Self-guided walking
6 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 2+
Moderate plus
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This magical tour showcases the Inner Hebrides Islands, off the West Coast of Scotland. During the week long trip, you will experience the delights of Island hopping between Arran, Islay and Jura along with parts of the Kintyre Peninsula.
Iconic Arran provides an ideal starting point for your tour, complete with dramatic coastline and mountains, green forests, and a deserved reputation for some of the best local produce in the region. Jura is known for being one of Scotland's wildest islands, heavily populated by deer and scarcely populated by people, it makes the perfect location for long and peaceful walks in nature. Famous for its whisky production, Islay is known for its rich, peaty whiskies with nine distilleries in action today. Not a whisky drinker? No problem as the island has a rich and varied bird and animal life, gorgeous coastal paths to explore and pretty towns to visit.
With good ferry and bus public transport, its easy to combine these islands and also to extend the trip by a few days, in any of the locations if you so choose. A wonderful trip, combining hill and coastal walking, staying in lovely family run guesthouses and sampling the best of the region.
Your evenings will be spent in the company of fellow walkers from all around the world, experiencing quality hotels, offering the very best of Scottish hospitality. All accommodation is on a bed and breakfast basis, with evening meals and picnic lunches easily available either at your hotel, or in the nearby village.
Walks on this holiday are on village streets, country lanes, farm tracks and rural paths. Walking boots are essential. Walking poles are recommended.
Take the local ferry from Ardrossan to arrive on the Isle of Arran, at the start of your Scottish adventure. Brodick is the main village on the island and the location of the ferry port. Brodick Castle is definitely worth a visit, the once home of the Duke of Hamilton and full of antique furniture and period pieces. Spend a relaxing evening at your hotel in Brodick, after sampling a meal at one of the many eateries in the town.
Overnight at Hunters Guesthouse, Brodick (or similar).
You stay at Hunters Guest House.
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Visa
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Tea/coffee
Only a few steps from the ferry terminal will see you arrive at the family run Hunters Guesthouse. A great location right on the shore and with the shops and restaurants of Brodick all within easy walking distance. The guesthouse has 6 rooms, all en suite and provides a hearty breakfast, complete with fresh coffee from its on site coffee shop. The rooms are spacious, some with views over towards Goatfell and all with Wi-Fi and tea and coffee facilities.
Should this accommodation not be available, an alternative of the same standard will be used
Your first walk will see you leaving the town and venturing along the Fisherman's Walk to Cladach. Most visitors choose this point to climb to the summit of Goatfell, which is recommended for fit and experienced walkers only and is the highest on the island at 874m. The other option is to take the lower route through Merkland Wood through High Corrie and from there onto the coastal route to arrive at Corrie, your stopping place for the night.
Overnight at Corrie Hotel, Corrie (or similar).
You stay at Corrie Hotel.
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AmExHairdryerWiFiTVTea/coffee
With its welcoming bar and lounge, the Corrie Hotel is a friendly and convenient place for your overnight rest, with stunning views of the Firth of Clyde, Bute and Cumbrae to name a few. This hotel is privately owned and was built in 1850 so has a rich historical feel, with the rooms all modern and extremely comfortable. Breakfast is served at the hotel, and the bar serves delicious meals so you need not venture any further from the hotel gardens or the bright and relaxing dining room.
Should this accommodation not be available, an alternative of the same standard will be used
Today's section of the Arran Coastal Way is one of the best, with lovely coastal views towards Bute and Ayrshire in the distance. Leaving Sannox, the route travels through woods and across a few burns before reaching the North Sannox Burn, with stunning views of Cioch na h-Oighe behind and a great place to spot porpoise, seals and dolphins. When you reach Laggan Cottage, the route becomes rocky and boggy in places before passing the Cock of Arran and then onto Lochranza with good views of the castle. Make sure you look out for herons and seals that can usually be spotted here.
Overnight at Butt Lodge, Lochranza (or similar).
You stay at Butt Lodge.
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Once a Victorian shooting lodge, Butt Lodge now provides luxurious bed and breakfast accommodation. The Lodge sits in two acres of private grounds with open views over Lochranza golf course, the castle, and Kilbrannan Sound. The hotel provides a sumptuous breakfast menu, ideal for a day's exploring.
Should this accommodation not be available, an alternative of the same standard will be used
This morning you will take the ferry crossing to Claonaig, followed by a short transfer to Kennacraig, and your onward ferry to Port Ellen, on the Isle of Islay. Once you arrive, the day is yours to explore this famous whiskey producing island. Port Ellen is the largest town and has a lovely marina, few shops and restaurants along with the Ardview Inn, the only pub on the island! Visit the world famous Laphroaig distillery, take a public bus to one of the other villages or a leisurely walk amongst the pristine sands.
Overnight at Askernish, Port Ellen (or similar).
You stay at Askernish.
MastercardVisaHairdryerWiFiTVTea/coffee
Situated on the harbour front of this lovely village, the Askernish is typical of Scottish hospitality - warm and welcoming. With most having sea views, the rooms are comfortable and provide all you will need for your overnight stay, from TV and Wi - Fi to tea and coffee making facilities, iron and ironing board. They serve a full Scottish breakfast, from the cosy dining room which will set you up nicely for your day.
Should this accommodation not be available, an alternative of the same standard will be used
Taking the morning bus to Port Askaig, then a short ferry will see you arriving on the island of Jura. Populated mostly by deer, the island is a wealth of natural beauty, with Craighouse being the centre for most inhabitants. The terrain is rugged and wild, with miles of open moorland to explore. Despite the close proximity to Glasgow, only 60 miles away, it feels truly remote and extremely peaceful. After your journey from Islay, you may wish to take a more gentle walk today, there are plenty to choose from, leaving at Craighouse itself, saving your energy for the last day and the famous Paps of Jura tomorrow! Or visit the Isle of Jura distillery, rebuilt in the 1960's after years of inactivity, the pride and joy of the community. Also, not to be missed is the world's third largest whirlpool, The Corryvreckan, situated in the north of the island.
Overnight at Jura Hotel (or similar).
You stay at Jura Hotel.
MastercardVisaHairdryerWiFiTea/coffee
The Jura has a friendly and homely atmosphere, the staff are excellent and the location is superb as a base from which to explore Jura, this magical island. There are two lounges, free Wi-Fi of course, and a restaurant & lounge bar serving great meals based on local produce and at reasonable prices. The hotel also boasts the only pub on the island, a welcome treat after a long day of hill walking!
Should this accommodation not be available, an alternative of the same standard will be used
Today we recommend you try the unforgettable Paps of Jura, a classic Scottish hill walk and a challenging end to your weeks holiday. Located in the south of the island, the three peaks provide the perfect location for a varied and exciting walk, opportunities for bird watching and incredible views to numerous islands as well as the mainland.
Overnight at Jura Hotel (or similar).
Depart your hotel this morning to begin your journey home. The ferry from Port Askaig will take you back to Kennacraig and from there you can either drive or take the train back to Glasgow and your onward journey. Why not add on a few extra days to make the most of the many activities and attractions of these wonderful islands.
Please ask at time of booking for extra days.
These tour only prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement from NZ$735.
These flight inclusive prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement from NZ$735.
Call now to speak to our specialist team at 0044 1606 720199 or email us at sales@headwater.com for enquiries or to book your trip.
Self-guided walking
6 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 2+
Moderate plus
Navigation App
