Car-free Scottish Island Hopping

You start by train from Glasgow, taking the West Highland Line past Loch Lomond, then branching west for the journey past Loch Awe and Kilchurn Castle to the port of Oban. Here you cross by ferry to Mull then use local bus connections and a second short ferry to reach the enchanting 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 Hotel on Iona

The hotel was built in 1868 as the village inn, and is located just 200 yards from the ferry jetty and a short walk from the famous abbey. There are only fifteen cosy bedrooms with ensuite facilities, and the freshly prepared real home-cooking uses many herbs and vegetables from the on-site organic garden.

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.

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

Small but perfectly formed, and resides amidst Tobermorys elegant conservation area. High above the harbour, you can escape the village bustle yet are still just a short walk from Main Street. Sweeping views across the bay can be enjoyed from large comfortable sofas in one of the two guest lounges. With just six small, but beautifully furnished, bedrooms two even have a four-poster bed the friendly owners aim to make your stay a rather luxurious home from home.

A sheer paradise for lovers of Scotland’s natural heritage, Mull boasts an enviable diversity of wildlife thriving  everywhere from dense woodland glens to the grassy slopes of Ben More. 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.

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, where you will be met and transferred to your cosy small hotel for an overnight stop.

Your Hotel in Spean Bridge

With views toward Ben Nevis, this family-run small hotel provides comfortable but informal accommodation and a restaurant that prides itself on home-cooked organic food. 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. When the need arises, real  fires will warm your toes. This is a perfect haven for a relaxing break, where the pace of life slows the minute you  arrive.

After a morning to relax and perhaps take a refreshing walk in the shadow of Ben Nevis, it’s onwards once again on the West Highland Line to Mallaig. Why not upgrade and take the Jacobite Steam Train in first class, for a memorable experience? From here, cross by ferry to the Isle of Skye. You will be met and transferred to your final lochside hotel.

Your Hotel on the Isle of Skye

Nestled in an idyllic spot right by the water’s edge, your whitewashed hotel is the hub of the estate and Gaelic-speaking community.  Whether in the main house or adjacent Garden House, rooms enjoy 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 local seafood and  game featuring prominently on the menu.

Today you will have the chance to experience the highlights of Skye on a full day tour, led by a local guide.

From your hotel you will head north to Sligachan then probably to Dunvegan via Carbost, past Dunvegan Castle.  Other options include a drive into Waternish (Skyeskyns Tannery, Trumpan Church ruins) if the castle tour is omitted.  Next you’ll have a short stop in Portree before heading round the Trotternish peninsula before returning to your hotel.

If there is anything in particular that you would like to see, please advise the guide who will try and incorporate this into your tour.

It is now time to leave Skye, by ferry to Mallaig then travel the length of the West Highland Line back to Glasgow, once more crossing the marvellous Glenfinnan Viaduct then traversing the spectacular wilderness of Rannoch Moor. Here the railway parts company with the road and you’ll see nothing but peat bog, occasional trees and looming mountains for mile on end. If you can tear your gaze away from the window, it’s a great chance to reminisce about your favourite moments from your Scottish island hopping adventure.