Details
Day One – Glasgow to Iona
You start by train from Glasgow, taking the West Highland Line past Loch Lomond and through dramatic scenery to the ferry port of Oban. Here you cross by ferry to Mull then use local bus connections and a second short ferry to reach the isle of Iona. This tiny island is a deeply spiritual place – a historic Christian pilgrimage destination which has drawn travellers to its enigmatic shores for more than a thousand years.
Your Iona hotel
The hotel was built in 1868 as the village inn and has two comfortable lounges with open fires, a plant-filled sun lounge and a spacious dining room with antiques and portraits which all overlook the Sound of Iona to the pink and blue hills of Mull. There are only fifteen cosy bedrooms with ensuite facilities, as well as period furniture and original paintings. The hotel lies within walking distance of Iona’s famous Abbey and only 200 yards from the ferry jetty. The freshly prepared real home-cooking uses many herbs and vegetables from the on-site organic garden.
Day Two – Iona
Iona’s popularity as a daytrip destination is in stark contrast to the numbers of people who stay overnight. You’re in an ideal position to experience the peace and even mysticism of an island which has played a notable role in Scottish society for hundreds of years. The brilliant blue-green waters and clear light here have inspired poets, painters and pilgrims for centuries. Iona’s historical and spiritual significance dates back to the time of St. Columba, who founded a monastery here and helped to spread Christianity throughout Scotland. The present Iona Abbey dates from the eleventh century and is a true sanctuary, where services and special events are held every day throughout the summer months. The island is also noted for its wonderful sandy beaches and dramatic cliffs, offering picturesque views over to Mull. As you explore this enchanting wilderness, whether on foot or bicycle, keep an eye out for some stunning wild flowers and rare birds, including corncrakes, sparrowhawks and buzzards.
Day Three – to Tobermory, Mull
Return by ferry to Mull and make your way by local bus to the main island village of Tobermory, your base for the next two nights.
Your hotel in Tobermory
Basking in the picture-postcard charm of Tobermory’s stunning waterfront, your hotel has been cleverly converted from a row of fisherman’s cottages into a delightful family-run establishment. Comfortable lounges and bedrooms offer a warm welcome just a stone’s throw from one of the world’s prettiest working harbours. The locally popular restaurant enjoys views across to Calve Island and offers a simple menu of grills and salads, with an emphasis on local produce. There are lots of other options for evening dining too, including excellent seafood.
Day Four – the Isle of Mull
A sheer paradise for lovers of Scotland’s natural heritage, Mull is an island gem, with an enviable diversity of wildlife thriving everywhere from dense woodland glens to the grassy slopes of Ben More. Its many miles of coastline boast fantastic sandy beaches – particularly at Calgary and Ardalanish – whilst off-shore is one of Europe’s prime habitats for whales and dolphins – we can add a wildlife boat trip to your holiday if you wish. Meanwhile, lively Tobermory has a bustling vitality and is a great place for a few days. Brightly painted houses provide a colourful backdrop to the picture-postcard harbour and the ‘craic’ in waterfront bars rivals anything on the mainland.
We can arrange a number of guided tours today, whether you are interested in wildlife, photography or walking.
Day Five – From Mull to Spean Bridge
Today you return by ferry to the mainland and then rejoin the West Highland rail line, travelling from Oban to the Highland village of Spean Bridge for an overnight stop.
Your Hotel
With views toward Ben Nevis, this family-run small hotel is a popular restaurant serving organic, home-cooked food, which also has comfortable but informal accommodation. On arrival, you will be greeted with fresh tea and home-made scones. Settle into your room to unwind, or take a stroll down the quiet country lanes for amazing views of Ben Nevis, Loch Lochy and the Great Glen and work up an appetite for dinner. There are comfy sofas and cosy corners in the sitting rooms, with a library of books begging to be looked at, and when the need arises, real fires to warm your toes. This is a perfect haven for a relaxing break whatever time of year, where the pace of life slows the minute you arrive.
Day Six – To the Isle of Skye
After a morning to relax and perhaps take a refreshing walk in the shadow of Ben Nevis, its onwards once again on the West Highland Line to Mallaig, where you cross by ferry to the Isle of Skye. You will be transferred to your final lochside hotel.
Your Hotel
Sheltered by a gently curving bay, your charming whitewashed hotel sits right on the seashore, enjoying expansive views over the Sound of Sleat to the wilderness of Knoydart. This, the most southerly part of Skye, is an area of great natural beauty, often referred to as the “Garden of Skye”, thanks to its abundant bird life and profusion of wild flowers. This is a Gaelic-speaking community and the bar is a convivial meeting place for the locals, who mix happily with hotel guests, often to the accompaniment of traditional music and Gaelic song in front of the roaring log fire.
Twelve bedrooms (six in the Garden House) are decorated with pretty cotton and linen chintzes and there are four new suites in the recently restored stables, each enjoying superb views across the water to the lighthouse of Isle Ornsay. Candlelit meals in the wood-panelled dining room reflect the estate’s culinary riches, with wonderful shellfish and game featuring prominently on the menu.
Day Seven – Relax on Skye
On the little harbour right beside the hotel is the headquarters of “The Gaelic Whiskies”, where you can sample an excellent range of connoisseur brands before browsing in the nearby gallery and craft shop.
The surrounding area of hills, moorland, woodland and seashore offers endless opportunities for walking and taking in the magnificent sea views. Armadale Castle and Gardens are accessible by local bus, but to see more of the island, we would strongly recommend hiring a car for the day, or booking our expert local guide for a half or full day tour – ask us for details.
Day Eight – Return to Glasgow
It is now time to leave Skye and travel all the way south on the West Highland Line back to Glasgow.
