Discovering the Southern Hebrides in 9 Days: Arran, Islay and Jura.
An ideal trip for those who love the freedom of the islands, the sea and the mountains. A concentrated taste of Scotland without a lot of driving. This is a trip for nature lovers but also for whisky connoisseurs who will have the opportunity to visit and taste the famous peated single malts from Islay.
Tour Highlights
- Beautiful mountains : The mountains of Arran and Jura.
- Trek the best landscapes The beaches and cliffs of Islay.
- Nature and Fauna The feeling of total escape just two hours from Glasgow.
Tour Plan
Nicknamed “Scotland in Miniature”, we will discover this beautiful island through superb walks in the northern mountains, its many stone circles dating from the Neolithic period, and many culinary delights produced locally.
The island is bisected by the Highland Boundary Fault that separates the highlands from the lowlands.
The north of the island is very mountainous but the south is much more undulating, like the lowlands of Scotland. The fauna is particularly rich. Regarding mammals, the island is home to populations of deer, seals and otters. Birds include pheasants, golden eagles and more than a hundred other species. The flora is composed of moorland, heather and gorse typical of the region.
On the programme:
– Island tour
– Visit the Machrie stone circles, Brodick Castle and Arran Aromatics, and taste the island’s specialities (fish and seafood, Arran cheese, oatcakes, chutney, not forgetting the famous “Arran” beer brewed on the island).
– Goatfell hike (5-6 hours, altitude difference 874 m), the highest point of the island with a 360° view of the island. Departure from Corrie and arrival at the brewery of Arran to quench your thirst…
– The Three Beinns hike – Beinn Nuis, Beinn Tarsuinn and Beinn a Chliabhain (6-7 hours, altitude difference 949 m), a superb loop that allows you to stay at altitude for a large part of the hike and enjoy the panorama.
– Day of sea kayaking or mountain biking (optional)
Known as the Queen of the Hebrides thanks to its dreamy landscapes, its wildlife and its eight prestigious whisky distilleries, famous all over the world, this island lives up to its name. 200km of coastline edged with vertiginous cliffs and heavenly beaches, large flocks of wild geese that attract numerous amateur ornithologists all year round, the generosity and warm welcome of the inhabitants, the superb cuisine with products from the ocean and the fresh sea air make this island a 5-star holiday destination.
On the programme: Visits to the distilleries and tastings of the famous Islay whiskies. Kildalton Church where one of the first Celtic crosses is still very well preserved. Culinary samplings in the best restaurants of the island and evenings in the local pubs. Machir Bay and Saligo Bay (2-3 hours), the most beautiful beaches of the island and superb rock formations. Hiking Beinn Mhor and the Mull of Oa (3.5-4.5 hours, altitude difference 252 m), a superb coastal walk to the highest point on the Oa Peninsula, which offers a breathtaking view of Ireland. Hiking Beinn Bheigier (4-5 hours, altitude difference 491 m), the highest point on the island where you will enjoy total tranquillity.
The jewel of the Hebrides! Small in size (15 km long, 3 km wide), but large in natural beauty and variety of flora and fauna. Only 135 friendly inhabitants who live in near self-sufficiency and in harmony with nature; a total change of scenery! Thanks to its low relief and its geographical situation, Colonsay benefits from an often dry and sunny climate.
On the programme:
– Stroll to the southern and western beaches of the island.
– Possibility of also visiting the island of Oronsay, depending on the tide.
– We will have the chance to taste the delicacies produced or grown locally on the island: oysters, beers from the Colonsay brewery, and local honey.
Famous for its wild nature and mountains, it is a paradise for hikers. Peace and quiet are guaranteed with only 200 inhabitants and a total area of 620 square kilometres. The name “Jura” is of Nordic origin and means “Deer Island”. Today, there are more than 6,000 of them, so it is the ideal place to observe this majestic animal in its natural environment.
On the programme:
– Hiking in the Paps of Jura – Beinn an Oir (4.5-5.5 hours, altitude difference 785 m), the highest peak of the island, the highest and most impressive of the three Paps, which offers a breathtaking view of the neighbouring islands and the West of Scotland.
– An obligatory pint in the island’s pub where we will have the opportunity to chat with the locals including those who work at the distillery next door. The opportunity to taste the delicious local whisky at its source – Jura!
Ferry from Islay and then return to Glasgow. Afternoon and evening free in the centre with the helpful advice of your guide.
Location Map
Included/Excluded
Cost Includes
- Trip organisation (customisation and bookings)
- Transports
- Accomodations
- Fully qualified guide
- Breakfasts and Lunches
- All ferry crossings
- 24/7 emergency telephone support
Cost Excludes
- Flights
- Dinners
- Entry fees to attractions such as distilleries or museums