Details
Day One
You can choose to visit Skye first, as described here, or reverse the order, subject to availability.
Depart Inverness/Glasgow/Edinburgh for the Isle of Skye, with a choice of routes to the famous Road to the Isles. After crossing the Skye Bridge, head to the so-called “Garden of Skye” – the southerly Sleat peninsula.
Exploring Skye
Skye is a large island, with many contrasts of its own. On the little harbour right beside your hotel is the headquarters of “The Gaelic Whiskies”, where you can sample an excellent range of connoisseur brands before browsing in the nearby craft shop. The surrounding area of hills, moorland, woodland and seashore offers endless opportunities for walking and taking in the magnificent sea views. Don’t miss the enchanting walk to the Point of Sleat, from where you can gaze across to the small isles of Rum and Eigg and dream of future visits to the Scottish islands! Further afield, in the north of the island, you’ll find historic Dunvegan Castle, and Portree, the colourful and bustling island capital. You may choose to take a trip to Talisker distillery or the the famous Fairy Pools. Elgol is a fantastically picturesque spot too. We’ll provide you with plenty of tips and local recommendations, tailored to meet you personal interests.
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 is a Gaelic-speaking community and the bar is a lively meeting place where locals rub shoulders with hotel guests, often to the accompaniment of traditional music and Gaelic song in front of the roaring log fire. 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 Four
You may find it hard to tear yourself away, but the Isle of Mull is calling. Take your time over today’s trip – the journey is part of the holiday! A short drive takes you first to the port of Armadale, from where you make the ferry trip to Mallaig. From here you will have time to explore the stunning sandy beaches of Arisaig – made famous by the movie Local Hero – before reaching the remote wilderness of the Ardnamurchan peninsula – the most westerly part of mainland Britain. Your second short ferry of the day takes you directly to Tobermory – Mull’s main village.
Exploring Mull
A 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; take a boat trip (advance booking essential) and spot minke whales, bottlenose dolphins, and maybe seals and harbour porpoises. Meanwhile, lively Tobermory has a bustling vitality and is a great place to spend some time pottering around the little shops. Brightly painted houses provide a colourful backdrop to the picture-postcard harbour and the ‘craic’ in waterfront bars rivals anything on the mainland.
A world away from all this – but in reality quite reachable on a day-trip – tiny Iona is a deeply spiritual place, an historic Christian pilgrimage destination and birthplace of Scottish Christianity. Regular ferries take passengers throughout the day. The abbey is a must-visit, of course, but why not escape the throngs and walk to the other side of the island where there is a good chance of having a sandy beach all to yourself.
Your Hotel Options on Mull
Chose to stay in a charming guesthouse close to Tobermory’s main street or elect instead for a more rural stay in a Scottish castle on a highland estate.
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.
Alternatively, treat yourself to a stay in a Scottish castle, complete with turrets, wood-panelling, antique furniture and acres of rolling estate grounds. Dating from Victorian times, the imposing building sits atop the cliffs, affording panoramic views out to sea. It remains a family home, so the welcome is warm and you have no need to put on airs and graces.
Day Seven
Return by ferry to the mainland port of Oban.
Pricing
Skye & Tobermory: £815 per person in April & October, £895 per person for May to September.
Skye & Castle on Mull: Add £25 per person to the above prices.
Prices based on two people sharing a room, for seven nights on a bed & breakfast basis. Prices include ferry travel for car and passengers to/from Mull and in one direction from Skye.
Please just let us know if we can tailor this holiday for you – perhaps adding a night or two, including a stay on Iona or pre-booking a wildlife boat trip or tour with a local guide.
Before your departure, you will receive personalised holiday information including full directions, recommended routes, and suggestions on places to visit depending on your interests and our local knowledge to help you get the most from your holiday. Included will be some information on the Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust to help you learn more about their work in conserving whales, dolphins and porpoises in Western Scotland, along with how you can help their efforts with their “Whale Track” app and by visiting their discovery centre.
All itineraries and room types are presented subject to availability at specific hotels.
