Mull & Skye, Isles of Contrast
Sunset over the Skye Bridge
Holiday inspiration currently loading...
Apologies, to get the best experience from this website please enable JavaScript in your web browser. You can do this via the settings/preferences menu.
An ideal opportunity to experience two islands of great contrast.
For many years the Scottish islands of Mull and Skye have fought for the affections of visitors and locals alike, each proudly boasting of its wildlife, scenery, history and warm welcome. You’ll enjoy three nights on the Hebridean Isle of Mull plus take the same amount of time to visit Skye and its myriad attractions, experiencing the contrasts of island-life first hand. Which will you prefer?
You can choose to visit Skye first, as described here, or reverse the order, subject to availability.
Let us know your departure point and we’ll guide you towards the Isle of Skye via the famous Road to the Isles. After crossing the Skye Bridge, head to the so-called “Garden of Skye” – the southerly Sleat peninsula.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
Chose to stay in a charming Tobermory guest house or elect instead for a more rural stay in a Scottish castle on a highland estate.
The guest house by Tobermory is a favourite of ours; home to the friendliest of family owners, whose warm welcome and easy manner always set visitors immediately at ease. The accommodation is a cossetting haven after a long day’s travel or exploration, with breakfast designed to set you up for the next one.
Return by ferry to the mainland port of Oban.
The Scottish islands of Skye and Mull, with a night on the magical Road to the Isles in between.
Skye & Tobermory: £825 per person in April & October, £915 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 six 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.
All our holiday prices include a service charge of £9 per person per night towards the costs we incur in researching, planning and designing your holiday.
We guarantee to refund this service charge if you believe that arranging your holiday through McKinlay Kidd has not met your expectations for value. All we ask is that you write to us within 7 days of your return and explain your reason for claiming the refund. This will ensure that we can improve the experience for all our future guests.
A bewildered shaggy highland cow standing in the garden, peering through the glorious Scottish rain that was battering the cottage window: that was on...
We loved the hotels and the itinerary. Excellent recommendations!Otavio & Marta, Sao Paulo, Brazil
Couldn't fault you - from enquiry to booking & info pack.Matthew and Jeannette, Redditch, England
The scenery is stunning around every corner that you turn.Jackie, Uxbridge, UK
This holiday can be arranged from the April to the end of October.
To check the latest availability for this holiday complete the form below or call us. We will respond to your availability check within one working day if at all possible. Please bear with us on this - we work with a hand-picked selection of smaller hotels, guest houses, and other independent businesses, ensuring that you have the chance to explore off the beaten track and really get under the skin of the destination.
Please note: All form fields are required unless otherwise stated optional.
