red squirrels.

    Afterwards, set off along either the coastal road north or south to get a real feel for the island's geography. Let the kids blow off some steam at the Isle Be Wild adventure play area and for the adults, take it easy as you stroll through the formal gardens on the Silver Garden Trail.

    Experience the magic of Brodick Castle
    Isle Of Arran,Brodick,KA27 8HY
    Key facilities
    • Parking
    • Pets Welcome
    • Accessible Parking Or Drop-off Point
    • Hearing Loop
    • Cafe or Restaurant
  • Machrie Moor Standing Stones Machrie

    Machrie

    Get a breath of fresh air and explore an ancient wonder, the stone circles of Machrie Moor. The site dates back 4,500 years and is an archaeologist's dream.

    There are standing stones taller than those at Calanais on the Isle of Lewis, and the walk through isolated moorland is simply splendid. From the stones, you can see Goatfell, Arran's mountain, and views across the sea.

    Find out more about Machrie Moor Standing Stones
    Machrie
  • Arran Distillery Lochranza

    Lochranza Distillery

    Head to Lochranza for a distillery tour and discover the story of whisky on the Isle of Arran, see the distilling process in action, and sample the malt whisky and Arran Gold, a delightful, creamy whisky-based liqueur.

    Find out more about Arran Distillery
    Lochranza,Lochranza,KA27 8HJ

Day 2Islay

Transport:
Car
Ferry

Hop from Arran back to the mainland and make your way to Kennacraig to catch the ferry to Port Ellen on bonnie Islay, where fine malt whisky, pretty villages and beautiful beaches await!

When it's time to unwind in the evening, you can tuck into fresh seafood and other island produce in restaurants and pubs - and try a couple more whiskies, of course!

  • Bowmore Bowmore

    The circular church at Bowmore, a fishing port on the east side of loch Indaal, Islay.

    © VisitScotland / Paul Tomkins, all rights reserved.

    It would be criminal to come to Islay without paying a visit to a distillery. The island is a whisky region in its own right, renowned for producing malt whiskies which are peaty in character. The only trouble is that with eight active distilleries, it might be hard to choose which ones you visit!

    How about Bowmore Distillery, north of Port Ellen on the A846? It's the oldest legal distillery in Scotland, set up by John Simpson in 1779.

    Find out more about Bowmore
    Bowmore
  • Museum of Islay Life Islay

    A Motorhome Parked By A Beach Near Port Ellen On The Isle Of Islay

    © VisitScotland / Paul Tomkins

    Time to delve into the past! Housed in a former church, the museum is filled with a whole range of curios and objects from different periods, from carved grave slabs dating from 1400-1600 AD to maritime memorabilia recovered from shipwrecks, as well as photographs covering Edwardian and Victorian times.

    Find out more about Museum of Islay Life
  • Loch Gruinart Bridgend

    A huge flock of Barnacle Geese in flight.

    Did you know?

    Loch Gruinart is a working farm as well as a nature reserve.

    Visit Loch Gruinart, a nature reserve which offers gentle walking past quiet beaches with views out to Colonsay. Whatever the season, you're bound to see some of the island's majestic wildlife - wading birds, secretive corncrakes and colourful butterflies. Perhaps you'll join a ranger on a guided walk or pop into the visitor centre to discover the island's natural heritage?

    When it's time to unwind in the evening, you can tuck into fresh seafood and other island produce in restaurants and pubs - and try a couple more whiskies, of course!

    Find out more about Loch Gruinart
    RSPB Scotland,Bushmill Cottages,Gruinart,Bridgend,PA44 7PP
    Key facilities
    • Parking
    • Pets Welcome
    • Level Access

Day 3Jura

Day 4Mull

Day 5Mull & Iona

Day 6Skye

Day 7North Skye

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