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Highlights
Islay, Jura, and Colonsay are three beautiful islands off the west coast of Scotland that offer a unique and unforgettable experience for walkers. Known for their stunning landscapes, abundant wildlife and (in the case of Islay and Jura) world-renowned whiskies, these islands are a must-visit destination for travelers seeking to immerse themselves in Scotland's natural beauty and history. Basing ourselves in comfortable accommodation on Islay, this holiday provides a unique opportunity to explore all three islands. Islay - also known as the "Queen of the Hebrides" - is the most southerly of the Inner Hebrides. This fertile island is home to a thriving crofting community and has much to delight the vistor. Our walks will take you to wild headlands, beautiful beaches, ancient standing stones and small hills with jaw-dropping views. The island is also rich in birds and is home to several RSPB reserves. Islay is also famous for its peaty, smoky single malt whiskies, which are exported all over the world. Jura, Islay's northerly neighbour, is a sparsely populated island with a wild and untamed landscape. The Paps of Jura are dramatic and rugged mountains which dominate the island. We will (weather permitting) be climbing a smaller and much easier peak at Jura's north end, which will give us sensational views and a great chance to spot red deer and golden eagles. . Colonsay, which lies just north west of Islay and Jura, is a small but beautiful island that boasts stunning white sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, many fascinating archaeological remains and an abundance of wildflowers and wildlife. We will be exploring some of the island's many gorgeous hidden corners. |
2024 Dates:
Sat 18th - Fri 24th May Full Sat 29th June - Fri 5th July 6 places left Sat 27th July - Fri 2nd August 4 places left How long: 6 nights, 5 days walking Grade: Moderate (see our Grading Information page for more details on how we grade our tours) Start: Glasgow Price: £1,765 Single supplement £160. ***£50 discount for returning clients!*** |
Tour Details
(please note that this schedule may be subject to change depending on weather conditions during the trip).
Included meals are shown as follows: B - breakfast; L - lunch; D - dinner
DAY 1 - TRAVEL TO ISLAY (D)
We will meet in Glasgow at 1pm then drive to the Kintyre peninsula before catching the ferry to Islay.
DAY 2 - RHINNS OF ISLAY (B, L, D)
We will start off in style with a trip to the beautiful and windswept west coast of Islay. The Rhinns of Islay are exposed to the full force of the Atlantic gales in winter and the constant pounding of the waves has produced some spectacular cliffs and coastline. In amongst the cliffs are long sandy beaches backed by extensive dune systems.
On our walk along this spectacular coastline we will encounter one of the Hebrides' most impressive standing stones. We will also climb a small hill which will reward us with excellent views along Islay's west coast.
6 miles/10 km and 650ft/200m of ascent
DAY 3 - THE OA PENINSULA (B, L, D)
Our plan for today is to hike along the wild northern coast of the Oa peninsula. Passing Soldier's Rock, a stunning natural sea stack, our route takes in numerous abandoned crofting villages with dilapidated homes, corn drying kilns, a standing stone, and the remnants of an ancient chapel. The inhabitants of these villages were forced out of their land during the latter half of the 19th century, with many relocating to the central Lowlands or leaving the country altogether.
Next, we will trek towards the exposed headland which boasts an impressive range of caves and rock arches, along with a particularly dramatic sea stack. On a clear day you can glimpse Ireland's Antrim coast from here.
We will end the day with a drive towards the westernmost tip of the peninsula for a hike to the Mull of Oa and the American Monument. This memorial is dedicated to the two troop ships that sank in 1918. From here a short climb takes us to Beinn Mhor, the peninsula's highest point.
Total: 9.5 miles/15.5 km and 1400ft/425m of ascent.
DAY 4 - SGORR NAM FAOILEANN (B, L, D)
Today we will head towards the eastern coast of Islay for a trek up Sgorr nam Faoileann, a small hill with big views! At only 1407ft/429m the Sgorr is not high but, upon reaching the summit, we will be rewarded with a stunning panoramic view. You will be able to see the whole of Islay, the neighbouring islands of Jura and Colonsay, and much, much more!
We will be hiking over rough and remote country, without a clear path, but with luck we will be able to spot red deer along the way.
As the day comes to an end, we will visit one of the nine whisky distilleries located on Islay.
6 miles/9.5 km and 1370ft/420m of ascent
DAY 5 - COLONSAY (B, L, D)
Time for a day trip to the wonderful island of Colonsay, a beautiful little land of fertile meadows, ancient ruins and exquisite beaches. There are a number of walks we can choose from - which one we do will depend on the weather. However, wherever we go we will enjoy the island's delightfully varied landscapes, rich flora and abundant birdlife. If tides permit we will make our way over the sands to the tidal island of Oronsay, rich in ancient history.
Up to 7 miles/12km and 800ft/250m ascent.
DAY 6 - JURA (B, L, D)
We will finish with another day trip, this time to the Isle of Jura. We have several options today, depending on how fit people are feeling! If the weather is good and we might head up Corra Bheinn, a small hill just north of the famous Paps of Jura. Though not high this rugged little peak offers an entertaing challenge and gives outstanding views to the other Jura mountains and north to the Inner Hebrides and Argyll. Alternatively, we may do a much easier and gentler hike exploring the island's east coast, with beautiful views across the Sound of Jura to Knapdale.
7 miles/11km and 2000ft/600m of ascent.
DAY 7 - DEPART (B)
In the morning we will take the ferry back to the mainland. We will arrive back in Glasgow by mid afternoon.
(please note that this schedule may be subject to change depending on weather conditions during the trip).
Included meals are shown as follows: B - breakfast; L - lunch; D - dinner
DAY 1 - TRAVEL TO ISLAY (D)
We will meet in Glasgow at 1pm then drive to the Kintyre peninsula before catching the ferry to Islay.
DAY 2 - RHINNS OF ISLAY (B, L, D)
We will start off in style with a trip to the beautiful and windswept west coast of Islay. The Rhinns of Islay are exposed to the full force of the Atlantic gales in winter and the constant pounding of the waves has produced some spectacular cliffs and coastline. In amongst the cliffs are long sandy beaches backed by extensive dune systems.
On our walk along this spectacular coastline we will encounter one of the Hebrides' most impressive standing stones. We will also climb a small hill which will reward us with excellent views along Islay's west coast.
6 miles/10 km and 650ft/200m of ascent
DAY 3 - THE OA PENINSULA (B, L, D)
Our plan for today is to hike along the wild northern coast of the Oa peninsula. Passing Soldier's Rock, a stunning natural sea stack, our route takes in numerous abandoned crofting villages with dilapidated homes, corn drying kilns, a standing stone, and the remnants of an ancient chapel. The inhabitants of these villages were forced out of their land during the latter half of the 19th century, with many relocating to the central Lowlands or leaving the country altogether.
Next, we will trek towards the exposed headland which boasts an impressive range of caves and rock arches, along with a particularly dramatic sea stack. On a clear day you can glimpse Ireland's Antrim coast from here.
We will end the day with a drive towards the westernmost tip of the peninsula for a hike to the Mull of Oa and the American Monument. This memorial is dedicated to the two troop ships that sank in 1918. From here a short climb takes us to Beinn Mhor, the peninsula's highest point.
Total: 9.5 miles/15.5 km and 1400ft/425m of ascent.
DAY 4 - SGORR NAM FAOILEANN (B, L, D)
Today we will head towards the eastern coast of Islay for a trek up Sgorr nam Faoileann, a small hill with big views! At only 1407ft/429m the Sgorr is not high but, upon reaching the summit, we will be rewarded with a stunning panoramic view. You will be able to see the whole of Islay, the neighbouring islands of Jura and Colonsay, and much, much more!
We will be hiking over rough and remote country, without a clear path, but with luck we will be able to spot red deer along the way.
As the day comes to an end, we will visit one of the nine whisky distilleries located on Islay.
6 miles/9.5 km and 1370ft/420m of ascent
DAY 5 - COLONSAY (B, L, D)
Time for a day trip to the wonderful island of Colonsay, a beautiful little land of fertile meadows, ancient ruins and exquisite beaches. There are a number of walks we can choose from - which one we do will depend on the weather. However, wherever we go we will enjoy the island's delightfully varied landscapes, rich flora and abundant birdlife. If tides permit we will make our way over the sands to the tidal island of Oronsay, rich in ancient history.
Up to 7 miles/12km and 800ft/250m ascent.
DAY 6 - JURA (B, L, D)
We will finish with another day trip, this time to the Isle of Jura. We have several options today, depending on how fit people are feeling! If the weather is good and we might head up Corra Bheinn, a small hill just north of the famous Paps of Jura. Though not high this rugged little peak offers an entertaing challenge and gives outstanding views to the other Jura mountains and north to the Inner Hebrides and Argyll. Alternatively, we may do a much easier and gentler hike exploring the island's east coast, with beautiful views across the Sound of Jura to Knapdale.
7 miles/11km and 2000ft/600m of ascent.
DAY 7 - DEPART (B)
In the morning we will take the ferry back to the mainland. We will arrive back in Glasgow by mid afternoon.
The holiday starts and ends in Glasgow. Your guide will meet you at the entrance of Glasgow Queen Street railway station at 1pm.
Glasgow is easily accessible by plane, train and bus.
Glasgow is easily accessible by plane, train and bus.
What's Included: 6 nights accommodation, 5 days walking. Accommodation at local quality guest houses*, with full Scottish or continental breakfasts; packed lunches; evening meals at local restaurants (note that lunch on the final day is not included).
All transport during the holiday, including collection and drop off in Inverness and all ferry crossings. The services of an experienced walk leader.
Transport is provided by our comfortable, modern minibus.
What's Not Included: Food at any cafes we may visit. Entrance to any visitor attractions. Alcoholic drinks. Travel insurance.
We will be staying in carefully selected guest houses. All rooms will have ensuite or private bathrooms. Single occupancy rooms are available at an additional cost of £140.
We may have to split the party up between several guest houses. However, we will be dining together each evening in local restaurants so there will be plenty of opportunities for socialising with the rest of the group.
All transport during the holiday, including collection and drop off in Inverness and all ferry crossings. The services of an experienced walk leader.
Transport is provided by our comfortable, modern minibus.
What's Not Included: Food at any cafes we may visit. Entrance to any visitor attractions. Alcoholic drinks. Travel insurance.
We will be staying in carefully selected guest houses. All rooms will have ensuite or private bathrooms. Single occupancy rooms are available at an additional cost of £140.
We may have to split the party up between several guest houses. However, we will be dining together each evening in local restaurants so there will be plenty of opportunities for socialising with the rest of the group.
Moderate / Challenging. This is the most energetic holiday we offer! For holidays of this grade you will need to be capable of undertaking longer walks of up to 10 miles, though not all days will be this long. Some routes will go up small hills, so you need to be capable of climbing peaks of 600m (2,000ft). You also need to be confident walking away from paths on uneven terrain, over grassy and heathery hillsides.
Whilst more difficult than our other trips, these are not mountain hiking holidays, so we are not looking for endurance athlete levels of fitness! If you are capable of climbing some of the smaller peaks in the Lake District or Snowdonia and are happy walking away from paths over remote terrain you should be fine on this tour.
See our Grading Information page for more information about how we grade our holidays.
Whilst more difficult than our other trips, these are not mountain hiking holidays, so we are not looking for endurance athlete levels of fitness! If you are capable of climbing some of the smaller peaks in the Lake District or Snowdonia and are happy walking away from paths over remote terrain you should be fine on this tour.
See our Grading Information page for more information about how we grade our holidays.
This holiday is new for 2024 so there are no reviews yet. We will publish them here as they come in.