tours of scotland west coast

Tours of West Scotland and the West Coast Islands | Go Scotland Tours

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Islay Whisky Adventure Tour

• Tour ID: 1074
• Tour theme: Whisky Tours ,
• Duration: 4 Days / 3 Nights
• Starts from: Edinburgh

This tour takes you away to Scottish island paradise of Islay. Stunning scenery, ancient history, traditional culture and 8 Scotland finest whisky distilleries.

Recommended Tour

West Highlands and Jacobite Experience Tour

• Tour ID: 1097
• Tour theme: Group Sightseeing Tours (Multi-days) ,
• Duration: 2 Days / 1 Night

Tour to Loch Ness, the Highlands and all aboard the Jacobite Steam Train, a great 2 day tour to the western highlands of Scotland including Glencoe and more....

Best of West Highlands and Oban Day Tour Experience

• Tour ID: 1105
• Tour theme: Glasgow Day Tours (Group Tours) ,
• Duration: 1 Day - 9 hours 15min approx.
• Starts from: Glasgow, Edinburgh

Experience the Gateway to the Isles, the best of the Western Highlands, and Oban Tour from Glasgow, including Kilchurn Castle, Inveraray, Loch Awe, Loch Lomond.

Skye Discovery and Fairy Pools Tour Experience from Inverness

• Tour ID: 1562
• Tour theme: Day Tours from the Highlands ,
• Starts from: Inverness

One day tour to the Isle of Skye and the famous Fairy Pools from Inverness.

Glenfinnan, Fort William and Glencoe Tour from Edinburgh

• Tour ID: 1590
• Tour theme: Edinburgh Day Tours (Group Tours) ,
• Duration: 1 Day - 12 hour approx.

Glenfinnan tour begins in Edinburgh. Glencoe features in James Bond Skyfall, and is the backdrop to Harry Potter. main attraction of the day; Glenfinnan Viaduct to see the Harry Potter Steam Train.

Hebrides, Skye and Far West Experience Tour from Edinburgh

• Tour ID: 1567
• Duration: 8 Days / 7 Nights

Join this 8 day tour to Scotlands West Coast. Visit the islands of Skye, Harris and Lewis on this guided tour of Scotland. Stunning views and landscapes.

Small Group Tour

Outer Hebrides and Scottish Highlands Tour

• Tour ID: 1571
• Duration: 5 Days / 4 Nights

Take a tour to the Outer Hebrides, once part of the Viking Kingdom. Visit Lewis and see the ancient standing stones at Callanish then go to mountainous Harris with its white sandy beaches.

Outer Hebrides Tour Experience from Inverness

• Tour ID: 1263
• Tour theme: Group Sightseeing Tours (Multi-days) , Day Tours from the Highlands ,
• Duration: 3 Days / 2 Nights

Explore Scotland largest island on a tour to the Outer Hebrides of Lewis and Harris from Inverness. 2 nights in Stornoway sightseeing tours of the islands ...

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Neist Point

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Neist Point, Scotland

Wild West Coast Road Trip

Embark on a road trip to the West Coast of Scotland, winding through rugged mountains and deep glens. Discover ancient castles, heritage sites, and wildlife. Explore the majestic Highlands, Loch Fyne, Isle of Skye and Ardnamurchan Peninsula.

Embark on a breathtaking West Coast road trip in Scotland, winding through dramatic mountains and steep glens. Immerse yourself in history with ancient castles and historical sites, perfect for wildlife enthusiasts to spot seals, otters, deer, and eagles across land, sea, and air.

Explore the majestic Highlands, the beauty of Loch Fyne, and uncover heritage sites and attractions. Discover the enchanting Isle of Skye and the Ardnamurchan Peninsula, adding to the adventure.

Starting from Loch Fyne's picturesque western shore, this captivating journey winds through the heart of the West Highlands, reaching the unofficial capital and famed "Seafood Capital of Scotland." Heading north, it unfolds against Fort William's backdrop, dominated by majestic Ben Nevis. Continuing westward, adventurers explore the rugged Ardnamurchan Peninsula with ancient castles, then head to the enchanting Isle of Skye, a land of fairy-tale landscapes and awe-inspiring rock formations, making it an essential stop on this West Coast adventure.

The cost is £4.99 to access the online road trip itinerary for yourself and your group, for 12 months on UncoverBritain , to use when planning and on the road. You can choose and book accommodations, attractions and experiences you are interested in. If you're looking for a vehicle for the road trip, take a look here . 

Highlights of the trip include:

·      Explore the Highlands: Discover the breathtaking landscapes of the West Coast, from towering mountains to rugged Hebridean coastlines, providing endless opportunities for outdoor adventures.

·      Visit the Scottish Islands: With over 700 islands, each with its unique character, explore places like the dramatic Isle of Skye and the stunning beaches of Isle of Arran.

·      Glencoe: Immerse yourself in the raw beauty of Glencoe, where dramatic peaks, serene lochs, and haunting history create an awe-inspiring experience for nature lovers and history enthusiasts.

·      Fort William & Ben Nevis: Experience the majesty of Fort William nestled beneath Ben Nevis, offering activities like hiking and mountain biking amid the scenic Scottish Highlands.

·      Learn about History: Delve into the region's past at ancient standing stones like Callanish and medieval castles such as Dunvegan and Eilean Donan.

·      West Coast Beaches: Explore picturesque beaches, indulging in the soothing waves, golden sands, and tranquillity of nature, offering an idyllic setting to unwind.

·      Camping Adventures: Camp near the coast to wake up to the sound of crashing waves and the scent of saltwater, providing an unforgettable camping experience away from the hustle and bustle.

·      Immerse in Untamed Beauty: Pitch your motorhome or campervan after exploring rugged cliffs and pristine beaches, immersing yourself in the untamed beauty of Scotland's West Coast for an unforgettable experience.

About the road trip itinerary:

·  Access on 2 devices (mobile, tablet or desktop) for 12 months

·  Suggested fully flexible mapped route

·  This is a 5-6 days linear route around the West Coast of Scotland. It covers around 295 miles (470km) with attractions, and as a road trip without detour, 237 miles (383km).

·   This road trip planner covers 16 destination locations including information on detours and nearby on the route.

·   The destination guide includes over 45 attractions, experiences and activities to uncover your own Scotland.

·   Local experiences and activities are also available to browse by bookable links.

·   Map pinpoints for Viewpoints, Places of interest, Hidden gems, Wild swim spots and On-screen spots

·   Map pinpoints for Campsites, Motorhome stops & almost wild spots, Hotels, B&Bs, guesthouses and lodges

Activity highlights

·   Access on 2 devices (12 mths) & make the best of your holiday with planner/maps

·   Maps, destinations, attractions, campsites, hotels etc, hidden gems, viewpoints

·   All in one place, with embedded links for the most up-to-date information

·   Saves hours of searching so you won't miss a thing, before and during your break

 If you're looking for other road trip ideas in Scotland, take a look at our Scottish road trips .

From £5.99 per adult

Departure days.

• W Wednesday

January — December

Contact details

• View tour details
• [email protected]

Tour information

• Ardnamurchan
• Ardnamurchan area
• Fort William
• Fort William & Lochaber
• Glencoe and Loch Leven area
• Skye & Lochalsh
• Architecture
• Canoeing/Kayaking
• Food and drink
• Island Hopping
• Outdoor Activities
• Photography
• Walking/Hiking

Tour prices

From £5.99 Per Adult

Prices are subject to change depending on season

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Tour company information

Uncover britain.

Uncover Britain provides road trip itineraries for some of the best and most scenic Scottish road trips. The road trips in Scotland include the well-known and well-loved North Coast 500. However, road trippers can uncover their own Scotland with one of the other popular routes, such as the West Coast of Scotland, including the amazing Isle of Skye, the former 'Kingdom of Fife, with a visit to non-other than the home of Golf, and discover more about Edinburgh and the Romantic Borders.

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9.00 - 5.30 Monday to Friday

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The content of many of our web listings is provided by third party operators and not VisitScotland. VisitScotland accepts no responsibility for (1) any error or misrepresentation contained in third party listings, and (2) the contents of any external links within web listings ((1) and (2) together hereinafter referred to as the "Content"). VisitScotland excludes all liability for loss or damage caused by any reliance placed on the Content. The Content is provided for your information only and is not endorsed by VisitScotland.

A West Coast of Scotland Road Trip

Posted on Published: 17 February 2020  - Last updated: 29 August 2022

Let’s go on a west coast of Scotland road trip!

With spectacular white sandy beaches, soaring mountains and beautiful islands it’s no wonder that Scotland’s west coast is the first place many people think of when planning a trip to Scotland. Explore the best bits of the west coast of Scotland on this itinerary ferry hopping from Glasgow to the Isle of Skye, visiting Oban, Mull and Ardnamurchan along the way.

A west coast of Scotland road trip itinerary

• Stage 1 – Loch Fyne, Cowal and Inveraray
• Stage 2 – The Mull of Kintyre and Oban
• Stage 3 – Exploring   The Isle of Mull
• Stage 4 – Remote   Ardnamurchan
• Stage 5 – The Isle of Skye

This ferry hopping road trip also makes a great extension to the North Coast 500 . The North Coast 500 leaves Scotland’s west coast at Strathcarron before completing the loop back east to Inverness – but your west coast of Scotland trip doesn’t have to end here. Instead, join this west coast of Scotland road trip and head south from the NC500 route to cross over the sea to the Isle of Skye.

Ferry Hopping on the west coast of Scotland

For this road trip you will need to buy a ferry hopping ticket from the west coast of Scotland ferry company CalMac. Book   hopscotch ticket HOP7  – Oban to Craignure on Mull, Tobermory to Kichoan on Arnamurchan and Mallaig to Skye.

For more advice on island hopping in Scotland – read my guide to Scotland’s Hebridean islands .

Day 1 – The road north – Inns, lochs & very local brews

Starting in Glasgow or from Edinburgh, your first day on the west coast of Scotland takes in both Loch Lomond and Loch Fyne, as well as driving the famous Rest and Be Thankful, a spectacular start to your trip.

Your first stop of the day is Loch Lomond , so park up at the village of Luss and take a wander down to the lochside among the pretty cottages. For a great lunch overlooking the water visit the   Lodge on the Loch Lomond Hotel , or 10 minutes further north,  The Inn on Loch Lomond  is more casual. 

From Loch Lomond head to head to Tarbet and Arrochar. If you have time and the weather is on your side, climb   The Cobbler  – remember to be prepared for bad weather and have waterproofs and proper hiking boots handy!

It’s then time to tackle one of Scotland’s most famous roads, the Rest and be Thankful. The road winds its way through the Arrochar Alps to Inveraray. It is worth popping into   Fyne Ales Brewery  for a pie and a pint – or to pick some beer up for later if it’s too early; their beer Jarl is award-winning.

Stop for your first night in Inverarary where you can visit Inveraray Castle  and  Inveraray   Jail  and grab fish and chips to eat on the lochside. The George Hotel is famous for food and drink and a great atmosphere.

Where to stay near Inveraray

Day 2 – The Mull of Kintyre

Leaving Inveraray your first stop of the day is of   Auchindrain Township  and the beautiful   Crarae Garden  before visiting Crinan, one of Scotland’s hidden gems, with its canal and pretty seafront village.

Head down to the Crinan  Canal  basin, grab a coffee and watch the boats sail up and down the canal. Make sure you visit the village for views across to Jura. 

Then head north along the A816 towards Oban – along  Kilmartin Glen  for a wander around the standing stones and ancient burial chambers. For lunch stop at either the  Lord of the Isles   pub at Craobh Haven or the   Loch Melfort Hotel  where you can also take a stroll in the  Arduaine Gardens .

Oban is a fantastic town to spend an evening – there are seafood restaurants aplenty, and great beer and pub food at my favourite, the   Cuan Mor . To walk it all off climb up to McCaig’s Tower for a fab view of the Isles. In the local area is Castle Stalker which graces many Instagram shots and the Oban Distillery.

Where to stay in Oban

Where to   stay in Oban *

Day 3-4 – Exploring The Isle of Mull

It is time to ferry hop! Leaving Oban, catch the ferry from Oban to Craignure on Mull. The crossing takes around 55 minutes and must be booked in advance, especially in Summer. The views from the crossing are gorgeous and include Lismore Lighthouse and Duart Castle.

T obermory is a great place to base yourself for a short visit to the island as it is a bustling and lively place, with lots of busy harbour bars – try the food at the excellent   Macgochans .  Whisky fans will want to visit the   Tobermory Distillery , located right on the waterfront – no need for a designated driver here.

Read more:   24 hours on the Isle of Mull

However long you have on the island there are lots of things to do on Mull, including visiting beautiful Calgary Bay. The beach is stunning – you can see why it is one of the most photographed beaches in Scotland.

Want to explore on foot? The only Munro (a Scottish mountain over 3000ft) on an island (after from the Cullin on Skye) Ben More stands 966m above Loch Na Keal – the ‘loch of the cliffs’. With views across to the Isle of Ulva to Ben Cruachan, Ben More is a great island viewpoint even if you don’t climb to the very top!

Where to stay on Mull

Day 5 – Remote Ardnamurchan

From Mull catch the short 40-minute ferry across to Kilchoan. You are now heading for remote Ardnamurchan – the most western part of the British mainland. Get off the beaten track and discover Ardnamurchan and the remote regions of Morvern, Ardgour, Moidart and Sunart – home to just 2000 people.

Many of the beaches here compete against the best in the world, so make sure you visit Camusdarach Beach, Arisaig or Sanna. Driving across Ardnamurchan’s volcanic caldera gives an incredible view of the small isles of Eigg and Rum and on a clear day, back to the Cullins on Skye. 

On your way south pop into the   Glenuig Inn  for lunch (note, they don’t serve lager on tap, just real ale and ciders!) before exploring Tioram Castle and Ardnamurchan Lighthouse which sits on the most westerly part of the mainland UK.

Read more :  things to do in Ardnamurchan Where to stay:   Ardnamurchan Bunkhouse  /  Kilchoan Hotel  /  Mingarry Park *

It’s time to take your next ferry – jump on a Calmac Ferry from   Mallaig to Armadale  on the Isle of Skye. 

Day 6-8 – The Isle of Skye

Seeing the Black Cullin, the Fairy Pools, Fairy Glen, Kilt Rock, the Old Man of Storr, The Quiraing, Neist Point Lighthouse, Loch Coruisk, Dunvegan Castle and discovering Talisker whisky will be high on your list of things to do in Scotland.

On the east coast – in the height of summer it may feel like a conveyor belt of hire cars, the east coast of Skye will be filled with campervans and tour buses on their day out – but don’t let you put that off. You often have the road to yourself and the Old Man of Storr, pretty Portree harbour and the mighty Quiraing are well worth a visit.

On the west coast – visit Dunvegan Castle, home of Clan MacLeod to learn not only about the history of this clan but also the role of clans today – as well as their most famous member, Dame Flora MacLeod. The Castle sits in a stunning location on the seafront, and the gardens are also lovely to wander around.

On the south coast – with rolling lush green landscapes and views over the sound to Morar, Knoydart and Glenelg, the Sleat Peninsula is one of Skye’s hidden gems. Often bypassed by those arriving on the Skye ferry the peninsula is also one of Skye’s quieter corners – which makes it perfect as a base to explore. 

Get off the beaten track – if you like life a little more sedate the Cuillin is also viewed in all its magnificence from a walk to Camasunary Beach on the Elgol (or to give it its proper name) Strathaird Peninsula. Take a boat trip to Loch Coruisk right into the heart of the mountains. Take a walk around Loch Coriusk for the most incredible views of the mountains, before catching the afternoon ride back – magical.

The Isle of Skye might be mind-blowing and deservedly popular, but Skye is heaving in summer, and remote in winter, which means visiting can be a challenge. Please visit the island sustainably, park sensibly, learn how to drive on a single track road and book your accommodation in advance.

Read more: a guide to the   Isle of Skye

Where to stay on Skye

Fancy a longer road trip? The North Coast 500

Have you driven the   North Coast 500 ? If not, why not? Scotland’s most famous road trip takes in 500 miles around the north coast of Scotland taking in some of the most spectacular scenery in the world – there’s no wonder they call it Scotland’s Route 66.

The west coast of the NC500 route takes you through the dramatic mountains of Assynt before reaching Wester Ross. Don’t miss visiting Lochinver, Ullapool and climbing Stac Pollaidh and Suilven. 

To get to the north coast 500, leave Skye by the Skye bridge, to reach the pretty town of Plockton where the mild climate allows palm trees to prosper on the waterfront. The weather might even be nice enough to have lunch outside one of the friendly Plockton pubs!

I also highly recommend stopping at   Strome Castle  on Loch Carron, one of the National Trust for Scotland’s   little gems  and exploring the beautiful family-run   Attadale Gardens ,  a late 19th century garden on the Attadale Estate. The gardens are so peaceful – and you might catch the artist owner for a chat.

Then drive north to beautiful  Applecross Peninsula  where you end your trip driving the famous Bealach na Bà, past fiord-like lochs to the huge Torridon mountains and the north coast of Scotland.

Read my   complete guide to driving the North Coast 500 . 

Video guide – West Coast of Scotland Road Trips

Have you done a west coast of Scotland road trip? Where would you recommend?

Love, from Scotland x

*Article contains affiliate links

The travel blogger and photographer behind Love from Scotland

Jessi (@2feet1world)

Wednesday 6th of December 2017

Wow wow wow. I really want to explore this stunning countryside - thanks for the tips!

Mary Mayfield

Friday 17th of November 2017

I think you've ticked off all my 'must see' places. Maybe I'd head out to the end of Skye at Neist Point, to watch the sun set over the Outer Hebrides, or a drive across the 'Bridge over the Atlantic' to Seil, but otherwise I'd just like to spend more than 5 days on the trip :)

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Scotland’s West Coast 500 Road Trip

Take in the views of the Isle of Jura from the Kintyre peninsula

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Head west away from the crowds and do what we love best: driving off the beaten-track on some of the most scenic coastal routes in the UK.

At McKinlay Kidd we love to go our own way and help you explore away from the beaten track. While the North Coast 500 has achieved incredible popularity as a kind of Caledonian Route 66, Scotland boasts so many other wonderfully scenic meandering roads. To help you discover them on your own Scottish self-drive tour , we’ve designed a glorious West Coast 500 Road Trip, an odyssey through Argyll and the West Highlands. Expect awesome asphalt, vast vistas, coastal curves and agreeable accommodation. Just pack your sense of adventure and hit the road.

• McKinlay Kidd

Holiday Details

Day one – the bonnie banks of loch lomond .

It’s kind of incredible that it takes only 20 minutes to reach Loch Lomond from Scotland’s largest city of Glasgow. Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park covers over 700 square miles of staggeringly beautiful landscape. Rolling lowlands to the south and soaring mountains to the north surround this majestic loch. We’ll provide a tailor-made route to get here from wherever you choose to set off.

Day Two – Heading North West to the Secret Coast

Your first ‘proper’ day on the road. Head away from Loch Lomond. Soon you’re crossing the ‘Arrochar Alps’ on the Rest and Be Thankful pass. At the top you’ll want to stop and admire the view. Pressing on, the road turns left as you make your way on to the Cowal Peninsula, Argyll’s Secret Coast. The name is apt as you’ll often have the route to yourself. Detour along the south coast of Loch Fyne to visit the ruins of 15th-century Castle Lachlan. Scythe through forest before the road descends towards the Kyles of Bute. Skirt around Loch Ruel to your base for the next two nights in a tiny village by the water’s edge.

Your Hotel on the Secret Coast

Nestled away between hill and loch, your accommodation is as calm as they come. This lovely little four-room hotel boasts a popular bar and a restaurant that punches well above its weight – we’ll never forget the Bute Beef. If the weather is with you, the garden is a superb spot to enjoy a cold one after a long day on the road. The en-suite bedrooms with their original Victorian floorboards, giant windows and sky-high ceilings couldn’t be comfier.

Day Three – Around the Secret Coast

Terrific driving routes fan out from your location. Take the high road past Loch Tarasan and on to Holy Loch and Loch Long. Loop back around the peninsula and discover the vibrant lochside villages of Kames and Tighnabruaich. Or, just steps from your hotel, take Scotland’s shortest scheduled ferry crossing on to the Isle of Bute. Home to extravagant Mount Stuart mansion and gardens, the island offers another fine circular drive with much to explore along the way.

Day Four – Across Loch Fyne to Kintyre

Time to continue your Scottish road trip. Start with spectacular views of the Kyles of Bute on your way to Portavadie. From here, the 30-minute ferry journey crosses the mouth of Loch Fyne to the classic fishing port of Tarbert. Gather yourself for the journey the length of the enigmatic Kintyre peninsula. The Isle of Arran looms offshore along the less-travelled east coast. Take your time along this rugged coastline. Your next base awaits in the small fishing village of Carradale.

Your Accommodation in Kintyre

This is an impressive Victorian former manse, just a few minutes’ walk from the beach. The welcoming owners have created cosy and attractive accommodation. Repurposed and antique pieces add interest within each bedroom alongside modern beds, high-spec en-suites and atmospheric lighting. On cooler evenings, warm your toes by the crackling fire in the inviting bay-windowed guest lounge. Perhaps treat yourself to a local dram from the bar. The opportunity to enjoy in-house dinner means you can relax for the evening and take a break from driving.

Day Five – The Mull of Kintyre Beckons

Today just might be your day to reach the southern tip and the Mull of Kintyre. The island of Ireland is just a dozen miles across the sea, easily viewable on a clear day. Drive first through the village of Southend then climb a meandering single track route. Stop to admire the stupendous coastal views back across to the Isle of Sanda and Ailsa Craig rock. Continue on the pitching, lonely road towards the Mull of Kintyre lighthouse. The final mile is doable only on foot – a good opportunity to don the boots and stretch the legs. This is a dramatic spot, whether you happen upon sunshine and blue skies or swirling winds pulling in the infamous mists. Making your way back north, take time to explore Campbeltown, once home to some 29 distilleries – more than any other location. Today you’ll find Springbank and Glen Scotia, either well worth a tour, with drivers given the chance to take home a dram for enjoying later. Or if beaches are more your preference, you’re spoilt for choice with miles of empty, golden strands just begging to be walked.

Day Six – Knapdale, Crinan and Kilmartin

A chance to test your driving skill today. Spear north along the west coast of Kintyre, the isle of Gigha shining in the water, Islay and Jura in the distance. Hang a left and twist your way around the wild Knapdale peninsula, home to an extensive nature reserve and the Scottish Beaver Trail. A little further, you could detour again for a fine seafood lunch at the western end of the Crinan Canal, ‘Scotland’s prettiest shortcut’. Back on the road, the route carries you through pre-historic Kilmartin Glen. Once the seat of ancient Scottish Kings, this is home to some of the earliest evidence of mainland habitation. It is one of our favourite corners of Scotland, crammed with stories and legends. The new Kilmartin Museum brings the history to vivid life. Then it’s just a little further to tonight’s stopping point.

Your Hotel by Arduaine

What a gorgeous spot to spend the evening. On a raised position overlooking the Slate Islands with Luing in the distance, this family owned hotel could be the perfect highland retreat. 17 acres of pristine gardens tumble towards the shoreline, and one of the west-coast’s finest garden attractions is on the doorstep. Inside, the friendly hosts have made their mark. Enjoy a menu of fine local produce served in the bistro or restaurant. Let the welcoming atmosphere and that fabulous view seep into your soul.

Day Seven – Further North and Across Ardnamurchan

After breakfast, a stroll around the nearby gardens is a fine way to start the day before once more hitting the road. And what a route is in store today. Wend your way north, first through the bustling port of Oban, home to one of the country’s oldest distilleries and hopping-off point for the Hebrides. Carrying on, you drive along the shores of sparkling Loch Linnhe and across the bridge at Ballachulish. Here, board the tiny car ferry for the short sailing across the loch and on to the Ardnamurchan peninsula. This fabulous wilderness is home to the UK mainland’s westernmost point. The often single-track route brings you through tiny hamlets in the shadow of forbidding peaks as it yaws its way to the edge of Loch Ailort and the Road to the Isles. You’ll soon reach your next base, in the coastal village of Arisaig.

Your Accommodation in Arisaig

Long ago, your accommodation in Arisaig, a former library, was the hub of this former fishing community. Recently taken under the wings of an enthusiastic local family, this appealing restaurant with rooms has seen a host of upgrades. You’ll discover rooms modernised in elegant, simple style, while delicious local seafood takes centre-stage on the menu.

Day Eight – Road to Mallaig and Boat Trip on Loch Nevis

A 10 minute-drive from Arisaig brings you to the busy port of Mallaig, home to the end of the legendary West Highland Railway and the ferry to the Isle of Skye. Enjoy an hour-long wildlife boat trip today, with views of remote Knoydart. Then perhaps grab takeaway fish and chips and settle on the harbourside watching the comings and goings of this bustling community. You’ll have time to explore the beaches in this corner of Scotland’s West Coast, rivalling the most beautiful in the world in our opinion. Glorious views to the Small Isles will reveal why the 1980s classic movie Local Hero chose this as a key location.

Day Nine – Over the Sea to Skye and on to Plockton

Back to Mallaig after breakfast, this time to board the ferry for the short crossing to Armadale on the Isle of Skye. Despite its popularity, the scale of this large island plus our insider tips mean it is not difficult to find yourself completely alone within the landscape. Intimidating peaks, raw coastlines, bleak moorland and a colourful ‘capital’ make this a fabulous place to explore in a day. Return at the end of the day via the bridge back to the mainland, for a quick hop north to your final stop in the enchanting loch-side village of Plockton.

Your Accommodation in Plockton

On the ancient main street of this classic Highland village, your hotel is a long-established inn owned and run for many years by the friendliest of families. The popular bar is a welcoming haven, or, weather permitting, tables at the front give cracking views of Loch Carron while you sip on a cold one. A tempting menu of Scottish classics is served either in the bar or the relaxed restaurant.

Day Ten – Strathcarron and Arresting Applecross Peninsula 

Some of the best driving routes in Scotland are right within touching-distance of Plockton. A little over an hour away, around the heads of Lochs Carron and Kishorn, the turn-off for the Bealach na Ba (the Pass of the Cattle) awaits the intrepid. This highest of UK mountain passes contorts its way upwards then dives down to the village of Applecross, a fine spot for lunch amidst incredible views of Raasay and Rona. Continue along the northern side of the peninsula around Lochs Shieldaig and Torridon on to the wilderness of Achnasheen. Head back to Plockton for your final night.

Day Eleven – South on a Final Epic Day on the Road

A last day of superb scenery and challenging driving roads awaits as you make your way southwards. First through desolate Glen Garry and along the shores of shining Loch Lochy, you’ll drive through the shadow of Ben Nevis and onwards to the scowling valley of Glencoe. From here, cross Rannoch Moor and drop further towards Loch Lomond. Congratulate yourself on completing McKinlay Kidd’s West Coast 500 before picking up the motorway near Glasgow.

All McKinlay Kidd self-drive holidays are planned and booked on a tailor-made basis, so can easily be adapted to suit your personal requirements – dally a bit longer, add in an island adventure or celebrate a special occasion – just let us know your thoughts when you enquire.

This road trip holiday begins in Loch Lomond, before veering into Argyll’s Cowal peninsula, then across Loch Fyne to Kintyre before looping back north through Kilmartin Glen. You then head further north to Arisaig and then hop across the sea to Skye for the day before travelling to your final base in Plockton. The return journey to complete your circuit brings you through brooding Glencoe.

£1195 per person in March & November, £1275 per person in April & October and £1345 in May to September. 

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Other Holiday Ideas to Inspire You.

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17 Best Places to Visit on the West Coast of Scotland

Posted by Francesca Brooking | Scotland | 0

From volcanic peaks and long sea lochs to ancient landslides and mystical castles, West Scotland offers a landscape filled with drama. 

If you’re looking for the best places to visit on the west coast of Scotland, you’re truly spoiled for choice. 

On the southwest coast, you’ll find one of Europe’s stargazing locations. Further north are the West Highlands which are characterized by rugged mountains and wild glens. 

Lively port towns brim with whisky and fresh seafood while scenic railways traverse the landscape. 

Across the sea, Scotland’s Inner and Outer Hebrides have some of the best beaches, wildlife and scenery in the country. 

Read on to discover 17 of the best and most beautiful places to visit in West Scotland and some of my favourite spots you won’t want to miss. 

Map of Scotland’s west coast

Mainland scotland .

Wondering how to get around? If you don’t drive, the West Highland Line will be your best friend when touring the west coast of Scotland, alongside long-distance coaches and buses.

1. Glen Coe 

One of the most famous places in Scotland, Glen Coe is a valley ringed by steep mountains. It’s located in the West Scottish Highlands close to the shores of Loch Leven. 

Its dramatic landscape is characterised by ancient volcanic lava floes and glaciers that shaped the land thousands of years ago. Don’t worry, all volcanoes are long extinct! 

Glen Coe is a popular place to go hiking with famous peaks including, Buachaille Etive Mor and Bidean nam Bian.

You can also stop for a coffee at Glencoe Village. There’s a Glencoe Folk Museum with traditional, 18th-century thatched cottages and a Visitor Centre where you can learn about the brutal massacre of Clan McDonald in 1692. 

• Climb up Buachaille Etive Mor and Bidean nam Bian
• Visit the Glencoe Folk Museum and Visitor Centre 

2. Fort William 

Fort William is a town located on the shores of Loch Linnhe, a sea loch which sits partway along the Great Glen Fault. Its most famous neighbour is Ben Nevis, aka the highest mountain in the UK. 

The town is referred to as the Outdoor Capital of Scotland thanks to having iconic landmarks such as Ben Nevis, Glen Nevis Valley and Glen Coe nearby. 

Fort William is one of the best places to stay on the west coast of Scotland for exploring the West Highlands and islands. Visitors often make the town their base on their way to the Isle of Skye – I did! 

You can also ride the Jacobite Steam Train (the Hogwarts Express for some). It starts from Fort William and travels to Mallaig via the Glenfinnan Viaduct.   

• Ride the famous Jacobite steam train (aka the Hogwarts Express in Harry Potter). It’s one of the most popular things to do in West Scotland!

3. Ben Nevis 

Standing at 1,345 metres above sea level, Ben Nevis is the tallest mountain in the UK. It belongs to the Grampian Mountains, one of the three main mountain ranges in Scotland. 

Ben Nevis is located on the western end of the Grampians and towers over Fort William. It’s a popular hike and it takes about 7-8 hours to reach the summit and climb back down again. 

It’s not a trail to take lightly though. Always bring the right equipment and do a group tour if you’re not confident on your own. 

If you would prefer a more relaxed walk, ride the Nevis Range Mountain Gondola nearby. It takes you up Aonach Mòr Mountain (the 8th tallest mountain) and offers spectacular views of Ben Nevis and the Great Glen. 

Highlights 

• Hike up the tallest mountain in Britain (safely and weather conditions permitting)
• Ride the Nevis Range Mountain Gondola for an easy way to get great views 

4. Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park 

Loch Lomond & the Trossachs is a national park which spans 720 sq miles across its four main areas. It features high mountains in the highlands to the north and rolling hills in the lowlands of the south. It’s a must-stop on your West Scotland itinerary. 

Loch Lomond is the largest lake in Great Britain by surface area and the second largest by volume after Loch Ness. It resides in the shadow of Ben Lomond mountain which is popular with hikers. 

An easier walk is the smaller Conic Hill. It’s fairly steep but it rewards you with gorgeous panoramic views of the loch and surrounding mountains. 

The national park is situated about an hour north of Glasgow and is connected by the West Highland Line. 

• Do a one-hour boat trip on Loch Lomond 
• Climb Ben Lomond for panoramic views of the Trossachs National Park (moderate difficulty) 

5. Glenfinnan 

Glenfinnan is a small hamlet in Lochaber on the edge of Loch Shiel. 

It’s famous for the Glenfinnan Viaduct, a railway viaduct on the West Highland Line which the Jacobite train trundles over depending on the season. The best place to watch it is at Glenfinnan Viewpoint. 

The area is also home to the Glenfinnan Monument which was erected to remember the Jacobite Rising in 1745 and the Highlanders who lost their lives in the Battle of Culloden. 

Glenfinnan has a visitor centre where you can grab a bite and some beautiful walking trails around the local area. 

• Photograph the Jacobite train going over Glenfinnan Viaduct. The viaduct is still pretty cool too!
• Visit the Lone Highlander at the top of Glenfinnan Monument 
• Take a stroll along Loch Sheil for serious Harry Potter vibes 

Editor’s tip: This group tour from Edinburgh takes you to Glenfinnan, Fort William and Glencoe on a full-day tour. It’s handy if you’re short on time and want to see the best of the West Highlands.

6. Oban 

Tucked on the Firth of Lorn, Oban is a resort town which is often referred to as the ‘Gateway to the Isles.’ You can catch a ferry from here to the Isle of Mull and the Outer Hebrides. 

Oban is still a destination in its own right. Scotland’s Seafood Capital is packed with award-winning seafood restaurants, making it one of my favourite places to see on the west coast of Scotland. 

There’s also a whisky distillery, McCaig’s Tower, Dunollie Castle, Dunstaffnage Castle and more to explore. 

• Eat seafood! Fuss-free Oban Seafood Hut absolutely knocks it out of the park (or sea?) with the best fresh catch of the day
• Have a wee dram at Oban Distillery 
• Take a ferry to the Inner Hebrides 

7. Eilean Donan Castle 

On the road to the Isle of Skye on a small islet where three sea lochs collide is Eilean Donan Castle. The 13th century castle is a strategic fortress and photographing it has become one of the best things to do on the west coast of Scotland. 

It’s joined to the mainland by a bridge (the fourth version) and is set against a stunning backdrop of the forest-covered Kintail Mountains. 

The site was first established in 634 CE by Bishop Donan as a monastic cell. It was later turned into a fortress in the 13th century by Alexander II to ward off Viking invasions. 

It was used in a Jacobite revolt in 1719 and its ruins were restored between 1912 and 1932. You can buy a ticket and have a look inside but many people say it’s not worth it. I can’t comment as I’ve only seen it from the road!

• Take a photo of the famous castle 

8. Mallaig 

Mallaig is a small port town on the west coast of the Scottish Highlands. It’s the last stop on the West Highland Line and the only stop for the Jacobite Steam Train. 

You can catch a ferry from Mallaig to Armadale on the Isle of Skye which is a short distance across the Sound of Sleat. 

There are some excellent seafood restaurants, a bakery and a heritage centre here. The Mallaig Circular Walk is a pretty stroll or you can walk up to the Morar Cross. 

• Eat fresh seafood. The Cornerstone is popular for its scrumptious fish and chips 
• Go beach hopping in the local area. The closest one is Camusdarach Beach 

9. Ullapool 

Tucked on a sheltered sea loch on the west coast of Northern Scotland is Ullapool. The port village only has about 1500 inhabitants but it’s still one of the largest settlements for miles around. 

Ullapool is one of the stops on the famous North Coast 500 (NC500), a scenic 516-mile road trip around the North Coast of Scotland starting and ending in Inverness. You can also get a ferry here to Stornaway on Lewis and Harris. 

Things to do in Ullapool include mountain biking, wildlife boat trips, golfing, kayaking, hiking and taking art lessons at Bridgehouse Art. 

• Use this pretty fishing village as a base from which to explore the Northern Highlands 
• Ullapool is also a stop on the famous North Coast 500 road trip in Scotland 

10. Glasgow 

Glasgow is a port city on the River Clyde in the western lowlands of Scotland. If you’re thinking “Hmm but is it REALLY on the west coast?”

I’ve included it here because I consider it a gateway to Scotland’s west coast – particularly for non-drivers like me! 

It’s also a great place to start your Scotland west coast road trip. 

The city is the start of the West Highland Line, a scenic railway line which runs to Oban or further north to Mallaig. It links up many of the places in this guide. 

As for Glasgow itself, the Cultural Capital of Scotland is home to the Scottish Ballet, the National Theatre of Scotland and a lively music scene. It’s also known for its Victorian and Art Nouveau architecture. 

• Explore Glasgow’s West End, one of the ‘coolest districts in the world’ according to Time Out
• Take a walking tour of Glasgow City Centre with top sites like the Botanical Gardens, Glasgow Necropolis, Glasgow Cathedral and Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum

11. Dumfries & Galloway 

Dumfries & Galloway is one of the top places to visit in South West Scotland. The council area extends from the Scottish Borders and juts out into the Irish Sea, extending to the Mull of Galloway.  

It’s a bit of an underrated gem. It might not have the dramatic highlands of the north but if you love castles, stargazing, history and hiking, you’ll want to stop at Dumfries & Galloway. 

The area is home to Galloway Forest Park, the UK’s only Dark Sky Park and one of over 100 designated dark sky places worldwide. On a clear night, you can see over 700 stars and planets with the naked eye! 

Another must-see is the ruins of Caerlaverock Castle on the Solway coast. The 13th-century castle is surrounded by a moat. 

The Mull of Galloway is Scotland’s most southerly point and it’s a beautiful spot for beaches and walking. For Robert Burns enthusiasts, the Burns House Museum in Mauchline is dedicated to the poet. 

• Go stargazing! Galloway Forest Park is one of over 100 Dark Sky Places in the world and it’s one of the best places in the UK to enjoy the night sky
• Go castle hopping! There are around 100 castles here with the top ones including Drumlanrig Castle, Cruggleton Castle, Dunskey Castle, Threave Castle and Caerlaverock Castle 

Scotland’s West Islands 

Island-hopping is one of the top things to do on the west coast of Scotland. Most of the main islands are accessible via the Caledonian MacBrayne (CalMac) ferries. Visit the website to book tickets and find the most up-to-date information on timetables. 

Some like Skye are reachable by road and others like Lewis and Harris have tiny airports. 

12. Isle of Skye 

The Isle of Skye is probably the most famous of all Scotland’s islands. It’s the largest island in the Inne Hebrides and it’s joined to the mainland by the Skye Bridge at Kyle of Lochalsh. 

Skye’s rugged landscape attracts millions of visitors every year and it’s a must-do on your west coast of Scotland itinerary. 

Some of its most beautiful scenery is on the Trotternish Peninsula , where you’ll find the Old Man of Storr, Fairy Glen, Kilt Rock and an ancient landslide known as the Quiraing. 

Other popular landmarks here include Neist Point Lighthouse, Fairy Pools, Dunvegan Castle, Talisker Distillery, Skye Museum of Island Life and Sligachan Old Bridge. 

The main town on Skye is Portree at the base of Trotternish. 

• Explore the Trotternish Peninsula including Fairy Glen, the Quiraing and the Storr 
• Visit Fairy Pools and Dunvegan Castle 

Editor’s tip: You will need some form of wheeled transport (bike or car!) to see the best of Skye. If you don’t have either, I recommend getting to Portree by bus and then doing a full-day tour of Skye from there.

13. Isle of Mull 

The Isle of Mull is the second-largest island in the Inner Hebrides. It lies just off the west coast of Scotland with Kilchoan to the northwest of it and Oban to the south. 

Mull is characterised by hills and lochs, and its lone mountain Ben More. It also has some beautiful white sand beaches and turquoise waters that look almost tropical. The not-so-tropical breeze gives it away though… 

The main town on Mull is Tobermory with its colourful houses, award-winning fish ‘n’ chips and pretty coastal walks. Don’t miss out on Isle of Mull Cheese Glass Barn, a cafe with a living vine growing inside it. 

From Mull, you can also take a boat to Staffa and the Treshnish Isles or to Iona just off its coast. 

• Visit Tobermory, the capital of Mull (and the inspiration for Balamory if you watched that children’s TV programme way back when)
• Eat at Isle of Mull Cheese Glass Barn, this beautiful cafe is one of the best places to visit on the west coast of Scotland for foodies 

14. Iona 

The tiny island of Iona located just off the Ross of Mull is best known for being the site of one of the oldest known Christian religious centres in Western Europe – aka Iona Abbey. 

In 563 CE, St. Columba and his companions came to Iona from Ireland and founded the monastery. It became one of the most influential religious sites in the British Isles. It’s still a place of pilgrimage today.

Iona also has a community with restaurants, art galleries, sandy beaches and a graveyard which is the final resting place of about 48 medieval kings from Scotland, Norway and Ireland. 

Even Shakespeare’s notorious King Macbeth is buried here!

• See Iona Abbey, one of the oldest Christian religious centres in Western Europe 

15. Treshnish Isles 

Are you a puffin fan? Get yourself to the Treshnish Isles. The archipelago of small, uninhabited islands and skerries is located to the west of the Isle of Mull. 

They’re a haven for marine life and seabirds including puffins which make a home on Staffa from April to July. 

Staffa is also famous for its intriguing Fingal’s Cave made out of hexagonal basalt rock. The cave has surprisingly good acoustics and it was the inspiration for the composer Mendelssohn’s Hebrides overture. 

You can do a tour of the Treshnish Isles from Tobermory on Mull or Oban on the mainland. You’ll see minke whales, dolphins, cormorants, seals and more!

• Walk inside Fingal’s Cave on Staffa. It’s known for its incredible natural acoustics
• See the puffins of Staffa (seasonal) and the sea life of the Treshnish Isles including whales and dolphins. It’s one of the top places to visit on the west coast of Scotland for wildlife lovers

16. Outer Hebrides 

Endless white sand beaches, turquoise waters and ancient Neolithic history are key features of the Outer Hebrides. 

The chain of interconnected islands on the outer edge of the west of Scotland includes Barra, Uist, Lewis and Harris. The islands are inhabited and the biggest town is Stornaway on Lewis and Harris. 

Some of the best things to do in the Outer Hebrides include the Bronze Age Callanish Standing Stones , Luskentyre Sands, Gearrannan Blackhouse Village as well as hillwalking, wildlife spotting and boat tours. 

Another archipelago in the Outer Hebrides is St. Kilda. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is situated 40 miles west-northwest of North Uist. If you can make the distance, it’s one of the most rewarding things to do on the west coast of Scotland. 

It’s been uninhabited by humans since 1930 but over a million seabirds have made it their home instead. 

• Visit Luskentyre Sands in Harris. Enjoy soft white sands and crystal-clear waters. It’s rated as one of the best beaches in the UK 
• See the Callanish Standing Stones and other Neolithic sites in Lewis

Editor’s tip: Confusingly, Lewis and Harris is one big island but you might come across ‘Isle of Lewis’ and ‘Isle of Harris.’ The Harris part is to the north while the Lewis part is to the south. 

17. Islay and Jura 

Enjoy your whiskies? Islay and Jura offer the perfect conditions for whisky production. Currently, there are nine working distilleries on Islay and one on Jura. 

The two southernmost islands in the Inner Hebrides are separated by the Sound of Islay, a channel which is less than a mile wide. They’ve both been inhabited since 10,000 BCE!

Islay has rolling hills, a rugged coastline and more people than Jura. Jura is less populated but features mountains and red deer. 

• Go distillery-hopping on Islay, one of the best places in Scotland for Scotch whisky
• Go hiking on Jura and see Barnhill, the house where George Orwell finished his most famous novel, 1984 

The best places to visit on the west coast of Scotland: Final thoughts

If you’re still wondering, “Where should I go on the west coast of Scotland?” You can’t go wrong with starting from Glasgow and following the West Highland Line north to Mallaig. From there, it’s up to you. 

The west of Scotland is home to some of the country’s most spectacular landscapes. From ancient landslides and volcanic peaks to white-sand beaches and glass-like lochs, it’s got it all. 

Add historic castles, skies free of light pollution and remote islands inhabited for millennia and you’ll have no trouble falling in love with Scotland’s west coast. 

I hope this guide has inspired you to visit some of these places on the west coast of Scotland and see this beautiful corner of the world for yourself.

Looking for more Scotland travel tips? Check out these posts!

• 10 Days in the Scottish Highlands: The Ultimate Itinerary
• 13 Awesome Day Trips From Edinburgh By Train Or Bus
• Complete Scotland Packing List: What To Wear For Every Season
• A Complete Guide to Scotland: Everything You Need to Know
• Caledonian Sleeper Review: Is This Train Worth The Hype?
• The Best Time To Visit The Isle Of Skye For The Perfect Trip

This post may contain affiliate / compensated links. As an Amazon Associate, I also earn from qualifying purchases. For full information, please see my disclaimer here .

About The Author

Francesca brooking.

Francesca Brooking is the Founder of Little Lost Travel. A travel expert with a passion for the planet, Francesca is on a mission to help you travel well. From Costa Rica to Jordan, she's travelled all over the world. When she's not off on an adventure, she's reviewing sustainable travel products and writing travel guides.

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Last Updated on 08/12/2023

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8 Day West Coast Islands & Wild Highlands Tour

An exhilarating 8 day exploration of some of the most dramatic and beautiful scenery in Scotland. Visit and experience the fabulous scenery of the rugged Isle of Mull and the enchanting Isle of Skye, explore charming traditional communities such as Inveraray, Portree, Pitlochry and Fort Augustus on Loch Ness, and tour the iconic places of Eilean Donan Castle and Stirling Castle.

Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park

Day 1 is a fabulous introduction to the Scottish landscape, exploring Scotland’s first National Park & beautiful Loch Lomond, the wonderful lochside village of Inveraray and its famous Castle, then on to Oban, "Gateway to the Isles", for some free time in the town. Overnight Mull

Isle of Mull

Day 2 we tour the rugged isle of Mull with its rugged mountain scenery and stunning seascapes. We visit home of one of Scotland’s oldest Clans, Duart Castle and the town of Tobermory with its colourful frontage of painted houses and walk the white sand beach at Calgary Bay. Overnight Mull

Ardnamurchan

Day 3 we travel by ferry to explore the Ardnamurchan Peninsula by way of single-track road where the relics of ancient volcanic activity are conspicuous features. This is an area ideal for wildlife watching opportunities as we travel up the coast to take the ferry “Over the Sea to Skye”. Overnight nr. Skye

Isle of Skye

Day 4 is a tour of the Isle of Skye, passing through Broadford and the Cuillin Mountains to the main settlement on the Island, Portree, with colourful houses and traditional harbour. Later, we head north to admire the scenery and views at the Old Man of Storr and Kilt Rock Falls. Overnight nr Skye

Loch Ness & Eilean Donan Castle

Day 5 begins with a visit to iconic Eilean Donan – Scotland’s most photographed castle. Later, we travel through beautiful Glenshiel to the village of Fort Augustus on the shores of Loch Ness. After lunch, we head for the whisky distillery for some whisky tasting. Overnight nr Inverness

Cairngorms National Park

Day 6 explores Culloden Battlefield which will provide a lasting image of heroic Bonnie Prince Charlie and his Jacobite Army. Later, we travel through the Cairngorms National Park with large tracts of Caledonian Pine Forest where we visit Carrbridge and the Highland Folk Museum. Overnight Pitlochry

Queen Elizabeth Forest Park

Day 7 we admire the “Queen’s View” and head out to visit a reconstructed Crannog roundhouse to discover how ancient loch dwellers lived 2,500 years ago. After lunch at Kenmore, we follow Loch Tay into the Queen Elizabeth Forest Park for a drive around “The Duke’s Pass”. Overnight Stirling

Stirling Castle

Day 8 begins with a leisurely visit to Stirling Castle for a full tour to take in the castle's long and turbulent history. When we are ready we head east for Edinburgh also known as “Auld Reekie” where you can enjoy some free time in the Royal Mile with its charming medieval architecture.

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Scotland's West Coast small group tour

Explore the West of Scotland, join the gulf stream and visit and spend time with a small group educational tour for senior couples and mature solo travellers visiting with time to explore in depth, Skara Brae , Mull, Iona, Oban and Glasgow and the communities of the Atlantic.

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• 1. Standing (weather permitting), on the extreme N-W tip of Scotland, next to the Cape Wrath Lighthouse.
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• 3. Visiting historic homes and castles such as Dunvegan, Culzean and Stirling.

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Best of the West Coast of Scotland

This twenty six day small group tour of Scotland’s West Coast is for the senior couple or mature solo traveller who wants to really explore the beauty of Scotland’s magnificent landscape, particularly in the Highlands and Islands. Our fully escorted tour takes us from the historic Orkney Islands in the north, all the way down to the Mull of Galloway in the far south of the country. On the way we visit the Outer Hebrides, Skye and the Island of Mull . We drive through atmospheric Glencoe, travel around mysterious Loch Ness, and take the famous rail journey between Fort Willian and Mallaig. There will be time to stop to admire lochs and glens, seals, sea eagles and highland cows, lighthouses and historic castles. There may even be time for a dram or two of the famous “Water of Life”, or if you prefer, a cup of tea and a scone in a remote café with magnificent views over the surrounding countryside. There is so much to see in Scotland that this tour will be a little longer than usual though, even then, we have had to be selective.

Go back to the Neolithic period

Our small group tour is for the active senior with an interest in seeing the magnificent scenery and, at the same time, delving into Scotland’s long history . On Orkney Mainland we explore the Neolithic period with visits to the pre-historic village of Skara Brae , the standing stones at at Stenness and the Maeshowe chambered tomb. Time on Orkney, however, has not stood still, as can be seen through its Viking remains, Medieval cathedral, Renaissance Bishop’s Palace, 19th century farmhouse museum and relics from both WWI and II. There is also plenty of history to be uncovered on the mainland, and on the other islands we visit. Iona , off the coast of Mull, is well known as the home to one of the first Christian missionaries to Scotland, while further south, near Portpatrick, the 6th century Romano-Christian grave stones at Kirkmadrine are less well known, but possibly even older. This tour will provide much to surprise you as we travel through land that has been occupied and fought over for thousands of years. (And don’t believe that the Romans never came to Scotland! We’ll see proof of their occupation when we sail right through the remains of the Antonine Wall at Falkirk.)

The West coast landscape of Scotland

Travellers with an interest in natural history and wild life will not be disappointed on this tour either. There are seal colonies on many of the islands and these creatures can often be observed basking on rocks close to the shore. Puffins nest on the cliffs in spring and dolphins often follow our boat as we move between islands. You should also keep an eye out for wild deer and golden eagles, as well as the comical looking Highland Cow. Scotland has large tracts of underpopulated, un-farmed land, and this is likely to be covered in spring and summer with wild flowers, including the dramatic yellow gorse and, of course, the purple heather of folk lore. People often think of Scotland as cold and bleak, but the warm Gulf Stream runs down Scotland’s West Coast, and you may be surprised by the luxuriant gardens to be found at Mount Stuart House on the Island of Bute, at Culzean Castle and Dumfries House on the mid-west coast, and Armadale Castle, on the Island of Skye .

Small group travel with like-minded companions can provide the senior traveller with more than just dramatic scenery, interesting wildlife and fascinating history. On this tour along Scotland’s West Coast, you have the chance to share an evening drink or a chat with new friends over dinner. You can discuss the merits of the Jacobean Revolution, ponder the benefits of the 19th century Caledonian Canal, exclaim over the majestic Ben Nevis, or recall the pleasure of standing beside the windswept Stevenson lighthouse on the mainland’s north-western tip at Cape Wrath. Your Programme Leader will ensure that you have company if you want it, but allow you time to wander in solitary contentment, if that is your preference.

Small group educational tour

This is a tour that has something for everyone, even if they have no Scottish ancestry. The West Coast is wild and rugged, providing wide beaches of stunning white sand, dramatic cliffs, lonely mountain roads and history enough for anyone. Although this is a long tour there will be plenty to keep the senior traveller interested, all the way from Orkney to the Mull of Galloway and then back up to Glasgow where we end our tour.

Day 1: Kirkwall, Orkney

Accommodation: Overnight The Orkney Hotel or similar

Orkney Mainland, four nights in Kirkwal l, the island’s capital.

The Orkney Islands , just 10 kilometres of the coast of the Scottish mainland, have been settled for thousands of years. This archipelago boasts the densest concentration of archaeological sites in Britain, and we will have three days in which to explore a number of the most important of these, along with some more recent sites. As well as its Neolithic past, Orkney has a rich history ranging from the age of the Vikings, through to modern times, including a vital role during both World Wars.

This afternoon we meet at our Kirkwall hotel for an introductory briefing followed by a welcome dinner in a local restaurant.

Day 2: Kirkwall, Orkney

This morning we take a Kirkwall town tour, including visits to St Magnus Cathedral and the Bishop’s Palace. There will also be time to visit the Kirkwall Museum of Island History.

St Magnus Cathedral known as the ‘Light in the North’ was founded in 1137 by the Viking, Earl Rognvald, in honour of his uncle St Magnus who was martyred in Orkney.

Although this stunning Romanesque cathedral, made from striking red and yellow sandstone, was founded in 1137, it took around 300 years to complete. It was dedicated to Magnus Erlendsson, Earl of Orkney. He shared the earldom with his cousin, Haakon Paulsson, but jealousy and greed culminated in Magnus being martyred on the island of Egilsay . This is the only complete medieval cathedral in Scotland and the only church in the country known to contain the bones of its original saint.

In the afternoon we’ll drive south over the Churchill Barriers to visit the Italian Chapel. Our drive will take us past Scapa Flow, where the German fleet was scuttled at the command of the German Commander at the end of WWI, and over the Churchill Barrier, erected on the command of Winston Churchill during WWII. We’ll visit the chapel erected by Italian POWs during WWII, and still standing on the Island of Lambholm

Day 3: Kirkwall, Orkney

Today we spend exploring island history from the 5,000 year old Neolithic village of Skara Brae and the standing stones of Brodgar and Stenness, to the Farm Museum at Kirbuster. At nearby Birsay we visit the palace of a notorious 16 th century earl and, tide permitting cross to the tidal island known as the Brough of Birsay, where we might even have the chance to find some puffins.

First uncovered by a storm in the mid 19 th century, the Neolithic village of Skara Brae was not fully excavated until 1928-1930. At first the village was thought to date from the Iron Age but Radiocarbon dating in the early 1970s confirmed that the settlement dated from the late Neolithic period and was inhabited for around 600 years between 3,200 BC and 2,200 BC. Not only are the walls of the structures still standing, and alleyways roofed with their original stone slabs, but the interior fittings of each house give an unparalleled glimpse of life as it was in Neolithic Orkney.

Ring of Brodgar.

Because the interior of the Ring of Brodgar has never been fully excavated, or scientifically dated, the monument’s actual age remains uncertain. However, it is generally assumed to have been erected between 2500 BC and 2000 BC, and was, therefore, the last of the great Neolithic monuments built on the Ness. The stone ring was built in a true circle, almost 104 metres wide. Although it is thought to have originally contained 60 megaliths, this figure is not based on archaeological evidence. Today, only 27 stones remain. In contrast to the giant megaliths that make up the Standing Stones of Stenness, the Brodgar stones are much smaller, varying in height from 2.1 metres to a maximum of 4.7 metres.

The farmhouse at the centre of the Kirbuster Farm House Museum was occupied from the mid-19 th century until the 1960s before being reopened as a museum in 1986. It’s the last un-restored example of a traditional ‘firehoose’ in Northern Europe, with the house built around a central hearth and peat fire. There is also a stone neuk bed and a peat fire, with the rooms full of old household implements and furniture.

The main farmhouse is surrounded by beautiful stone buildings full of farming equipment and memorabilia. The house also has an example of an Edwardian parlour and Victorian gardens. Kirbuster is a unique survivor which gives a fascinating insight into four generations of family life on Orkney,

Day 4: Kirkwall, Orkney

This morning we have a couple of free hours to see a little more of Kirkwall before heading to Maeshowe chambered tomb, followed by Stromness, the island’s largest town, where a visit to the local museum will be included.

Approximately 500 metres from the south-eastern shore of the Harray loch, the Maeshowe chambered tomb is, by far, the largest and most impressive of Orkney’s many chambered cairns. We have no accurate date for its construction, although radiocarbon dates for the surrounding ditch suggests it was dug around 2700BC. It is important to remember, however, this ditch may post-date the chamber by centuries.

During an excavation in 1861, Maeshowe’s entrance passage was inaccessible, so an access shaft was driven down through the top of the mound. Once inside, however, the archaeologists discovered that they were not the first to break into the tomb. Runic “graffiti” found on the inner walls confirmed saga account that several groups of Norsemen had entered the tomb – known to them as “Orkahaugr” – in the middle of the 12th century and recorded their presence on the ancient stone.

Enclosed by the steep Brinkies Brae to the west, and the sea to the east, Stromness is a tumbling network of flagstone streets, lanes piers and slipways. The town stretches for over a mile along the shore of Hamnavoe, an inlet of Scapa Flow sheltered by the islands of Outer Holm and Inner Holm. The core of the town is just one long main street that twists and turns between the shoreline and the hillside behind.

The Stromness Museum is a fabulous treasure trove of history. It contains fascinating artefacts and curios from the past; including wartime items from the ships in Scapa Flow, survival tools for Arctic Explorers and sea chests. It also covers the natural history of Orkney, displaying fossils, shells, birds and more. There is even a segment on Eliza Fraser, shipwrecked off the coast of Queensland in 1836, and her connection with Stromness.

Day 5: Betty Hill

Accommodation: Overnight Bettyhill Hotel or similar

Betty Hill one night.

This morning we leave Orkney and take either the 6.30 am early morning ferry, or the 11 am ferry from Stromness to Scrabster, on the north coast of the Scottish mainland. From there we continue to Betty Hill (or near by) for 1 night. If we catch the early morning ferry there will be time to visit John O’ Groats and/or the Castle of Mey (once owned by the late Queen Mother).

Group Dinner tonight

Day 6: Ullapool

Accommodation: Overnight Caledonian Hotel or similar

Once again we have an early start and a full day as we drive west to Durness, where we visit the infamous Smoo Cave before taking, if possible on the day, the short crossing to Cape Wrath, the most N-W tip of the mainland. We then continue south through spectacular west coast scenery to Ullapool, where we spend the night.

Smoo Cave, close to the tiny village of Durness, is the largest coastline cave in the British Isles. It has provided shelter for thousands of years, with archaeologists dating occupation back to the Mesolithic period. The caves continued to be occupied into relatively recent times, with Norse settlers gathering there to repair boats and fish for herrings. Many legends are connected with the cave including the story of a highwayman called McMurdo who killed his victims by throwing them down the blow-hole into the cave.

In order to get to Cape Wrath we need to take a short ferry ride before being transported by mini bus the eleven miles across moorland to the cape. The whole journey takes about three and a half hours but is weather dependent. If we can get to Cape Wrath the views are spectacular, and we have the bonus of seeing one of the Robert Stevenson lighthouses, built in 1828.

In the afternoon we continue south through spectacular scenery to Ullapool where we spend the night.

Day 7: Stornaway

Accommodation: Overnight The Royal Hotel or similar

Today we head for the Outer Hebrides, spending three nights in Stornaway, the main town on Harris and Lewis .

This morning we catch the ferry from to Lewis. We have the afternoon free to walk around Stornaway, visit the castle and, possibly, time to drive out to the “Bridge to No Where”, built by Lord Leverhulme as part of his failed plan to revolutionise life on the island.

Picturesque Stornaway has a population of around 6000 and is by far the largest town in the Outer Hebrides . Stornaway was founded by the Vikings in the 9 th century, but the Hebridean culture goes back much further, as testified by the circles of standing stones that are found on the island, and shards of pottery dating as far back as 3,000 BC. There are remnants of various historic periods on the island including the traditional “Blackhouses”, some of which were in use as late as the 1970s. Lews Castle, overlooking the town, is a more modern copy of a Tudor manse, and was built by a former 19 th century owner of the island.

Day 8: Stornaway

Today we spend exploring pre-historic as well as historic Lewis, including the Standing Stones of Callanish, the Carloway Broch, and the Black House Museum. There should even be time to take a trip to the island of Great Bernera, where cows often sun bake on beautiful Bosta Beach, close to a reconstructed Iron Age House.

The Standing Stones of Callanish (or Calanais) are an extraordinary cross-shaped setting of stones erected some 5,000 years ago, predating England’s Stonehenge. They were an important part place for island ritual for at least 2,000 years though their exact purpose remains unknown.

Dun Carloway.

Brochs, such as Dun Carloway on Lewis, are found only in Scotland, particularly on Shetland , Orkney and Lewis, as well as on the mainland. No body knows exactly why the brochs were built, possibly for defence in an unsettled time. This broch, still standing an impressive 9 metres in height, was probably constructed about 200 BC. Broch building ceased around AD 100, though they may have continued in use as late as around AD 1000.

At the far end of the village of Arnol, also on the west coast of Lewis, is the Black House Museum. It will help us to understand something of the way of life once widespread in the islands. A blackhouse usually comprised a long narrow building, often with one or more additional buildings laid parallel to it and sharing a common wall. The walls were made from an inner and outer layer of unmortared stones, the gap between them filled with peat and earth. The roof would be based on a wooden frame, resting on the inner stone wall, giving the characteristic wall-ledge. Over the frame would be laid an overlapping layer of feathery turves, and over this a layer of thatch. The thatch would be secured with an old fishing net or by twine attached to large rocks whose weight held everything down. More rocks would be laid around the bottom of the roof, where it met the inner wall.

Day 9: Stornaway

This morning we head south to the Harris end of the island, as far as Leverburgh, and then circle around via medieval St Clement’s Church, and the Golden Road back to Stornaway.

Harris is the less fertile, less populated end of the island, with magnificent white sandy beaches and rocky shore lines. This is mostly a day for admiring the scenery, but there are a couple of places of historical interest to be visited.

Leverburgh, formerly called “An t-Ob”, was renamed by Lord Leverhulme, who had purchased the entire island of Harris and Lewis in 1918. Leverburgh was intended to be the centre of a vast fishing empire but, on Lord Leverhulme’s death in 1925, the project came to nothing and the village fell back into obscurity. Leverburgh has recently seen something of a revival with the addition of a ferry port which links Harris with the Hebridean islands to the south.

St Clements Church at Rodel was built from around 1520 by Alexander MacLeod of Dunvegan and Harris. The church fell into disuse and disrepair in 1560, after the Reformation, but was restored by the Countess of Dunmore in 1873. The tower was restored after being struck by lightning in 1907. The church, now in the care of Historic Scotland, is widely thought to be the grandest medieval building in the Outer Hebrides.

The Golden Road takes us along the east coast of Harris from Rodel back up to Tarbet where we re-join the main road. The south east coast is deeply indented by lochs and contains some of the rockiest scenery anywhere in Scotland. For much of its history the many tiny settlements along the coast were accessible only by boat, but in 1897 a road was constructed to link the settlements. The high cost of the road, through such difficult terrain, is thought to have caused it to be called “The Golden Road”.

Day 10: Portree

Accommodation: Overnight The Bosville or similar

This morning we leave Stornaway and drive south again to Tarbet, where we catch a ferry to Uig on the Island of Skye , which has been populated since the Mesolithic era. From Uig, after a visit to Fairy Glen, we drive north to the tip of the island, and then down the scenic east coast to Portree, the island’s capital.

The cone shaped hills and odd rock formations of the Fairy Glen are believed to have been formed by a landslip. Over the following centuries the dramatic landscape was then shaped and smoothed by glacial movement during the next ice-age.

As we drive down the east coast we pass through some of Scotland’s most dramatic scenery. The most photographed highlight of the island is the Old Man of Storr, a magnificent pinnacle of rock, rising to 49 metres, that is visible for miles around. A combination of ancient lava flows and landslides, the Old Man of Storr is part of the Trotternish Ridge, which continues behind it.

Portree, the largest town on Skye, was created as a fishing village at the beginning of the 19 th century by the then Lord MacDonald. The town is set around a natural harbour and the colourful houses lining the shores make for some great photographs. This afternoon you’ll have time to explore the town.

Day 11: Portree

This morning after breakfast we set out to explore more of the north of the island. We drive via Skeabost to Dunvegan Castle where we take a guided tour of the castle which has been the seat of the chiefs of the Clan MacLeod for over seven centuries.

We return to Portree via the west coast of the island with a stop to visit the Talisker Distillery at Carbost.

Day 12: Portree

Today we spend exploring the south of the island, including Armadale Castle Gardens and the Museum of the Isles.

On our way south we’ll detour to take a closer look at the Black Cuillin and Red Cuillin Ranges. The Black Cuillin Ridge was formed 60,000,000 years ago and is all that remains of an eroded magma chamber of a huge volcano. Weathering over the millennia has created the jagged character of the Ridge. The Red Cuillin Range is made mainly of granite which has weathered to give the rounded appearance of the hills.

Armadale Castle, the last ancestral home of the Macdonalds of Sleat, is now operated by the Clan Donald Lands Trust. Here we can explore 40 acres of historic gardens and woodland walks around the romantic ruins of the castle, and enjoy stunning views across the Sound of Sleat to the mountains of Knoydart.

The mild climate created by the Gulf Stream sea-current and the sheltered aspect make the gardens a gardener’s paradise. The estate is also home to the award-winning Museum of the Isles, where you can discover the history of the Highlands and Islands through the story of Clan Donald. The estate is home to iconic wildlife species including red deer, golden eagles and sea eagles.

We return to Portree in the early afternoon with time to rest or explore.

Day 13: Fort William

Accommodation: Overnight Alexandra Hotel or similar

This morning we leave Skye and drive across the Skye Bridge to the mainland. We’ll have time to detour along the way to Fort William with stops at Plockton, Eilean Donan Castle and, possibly, the Iron Age Brochs at Glenelg.

The picturesque village of Plockton, a short drive from the Skye Bridge, boasts a superb location on sheltered Loch Caron, surrounded by a ring of hills. The neatly painted cottages of the village are arranged around the curve of the bay, making this one of the prettiest villages in Scotland. (Plockton was also the setting for the 1990s TV series Hamish Macbeth.)

The medieval castle of Eilean Donan was destroyed by government troops in 1719 after they defeated a defending garrison of Spanish troops. The 46 Spanish soldiers had assembled in support of the Catholic Jacobite cause, but were overwhelmed by the English. The gun powder they had collected was used to blow up what remained of the castle after the English bombardment.

For the best part of the next 200 years the castle lay in ruins until Lt Colonel John Macrae-Gilstrap bought the island and the castle in 1911. He spent the next 20 years reconstructing the castle to its former glory. The castle was rebuilt according to the ground plan of earlier phases, and reconstruction was finally completed in July 1932.

In the afternoon we arrive in Fort William, where we spend the next three nights. Fort William, although not very exciting itself, is a great base for exploring the Western Highlands. It is the largest town in the Highlands and, situated at the southern end of the Great Glen, it lies in the shadow of Ben Nevis, Britain’s highest mountain.

Day 14: Fort William

This morning we take the train to Mallaig where we meet the coach and drive back via Glenfinnan and Neptune’s Staircase (a series of eight locks on the Caledonian Canal).

Often described as one of the world’s greatest rail journeys, the 84 mile trip between Fort William and Mallaig, takes us past a list of impressive extremes. Starting near Ben Nevis, the train visits, Arisaig, Britain’s most westerly railway station, passes close by Loch Morar, the deepest freshwater loch in Scotland, Morar, the shortest river in Britain, and finally arrives at Mallaig on Loch Nevis, the deepest seawater loch in Europe. The train also crosses the 21-arched Glenfinnan viaduct (a location made famous in the Harry Potter films) which overlooks Loch Shiel and the Jacobite monument.

The return journey by coach allows us to stop at the Jacobite monument with the chance visit the museum or climb to the lookout for a good view of the viaduct.

On our way back to Fort Willian we will also stop at the series of locks known as Neptune’s Staircase. This amazing feat of engineering raises the Caledonian Canal by 19 metres over a quarter of a mile of continuous masonry. It takes around 90 minutes for a boat to travel up or down the locks. Designed by Thomas Telford, who also designed the canal, and built between 1803 and 1822, it is the longest staircase lock in Scotland.

Later this afternoon there may be time to drive along beautiful Loch Linnhe to Castle Stalker, for afternoon tea overlooking the castle.

Day 15: Fort William

Today we take a circular drive around beautiful Loch Ness to Inverness, returning to Fort William via Aviemore.

Loch Ness, surrounded by hills, contains more water than all the lakes of England and Wales combined, making it the most voluminous lake in the UK. This corner of the Highlands is world-famous for its dramatic scenery as well as for the tales of the large monster living deep beneath the dark expanses of the loch. These tales have circulated since the first “photograph” emerged in 1933, and although we’re unlikely to catch a glimpse of Nessie, the scenery will make the journey worthwhile all the same.

Urquhart Castle on the shores of Loch Ness, although a ruin, is one of the most visited castles in Britain. The castle has medieval roots and was garrisoned from the 1200s. From then on until 1692 it was fought over many times. It was garrisoned for the last time in 1689, following the exile of the Catholic King James VII, and his replacement by the Protestant monarchs William II and MaryII. In 1692 the towering gatehouse was deliberately blown up so that the castle could never again be a military stronghold.

We visit Inverness , and then continue through Aviemore and the Cairngorms, on our way back to Fort William. Although Aviemore is better known as a winter sports resort, there is still much to admire during the rest of the year.

Day 16: Oban

Accommodation: Overnight Royal Hotel Oban or similar

This morning we leave Fort William and take a rather circuitous route to Oban via Glencoe, Tyndrum and St Conan’s Kirk on Lochawe. From Oban we take the afternoon ferry to Tobermory, the main town on the island of Mull.

Located within the awe-inspiring Lochaber Geopark, the deep valley and towering mountains of Glencoe were carved out centuries ago by icy glaciers and volcanic explosions. Glencoe is known for its tragic past as well as its wild beauty. The infamous massacre that took place here in 1692 is a poignant chapter in Scottish history , and a key moment in the story of the Jacobite rebellions.

Saint Conan’s Kirk, located beside beautiful Lochawe, is one of the most popular places to visit in Argyll. From the road the Kirk gives few clues about its amazing architecture, both inside and out. Designed and built by local landowner, Walter Douglas-Campbell, the Kirk is unique in having an example of almost every style of church architecture. Highlights include the Norman doorway, the Gothic flying buttresses, a Celtic cross, the Arts and Crafts carvings, the Saxon tower and even a Stone circle. There is a surprise at every turn! In addition, Walter commissioned some of the finest craftsmen to help decorate the interior. The lochside gardens offer stunning views over the Loch.

Day 17: Tobermory

Accommodation: Overnight Park Lodge Hotel or similar

We catch the early morning ferry to Mull and then onto Tobermory.

There will be time to explore picturesque Tobermory this morning, before touring the northern part of the island. We’ll visit Calgary Bay, then take a sail (weather permitting) from Ulva Bay out to Staffa and Fingal’s Cave, followed by a visit to the Macquarie Mausoleum.

Calgary Bay, on the North West coast of Mull, is a white sandy beach backed by machair. Machair is found only on the west coasts of Scotland and Ireland where calcium rich sandy soils create a unique habitat rich in flower species and grasses.

The small island of Staffa is the result of volcanic activity that occurred 60 million years ago during the the early formation of the Atlantic Ocean. The island’s six sided columns of rock are formed from basalt, the same as the Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland. Fingal’s Cave, on Staffa, was immortalised by the composer Mendelssohn in his Hebrides Overture, after he visited the cave in 1829.

Governor Lachlan Macquarie, governor of NSW between 1810 and 1821, was born on the island of Ulva, off the coast Mull. He was buried on Mull in 1824. The mausoleum, erected over his tomb, is cared for by the National Trust for Scotland on behalf of the National Trust of Australia.

After visiting the mausoleum we return to Tobermory.

Day 18: Tobermory

This morning we travel to the south of Mull to visit Iona, the tiny island which has been described as the birthplace of Christianity in Scotland. St Columba and twelve companions went to Iona from Ireland in AD 563. The monastery they founded was one of the most important and influential in the British Isles, sending missionaries to northern Britain to convert the people to Christianity.

Little remains of the original monastery. St Columba’s shrine, a small stone building beside the door of the modern abbey church, may date from the 9 th or 10 th century. By this time Viking raids blighted Britain, and raids on Columba’s monastery were a frequent occurrence. Early in the 9 th century some of the saint’s relics were taken to Dunkeld, in Perthshire, and Kells, in Ireland, for safekeeping. The famous Book of Kells, now on display in Dublin, was probably made on Iona.

The layout of Iona Abbey follows that of a traditional monastery, with a cloister walk adjoining the church, although in this case the cloister is (unusually) sited on the north side of the church. Very little remains of the original medieval cloisters, what we see today was rebuilt in the 1950s and 60s.

We return to Tobermory in the afternoon.

Day 19: Inveraray

One night in Inveraray

This morning we leave Mull and return to the mainland via the ferry to Oban. From Oban we drive south as far as Inveraray. On our way south we stop at historic Kilmartin, and at the fishing village of Crinan at the end of the Crinan Canal.

Kilmartin Glen spans some 5,000 years of history and, with its multitude of of cairns, standing stones, carved rock, stone circles, forts and castles, the glen is considered to have one of the most important concentrations of Neolithic and Bronze Age remains in Scotland. There are more than 350 ancient monuments within a ten kilometre radius of Kilmartin village, with 150 of them being prehistoric. Monuments also include a henge monument, numerous forts, and a ‘linear cemetery’ comprising five burial cairns. The remains of the fortress of the Scots at Dunadd, a royal centre of Dal Riata, are located to the south of the glen, on the edge of the Moine Mhor, or The Great Moss.

The New Kilmartin Museum and Visitor Centre will be opened in 2023.

The Crinan Canal.

From Kilmartin we continue south to the picturesque Crinan Canal which starts at Ardrishaig on Loch Fyne, and ends at Crinan on the Sound of Jura. The canal was designed to provide a quick link between the west coast and islands at one end, and the Clyde Estuary at the other. This would avoid the long voyage around the south end of the Kintyre Peninsular.

Work started on the canal under engineer John Rennie and it was opened in 1801. It was two years late, significantly over budget, and not properly finished. Early problems with water levels and collapsing locks and reservoirs led to Thomas Telford being asked to redesign parts of the canal in 1816. The locks were again reconstructed and deepened in the 1930s.

We’ll drive along the side of the canal to the fishing village of Crinan with time to explore the village before we head back along the canal, and on to Inveraray.

Inveraray, overlooking Loch Fyne, is a traditional Argyllshire country town. It was established by the 3 rd Duke of Argyll, head of the powerful Clan Campbell, in 1745, and is a set piece of Scottish Georgian Architecture. The duke demolished the original village to give his rebuilt castle more space, rehousing the population in the new town.

Day 20: Ayr

Accommodation: Overnight Fairfield House Hotel or similar

We leave Inveraray this morning and head south again to spend a night in Ayr, on the south coast.

We travel to Ayr via the Isle of Bute, with a stop to visit the amazing Mount Stuart mansion, rebuilt by the eccentric, and very rich, third Marquess of Bute.

John Crichton-Stuart, 3 rd Marquess of Bute, was born on the 12 th of September 1847 and died on the 9 th of October 1900. He is remembered as a scholar, historian, archaeologist, romantic, mystic, patron of the arts, and the richest man in Britain at the time.

Born at Mount Stuart, the family home on the Isle of Bute, he inherited his title and a vast fortune when only six months old. His mother died when he was twelve, and he was sent to boarding school in England and then to Oxford by his emotionally detached guardians. At the age of twenty one he assumed control of the family estates, with much of his money coming from coal mines in Wales.

The 3 rd Marquess used his wealth and influence to produce a series of spectacular developments and restorations, mostly in the Neo-Gothic style. He is best known for his restoration of Cardiff Castle and the fairy tale reconstruction of Castell Coch, both in Wales. His most important work in Scotland

is probably the rebuilding of Mount Stuart on Bute. The family home burned down in 1877, and the Marquess had it rebuilt, in a most spectacular style.

From Bute we take another ferry to Wemyss Bay, where we’ll pause to take a look at the railway station with its extraordinary glass ceilings. The present station and adjoining pier were built in 1903, the first of Clyde railway piers to be built, and the last remaining. This Edwardian masterpiece well deserves its Category A architectural listing, with graceful curves and elegant glass canopies still protecting passengers.

From Wemyss Bay we take the coast road through the seaside resort of Largs, to Ayr, passing Troon, best known for its golf course, on our way.

Day 21: Portpatrick

Accommodation: Overnight The Corsewall Lightouse Hotel or similar

This morning we continue south along the coast towards Portpatrick, after a detour to visit Dumfries House, and the Robert Burns Museum at Alloway.

Dumfries House, designed by the Adam brothers, Robert, John and James, was completed in 1759 for Willian Crichton-Dalrymple, 5 th Earl of Dumfries. The Earl hand-picked the finest furniture from the workshop of Thomas Chippendale, creating one of the finest interiors of the Scottish Enlightenment. At one time the house was lived in by the 3 rd Marquess of Bute, who died there in 1900. By 2007 the house was surplus to Crichton-Stuart family requirements and was offered for sale with the furniture to be sold separately. At the last moment a consortium, led by HRH The Prince of Wales, stepped in and purchased house and contents. In so doing they preserved one of Britain’s most important collections of Georgian Scottish and English furniture in its original setting. The house is set in some 2,000 acres of superb garden which is also open to the public.

At Alloway we’ll visit the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum which offers a unique encounter with one of Scotland’s favourite sons. Burns is Scotland’s National Bard, and his poetry and songs are known the world over. The Burns museum reveals a great deal about his life and character.

From Alloway we continue to Culzean Castle.

Culzean Castle’s 260 hectare estate was once the playground of David Kennedy, 10 th Earl of Cassillis. He was a man keen to impress with his wealth and status and his castle and grounds reflect this aim. The park is planted with conifers and beech, sculpted around miles of sandy coastline dotted with caves, and finished off with a Swan Pond, an ice house, flamboyant formal gardens and fruit filled glasshouses.

The castle itself is perched on the Ayrshire cliffs, incorporating everything the Earl could wish for in his country home. It was designed by Robert Adam in the late 18 th century and is filled to the turrets with treasures that tell the stories of the people who once lived there. It was a no expense spared project, but neither Kennedy nor Adam survived to see the castle completed, as both died within a few months of each other in 1792, shortly before the castle was completed. In 1945, when the castle was passed to the National Trust for Scotland, the top floor was converted into a flat for the use of General Eisenhower, as a gesture of thanks for America’s support during WWII. General Eisenhower visited the castle four times, including once while president of the United States of America.

We end our day in Portpatrick, with dinner in a local restaurant.

Day 22: Portpatrick

There will be time this morning to explore the picturesque fishing village of Portpatrick before we take a scenic drive down to the Mull of Galloway to visit another (Stevenson) lighthouse, and check out the early Christian burials at Kirkmadrine.

The Logan Botanic Gardens, on our way south, provide us with the chance to see just what exotic plants can be grown in this mild climate. Plant treasures from Central and South America, South Africa and Australasia, all flourish here.

Day 23: Glasgow

Accommodation: Holiday Inn Glasgow City Centre Theatreland or similar

This morning we head north again to Glasgow via Kirkcudbright (home of artist E. A. Hornel), and New Lanark (a model factory village).

Kirkcudbright was established as a Royal Burch in 1455 and has always been supported by a busy fishing trade. Behind the harbour, however, the streets have long housed generations of creative artists. This tradition is still maintained today and Kircudbright is often called “The Artists Town”.

One of the town’s best known artists is E. A. Hornel, and we will take the opportunity to visit his home. Broughton House and Garden stands in the heart of Kirkcudbright. This impressive museum, combining both original interiors and exhibition spaces, is dedicated to Hornel’s life and work as an artist, collector and antiquarian.

Hornel, one of the early 20 th century Glasgow Boys, bought this impressive building in 1901 and transformed it into his studio and sales room as well as his home. Hornel was one of the colourists with an eye for sensual detail and many of his works still hang in the house, along with those of his contemporaries. His gallery, constructed in 1910, is one of the finest rooms in south-west Scotland. Outside, Hornel and his sister designed a beautiful garden, with sweeping views over Kirkcudbright harbour and the River Dee.

From Kirkcudbright we continue to New Lanark. World Heritage listed New Lanark is an exceptional example of a purpose-built 18th century mill village, set in a picturesque Scottish landscape near the Falls of Clyde. Here, in the early years of the 19th century, the Utopian idealist Robert Owen (1771-1858), inspired a model industrial community based on textile production. Owen applied his form of benevolent paternalism in industry at New Lanark, building on the altruistic actions of his father-in-law, David Dale. It was here, too, that he formulated his Utopian vision of a society without crime, poverty, and misery. New Lanark prospered under his enlightened management. The village is well preserved and well worth a visit.

This afternoon we reach Glasgow.

Day 24: Glasgow

Today we have time to explore the city of Glasgow, once the second city of the British Empire. We start the morning with a city tour, which includes the cathedral, the university, and Kelvin Grove Art Museum. There is so much to see in this fascinating historic city.

Glasgow Cathedral is the only medieval cathedral on the Scottish mainland to survive the the Protestant Reformation virtually intact. It is one of the finest buildings of any kind still surviving in Scotland from the 12 th century, and parts of it are older still.

This afternoon we visit the new transport museum. Riverside Museum is the first purpose-built museum created by Glasgow Life in the 21 st century. Located at the junction of the Rivers Kelvin and Clyde, it houses the city’s fabulous transport and technology collections, which have been gathered over the centuries, and which reflect the important part Glasgow has played in the world through its contributions to heavy industries like ship building, train manufacture and engineering.The museum was designed by internationally renowned architect, Dame Zaha Hadid, It opened in 2011 after a four-year build and houses 3,000 objects from the city’s world famous collections.

Day 25: Glasgow

On our final day of sightseeing we’ll take a full day excursion away from the city to visit the Falkirk Wheel , The Kelpies and Stirlin

The Falkirk Wheel is the world’s only rotating boat lift. It was designed to replace the eleven locks which once linked the Forth & Clyde and the Union Canals, once again allowing coast to coast navigation across central Scotland.

The magnificent wheel stands 115 ft tall and requires only the power of eight domestic kettles to sail boats through the air and transfer them between the two canals. The Falkirk Wheel has not only been described as a feat of engineering, but as a work of art. We will take the boat lift and ride right through the Roman Antonine Wall!

The Kelpies, at 30 metres tall, tower above everything around them. They were built to pay homage to the working horses of Scotland which used to pull barges along Scotland’s canals, and worked in the fields in the area where they now stand. Standing over a new canal extension, which links the Forth & Clyde Canal to the North Sea, the Kelpies are the result of the collaboration between the canal partners and the Glasgow based artist, Andy Scott. Named for Scottish mythical water spirits, The Kelpies project took almost 10 years to complete.

Most of Stirling Castle dates back to the period between 1496 and 1583, and to the efforts of three kings, James IV, V and VI and one of their queens, Mary of Guise. The castle had, however, provided a home for Scottish kings and queens from the days (at least) of Alexander I, who died 1124, until the Union of the Scottish and English Crowns under James VI, in 1603.

During its long and bloody history Stirling Castle has been attacked or besieged at least sixteen times and three major battles have been fought in the vicinity. A number of Scottish Kings and Queens have been baptised, crowned or died in or near Stirling Castle. At least one Scottish king was murdered nearby, while another committed murder within its walls.

Recently the Great Hall of the castle has been restored to its full glory with the exterior lime-washed to golden brilliance. The interior of the fabulous palace, built for Mary of Guise, has also been restored, with colours so bright that it almost hurts to look at them. The new tapestries are particularly wonderful, as are the restored ceiling bosses.

We drive back to Glasgow via Loch Lomond.

Our farewell dinner tonight will be in a local restaurant.

Day 26: Glasgow

Our tour concludes after breakfast.

Includes / Excludes

What’s included in our Tour

• 26 nights of hotel accommodation.
• 26 breakfasts and 16 dinners.
• All entry fees and services of local expert driver/guide.
• Cruises, ferry crossings, field trips, and excursions as indicated.
• Touring by comfortable and modern mini-coach.
• Services of a Tour Leader for the duration of tour.
• Gratuities and necessary tips.
• Detailed preparatory information.

What’s not included in our Tour

• Return airfare and departure taxes.
• Comprehensive travel insurance.
• Items of a personal nature, such as telephone calls and laundry.
• Meals not specified in the itinerary.

Participants must be able to carry their own luggage, climb and descend stairs, be in good health, mobile and able to participate in 3-5 hours of physical activity per day, the equivalent of walking / hiking up to 8 kilometers per day on uneven ground.

05 May 2024

Ends 30 May 2024 • 26 days

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Prices are per person and valid until 30th December 2024.

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For more information see our Crossing international borders with restrictions page.

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If less than 30 days before your tour starts you are unable to travel as a result of Government travel restrictions, Odyssey Traveller will assist you with a date change, provide you with a credit or process a refund for your booking less any non-recoverable costs.

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Peace of Mind Travel

The safety of our travellers, tour leader, local guide and support staff has always been our top priority and with the new guidelines for public health and safety for keeping safe for destinations around the world, we’ve developed our plan to give you peace of mind when travelling with us.

See Peace of Mind Travel for details.

It was good to spend so much time in one country. It was also good having stays of 3-4 nights and not a series of one-night stands. Watching puffins prepare their nests was the highlight. J. Amey May'23

Reading List Download PDF

A history of ancient britain.

Neil Oliver

Continues Neil Oliver's landmark exploration of how our land and its people came to be, which began with the acclaimed A History of Scotland.

In the Footsteps of Sheep: Tales of a Journey Through Scotland, Walking, Spinning, and Knitting Socks

Debbie Zawinski

In the Footsteps of Sheep details the completion of a mission the author, a Welsh-born Scot, set for herself: to travel and camp throughout Scotland, find cast off tufts of wool from 10 Scottish sheep breeds, then spin the wool on her spinning stick while walking (or waiting for ferries), and finally design and knit one pair of socks to represent each breed...all the while writing about her adventures and taking plenty of photographs. Debbie has written beautifully about her journey; the hills, shorelines, and bogs explored; the sheep and people she met along the way; weather both foul and fair, and a particularly exciting chapter about the intriguing St Kilda archipelago and its feral Soay and Boreray sheep. The eleven sock patterns, one at the end of each chapter, are a bonus and, for those of us unable to gather and spin our own fleece, all were test-knitted with commercial wool. The designs are knitted from top to toe with different motifs, among them color-patterns, cables, spirals, stripes, Kilt Hose with top-turnovers, and a pair of baby booties.

The Hebrides: By the presenter of BBC TV's Grand Tours of the Scottish Islands

Paul Murton

Paul Murton has spent half-a lifetime exploring some of the most beautiful islands in the world - the Hebrides. He has travelled the length and breadth of the Scotland's rugged, six-thousand-mile coast line, and sailed to over eighty islands.

In this book Paul visits each of the Hebridean islands in turn, introducing their myths anc legends, history, culture and extraordinary natural beauty. In addition he also meets the people who live there and learns their story. He has met crofters, fishermen, tweed weavers, Gaelic singers, clan chiefs, artists, postmen and bus drivers - people from every walk of life who make the islands tick. This blend of the contemporary and the traditional creates a vivid account of the Hebrides and serves as unique guide to the less well known aspects of life among the islands.

Whisky: Malt Whiskies of Scotland

Dominic Roskrow

This beautifully presented Little Book is an excellent introduction to the world of Scotch whiskies. It includes the major Scotch whiskies and the distilleries that produce them.

The book includes details of the very best of Scottish single malts and deluxe whiskies, covering Speyside (Cardhu, Glenfarclas, Glenfiddich) the Highlands and Islands (Blair Athol, Glenmorangie, Talisker), to Islay (Ardbeg, Laphroaig), the Lowlands (Auchentoshan, Glenkinchie) and Campbeltown (Glen Scotia). It is completely up-to-date, including new Scottish distilleries which have yet to bottle spirit or establish a core product.

What’s more, an introduction exploring the current whisky boom and how distilleries are coping with this surge in demand makes this attractive Little Book a great introduction for anyone looking to learn about whisky.

Wild Guide Scotland: Hidden places, great adventures & the good life

Kimberley Grant

A new compendium of adventures, from the best-selling Wild Guide series (winner of travel guidebook of the year 2015). This guide to Scotland and the Scottish highlands and islands, one of Europe's fastest growing adventure holiday destinations, explores the hidden parts of its better known tourist areas, as well many more remote regions, rarely visited by tourists. Guiding you to over 800 wild swims, ancient forests, lost ruins and hidden beaches. Including inns, wild camping, local crafts, artisan whisky distilleries and wild places to stay.

The Scottish Islands: A Comprehensive Guide to Every Scottish Island

Haswell-Smith, Hamish

Fully revised and updated and liberally illustrated with the author's own paintings, this beautiful guide will take readers to every Scottish island, whether by armchair or yacht. From the abandoned crofts of Mingulay and the standing stones of Orkney to the white beaches of Colonsay and the spectacular Cuillins of Skye, this is the first complete gazetteer to cover all of Scotland’s many hundreds of islands, including those which are uninhabited and those which are notoriously difficult to reach. Packed with information on access, anchorages, points of historical or natural interest, and things to do and see, this fascinating compendium provides indispensable information for touring, for browsing, for reference, and for all of those travelers who wish to experience some of the most beautiful and remote places in the world. No other book begins to emulate the range and depth of the information contained in The Scottish Islands. Complete with the author's own paintings, full-color illustrations, and relief maps of all the main islands, this is both an impressive work of reference and a fascinating personal view of Scotland’s distant outposts.

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Tours from Oban

Three Isles Tour - Mull, Iona & Staffa

Adult £94 | Child £47

Mull and Iona

Adult £54 | Child £28

Tobermory, Treshnish, Staffa

Adult £109 | Child £55

Tobermory and Staffa

Adult £97 | Child £48

Wildlife Tour

Adult £99 | Child £49

Three Isles Early Bird

Adult £88 | Child £44

Iona Day Trip Winter Special

Adult £27.90 | Child £14

Tobermory Day Trip Winter Special

Adult £19.90 | Child £10

In and Around Mull

Explore the island on our local bus routes

The insider's guide to Mull, Iona, Staffa and the Treshnish Isles.

Tours from Mull

The Three Isles Tour (Departing from Craignure, Mull)

Adult £71 | Child £35

Mull and Iona (Departing from Craignure, Mull)

Adult £38 | Child £19

Tobermory, Treshnish and Staffa (Departing from Craignure, Mull)

Adult £81 | Child £40

Tobermory and Staffa (Departing from Craignure, Mull)

Adult £69 | Child £35

Wildlife Tour (Departing from Craignure, Mull)

Adult £75 | Child £37

Three Isles Early Bird (Departing from Craignure, Mull)

Mull and iona tour.

Duration: 8 Hours

Experience two beautiful Inner Hebridean islands in one day! 

Rugged landscapes, breathtaking scenery, coastal cliffs, sparkling lochs, white sandy beaches and ancient history are just a few of the things that make this day trip both magical and memorable.

Departing from Oban Ferry Terminal on the CalMac ferry, you will sail to Craignure, Mull. Our West Coast Motors coach and friendly driver will meet you at Craignure for a tour through the island’s spectacular scenery towards Fionnphort, where you will take the ferry and sail to Iona.

You will have two hours to soak up Iona’s peace and tranquillity as well as discovering its stunning beaches and awe-inspiring history. We recommend a visit to the Benedictine Nunnery, the Reilig Oran and Iona Abbey.

• Lunch, snacks and refreshments are readily available on Iona.
• Entry to Iona Abbey is not included, you will arrive on Iona at approx 13:00, tickets can be purchased online at historicenvironment.scot.

Trying to book tickets for tomorrow? – Our online booking system requires at least 24 hours’ notice, however, we may still have tickets available.  Please call us on 01586 552319 to check for last-minute availability or pop into the West Coast Motors Tour shop, located in George St, Oban.

Your Itinerary

** Please note that very occasionally, itineraries may be subject to change on the day due to circumstances outwith our control **

09:25. Be at the ferry terminal ready to board

09:55  Ferry sails from Oban to Craignure on Mull

10:40. Arrive on Craignure on Mull

10:55. Depart Craignure by bus

12:10. Arrive at Fionnphort

Spend approximately 2 hours on Iona

15:00. Depart Iona by ferry to Fionnphort 

15:20. Depart Fionnphort by bus to travel back to Craignure

16:35. Arrive Craignure

17:05. Depart on the ferry from Craignure to Oban

17:55. Arrive back in Oban

Head over to our FAQ section for more information and useful tips to make the most of your day trip!

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How to Road Trip the West Coast of Scotland

Wild, rugged, steeped in history and inherently beautiful, the west coast of Scotland has all the ingredients for an unforgettable road trip. It’s no surprise, then, that travellers from across the UK and around the world choose these winding roads for a holiday like no other.

There’s no right way to undertake a road trip. They are personal journeys and experiences that only you can shape.

At Bye by Car, we embrace this idea. We know you want to discover the UK and Ireland at your own pace, but with the reassurance that comes with having an established tour company behind you.

We provide carefully crafted, self-guided tours in Scotland , allowing you to explore our country in your own time.

Read on to find out how you can explore the stunning scenery that awaits. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us .

Loch Lomond is a Great Starting Point for a Road Trip Along the West Coast of Scotland

Numerous variables influence every road trip along the west coast of Scotland. You may have 7 days to work with, or 10, or even 20. You likely have non-negotiable must-see sites, but other things that you would be willing to sacrifice.

All these variables will shape your entire trip, including its starting point. For many travellers, though, Loch Lomond makes a great place to get the adventure under way. 

A short drive from Glasgow, Loch Lomond gives a fantastic welcome to the spectacular landscapes and fresh air of rural Scotland. If you have the time, the area is a wonderful hiking spot.

Both Loch Lomond and Oban (mentioned below) feature in our popular road trip tours in Oban, Loch Lomond and Glasgow .

Head to Oban for the Isle of Mull and Delicious Fresh Seafood

Further up the west coast is Oban, a small seaside town with a beautiful horseshoe-shaped bay. The town itself is backed by mountains and has a rugged coastline. 

Due to its location, it’s easy to find restaurants along the harbour serving ingredients hauled straight from the sea and onto your plate!

From Oban you can catch a ferry to the Isle of Mull. The island has a healthy population of white-tailed sea eagles and golden eagles. In fact, Mull has become known as ‘Eagle Island’.

For whisky aficionados, the island is home to the Tobermory Distillery. 

If you have ample time on your road trip, you can take a boat to the geological wonder that is the Isle of Staffa, with its hexagonal basalt columns and Fingal’s Cave.

Head into the Highlands for Glencoe, Glenfinnan Viaduct and Fort William

As your road trip along the west coast of Scotland heads into the Highlands, the scenery becomes even more striking and awe-inspiring. Approaching from the south, you will arrive at Glencoe first.

Driving along the A82, you will travel through a deep valley carved out by ancient glaciers and volcanic activity. The valley ridges towering over either side of the road will make you feel small, but they also hint at the incredible hiking trails you can enjoy in the area.

Further north along the A82 you will find Fort William. On the shores of Loch Linnhe and in the shadow of Ben Nevis, this town in the Western Scottish Highlands has something for everyone. It’s also a great place to stock up on supplies. 

If you’re planning a road trip in summer, include midge spray. You’ll thank us later!

Further to the north of Fort William is Glenfinnan Viaduct, as featured in the Harry Potter films –  and our own Harry Potter-themed road trip tours of Scotland . 

This is where you can witness the magical sight of the Hogwarts Express puffing its way across the curved viaduct.

You can find the best viewpoint at the end of a dirt path not far from the visitor centre. During the high season of mid-June to late-September, the train passes over the viaduct 4 times a day. This drops to twice a day during the low season.

Tourists Love the Rugged Landscapes on the Isle of Skye

You can reach Skye by road via a bridge connecting the island to Scotland’s northwest coast. Alternatively, you can hop on the Mallaig – Armadale ferry. 

But however you get there, a world of picturesque fishing villages, medieval castles and rugged landscapes awaits.

There is plenty to see and do on the Isle of Skye over multiple days, with highlights including:

• A leisurely stroll through the main town on the island, Portree
• Relax and recharge on the sandy An Corran or Coral Beaches
• Hike up to the iconic Old Man of Storr and enjoy the amazing views
• Track down some of our famous Highland cows (or coos!)
• Marvel at the crystal clear blue fairy pools on the River Brittle
• Head to Neist Point Lighthouse for yet more gorgeous views looking out to sea

Back on the mainland, via the A87, you can stop off at one of Scotland’s most photographed castles: Eilean Donan. This is a great spot to just sit and take in the beauty of the scene for a few peaceful minutes.

With so many things to do and so many landscapes to explore, the Isle of Skye is always among Scotland’s best road trips .

Our Self-Drive Tours in Scotland Make Everything Simple and Hassle-Free

The route along Scotland’s west coast is long and winding. It passes through jaw-dropping scenery and by an array of landmarks, sights and vistas. Taking the DIY approach can become stressful and there’s a high chance that you’ll miss many of the hidden gems off the beaten track.

At Bye by Car, our Scotland self-drive tours offer a truly unique experience. Visitors can make the most of our incredible country, but all while enjoying the privacy and freedom of travelling alone.

For added peace of mind, we offer telephone support in English throughout your journey should you encounter any problems or have a query. 

Are you ready to start preparing for your road trip on the west coast of Scotland? Get in touch with our friendly team with all your initial questions.

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Scotland’s West Coast by Rail

Scottish Highlands Rail Tour – Enjoy some of the world’s most beautiful rail journeys as you tour the scenic Western Highlands and the West Coast of Scotland by train. Experience the famous West Highland Line, cross the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct and travel over the sea to the tranquil Isle of Skye. You’ll experience the best of both worlds with overnight stays in the cultural cities of Glasgow, Inverness and Edinburgh and day trips to the remote landscapes of Glencoe, Skye’s northern peninsula and the shores of Loch Ness.

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Arriving into Edinburgh Airport (or Glasgow Airport), board the train to the thriving city of Glasgow. Glasgow is Scotland’s largest city and home to modern Scottish culture. Explore the Victorian monuments of George Square, the bustling Sauchiehall Street and the imposing Glasgow Cathedral and Necropolis. In the leafy West End you can visit the Kelvingrove Park and Museum set around the university quarter or head to the Merchant City to enjoy a host of modern Scottish bars and restaurants.

Overnight: Glasgow

Journey details: 1 hour 10 minutes from Glasgow Airport / 1 hour 20 minutes from Edinburgh Airport (approx.)*

Today enjoy a small-group excursion to for a taste of Scotland’s dramatic Highlands. Meet your driver and group in the heart of Glasgow then head North passing the historic town of Inveraray and its white-washed castle on route to Scotland’s scenic West Coast. Pause in Oban “Gateway-to-the-Isles” for lunch before continuing deep in to Glencoe Valley; one of the most eerily beautiful areas of Scotland and home to a tragic history of clan battles. By afternoon you’ll return South over the barren Rannoch Moor and along the banks of Scotland’s largest Loch, Loch Lomond.

Meals: Breakfast included

This morning embark on one of Scotland's famous rail journeys as you travel the West Highland Railway to Fort William. On route you will pass scenic coastline, the tranquil shores of Loch Lomond and through the heart of the desolate expanse of the Rannoch Moor. Arriving in Fort William you can spend the afternoon walking the harbour overlooking Loch Linhe, visit the Ben Nevis Distillery or the West Highland Museum for a candid history of the region. Alternatively, the brave might choose to take a hike in the foothills of the towering mountain of Ben Nevis – Britain’s highest peak.

Overnight: Fort William

Journey details: 4 hours (approx.)*

Departing Fort William, continue your rail journey North on the second leg of the stunning West Highland line. Your journey will take you over the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct (which features in the Harry Potter Movies) offering panoramic vistas over the Glenfinnan monument and Loch Shiel beyond. Arriving in Mallaig, board the ferry to the beautiful Isle of Skye. Here you’ll enjoy a private transfer from Armadale port to the island’s main town of Portree where you can spend the balance of the day wandering this charming port town of pastel fishing cottages overlooking the tiny harbour with the Cuillin mountains in the distance.

Overnight: Portree, Isle of Skye

Journey details: 1 hour 20 minutes to Mallaig followed by 2 hours to Portree (approx.)*

Meet a local guide and join a small-group tour for a journey dedicated to exploring the very best of Skye. Your journey will take you to the farthest reaches of the small island on a journey of discovery of its dramatic natural landscapes; spot sea and bird-life in the chilly Atlantic waters from Neist Point, pass through the enchanting Fairy Glen and tour the Trotternish Peninsula which is home to a host of unique geological features such as “The Old Man of Storr” and Kilt Rock. There’ll be ample photo-stops and the opportunity to take in some of Skye’s cultural highlights including Dunvegan Castle and Talisker Distillery.

Today, you’ll enjoy a private transfer from Portree over Skye Bridge to the Kyle of Lochalsh on the Scottish mainland. Here you can board the train and pick up yet another of Scotland’s magnificent rail journeys as you travel the North Highland Line. Your journey takes you over the barren wilderness of the Northern Highlands with views of the Torridon peaks before descending to Inverness, capital of the Highlands. Straddling the banks of the river Ness, explore this picturesque Highland town from the cobbled Mercat Cross and St Andrews Cathedral to the hill-top castle and museum.

Overnight: Inverness

Journey details: 50 minutes to Kyle of Lochalsh followed by 2 hour 40 minutes to Inverness (approx.)*

Meet a local guide and join a small-group tour dedicated to exploring the Highlands and the scenic area surrounding Scotland’s most famous loch, Loch Ness. Your journey will take you along the dramatic shores of the loch with an opportunity for a boat rip on the chilly waters and a stop at the iconic Urquhart Castle perched on the loch-side. There’ll be stops at various points of interest including the Highland towns of Drumnadrochit and Fort Augustus and the picturesque Falls of Foyers.

This morning, make a final rail journey south to taking you through the heart of the Cairngorm National Park with stunning mountain vistas before arriving in Edinburgh, the capital city of Scotland. Explore this magnificent city from the winding streets of the cobbled old town to the wide avenues of the opulent Georgian new town. Stroll past the Gothic Burns Monument and through Princes Street Gardens before climbing the Royal Mile to the city's centrepiece at the magnificent Edinburgh Castle, home to the Scottish Crown Jewels, the Stone of Destiny and St Margaret's Chapel.

Overnight: Edinburgh

Journey details: 3 hours and 30 minutes (approx.)*

Today explore Edinburgh in more depth; perhaps enjoy a spot shopping along Princes Street, visit Scotland’s national museums and galleries or discover “Royal” Edinburgh with visits to the Palace of Holyrood House, the Queens Edinburgh residence, or the Royal Yacht Britannia in Leith Docks, the official Royal yacht for over forty years. You may choose to visit the seat of Scottish Parliament at Holyrood, climb Arthur’s Seat for amazing cityscape vistas or simply soak up the Edinburgh’s excellent pub scene.

Today bid farewell to Scotland as you return to Edinburgh Airport for your return flight to your home nation.

Kelvingrove Park, Glasgow, Scotland

Glencoe, Scotland

Fort William, Scottish Highlands

Portree, Isle of Skye, Scotland

Inverness, Highlands, Scotland

Urquhart Castle, Loch Ness, Scotland

Urquhart Castle by Loch Ness, Scotland

Panoramic view of Edinburgh castle from Calton Hill, Edinburgh, Scotland.

Edinburgh, Scotland

*Journey times and distances are estimates and are based on the direct route between the start location and end location for each day of the itinerary, where applicable. They do not include detours or stops for sightseeing.

What's included

• 9 nights accommodation (suggested accommodations listed below).
• Full cooked Scottish breakfast each morning.
• BritRail Spirit of Scotland (8 in 15 day) Rail Passes – Passes offer 8 separate days of travel on the Scottish Rail Network within a 15 day period. Travel is fully flexible and completely unlimited on each day of use and will cover all outlined rail journeys. Rail pass also covers your ferry crossing to the Isle of Skye.
• Private transfers to / from Portree on the Isle of Skye.
• Oban, Glencoe, Highland Lochs and Castles tour from Glasgow.
• Best of Skye day tour from Portree on the Isle of Skye.
• Loch Ness day tour from Inverness.
• Edinburgh Castle
• Adeo travel documents pack and suggested rail schedule information for each of your point-to-point journeys including journey durations and departure stations and travel departure times etc.
• Toll-free calls (from USA and Canada) to your Britain vacation specialist whilst planning your trip.
• Expert assistance during the planning of your trip and local out-of-hours number for use during travel.

Our Selected Lodging

• Hotel Indigo Glasgow (or similar), Glasgow x 2 night
• The Garrison Hotel (or similar), Fort William x 1 night
• The Cuillin Hills Hotel (or similar), Portree x 2 nights
• Inverness Palace (or similar), Inverness x 2 nights
• Bonham Hotel (or similar), Edinburgh x 2 nights

Wherever possible we select characterful accommodation representative of the destination where you're staying. We regularly personally visit and quality-check hotels across the country. The hotels listed are a representative selection of just some of the properties we work with, ask your consultant for their personal favourites and recommendations. Read more about the accommodation we offer by  clicking here .

Optional extras

• Add a city sightseeing open top bus tour in Glasgow, Inverness or Edinburgh.
• Add a day-tour from Edinburgh to visit he historic town of St Andrews and the fishing villages of Fife.

Customize this tour!

• Add a night in the central highland town of Pitlochry on route between Inverness and Edinburgh.
• Combine this tour with one of our other rail itineraries.
• Travel on the Glasgow Subway rail networks – these are separate to the national rail network and your Britail Passes will not be valid.
• Taxis / transfers from train stations to your hotels (except on Skye) – taxis are readily available at all major train stations in the UK and hotel receptions / concierges will be happy to call local taxi firms for collection on days of departure.
• Trip Insurance – we ask that our guests purchase suitable cover in case planned travel is affected or disrupted due to unforeseen circumstances. More information on the benefits of trip insurance can be found here .
• Flights – adeo Travel do not book air travel but are happy to offer advice on where to seek competitive airfare.
• Meals and/or sightseeing other than that outlined above.

Departure Dates 2023/2024

This self-guided tour is customizable and can be taken at any time throughout the year and starting and ending on any day of the week - simply let us know your preferred dates of travel!

Pricing 2023/2024

Twin/Double - from GBP £2,195 per person. Single supplements apply for single occupancy rooms, please ask for a quotation for details.

Pricing Notes

• Above pricing is an estimated "from" price based on shoulder-season travel (April/October). As this tour can be taken at any time pricing will vary dependent on departure day, date of travel, selected accommodations etc.
• Above pricing is based on suggested accommodations listed however please note that we can tailor your specific quote to accommodate your budget and preferences.
• Prices are per person based on two people sharing a twin/double room with one adult BritRail pass per person as specified. (Please enquire for single supplement)
• Prices are for land only travel and do not include flights.
• Prices are in GBP£ currency, for approximate amounts in other currencies please contact us.

West of Scotland Tours

Welcome to west of scotland tours, enjoy the delights the west coast has to offer from the comfort of an air conditioned ford tourneo which can accommodate seven passengers and luggage. we offer tours around the oban area lasting between 2 and 10 hours which are detailed here . alternatively you can devise your own tour to take in the sights of your choice..

The activities available in the surrounding area are many. These include golfing, angling, climbing, skiing, sailing, diving, walking and bird watching. Also available are distillery visits, sites of historic interest, castles and places of beauty.

We are also available for trips to the cities such as Glasgow, Edinburgh and Inverness for days away to take in such things as concerts, theatre, shopping trips, nights out or golf outings.

We are also able to provide transport to meet ferries, trains, aircraft at Connel or yacht crews. We are also happy to do uplifts and drop offs to both major airports, or pick up clients from Edinburgh and Glasgow hotels and transport them to Oban.

The business is operated by David Shearer who has considerable knowledge of the geography and history of the west coast and who will provide a caring and personal service to clients.

As many of the services on offer are tailored to meet clients' individual requirements, prior booking is essential.

A Foodie’s Road Trip on Scotland’s West Coast

Home > Blog > A Foodie’s Road Trip on Scotland’s West Coast

“Eat local, eat fresh, eat natural.”

It’s a mantra resounding across the foodie world and, luckily, an easy goal to strive towards in Scotland. The entire foundation of Scottish food culture and identity is based on natural ingredients easily found in our great outdoors – think Scottish raspberries in a traditional cranachan dessert, haddock that abounds in the surrounding seas used to create our traditional fish soup Cullen skink, or a Scottish roast beef accompanied by local root vegetables grown in Scotland’s fertile green spaces.

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Porter & Rye (@porterandrye) on Jun 2, 2018 at 7:13am PDT

While haggis may spring to mind when you think of Scottish cuisine, what epitomises our cooking is not the stereotypical dishes but rather our fresh, natural produce. By the end of this blog, you may be sick of me using the words “local” and “home-made”, for they chime out of tiny cafes and large restaurants across Scotland.

Scotland’s west coast offers jaw-dropping scenery and some of the very best Scottish food experiences, and this is my guide to making the most of this foodie coastline. The incredible seafood bars and Michelin-recommended restaurants feature, of course, but so do smaller cafes that serve up a hearty slice of cake and a creamy cappuccino. It’s all about exciting your palate and warming your heart as you drive this stunning country …

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Stacy Smith (@stacy__j__smith) on Feb 16, 2019 at 7:59am PST

First nibbles …

Starting from Glasgow, my foodie journey begins by heading north to beautiful and mesmerising Loch Lomond – the biggest expanse of inland water in the UK and the perfect spot for a picnic. Take a stroll up one of the iconic hills close at hand such as Conic Hill beside Balmaha, or the Cobbler at Arrochar. Here you can have a welcome stretch of the legs ready to pack in as much food as possible.

At the picturesque village of Luss, stopping for refreshments at the  Coach House Coffee Shop  is compulsory. Here they fill their teapots to the brim and their cakes come in generous slices.

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Coach House Coffee Shop (@coachhousecoffeeshop) on Apr 17, 2017 at 9:15am PDT

Loch Fyne …

Venturing on towards the shores of Loch Fyne along the A83, you’ll travel past the iconic beauty spot the  Rest and Be Thankful . On the shores of Loch Fyne is the legendary  Loch Fyne Oyster Bar , a Scottish gastronomic icon where clean and unfussy seafood allows you to delve wholeheartedly into the fresh flavours and beautiful views. The menu continuously changes depending on the season and the catch brought in by fishermen each day.

The restaurant focuses on supporting the local community through the provision of the very best seafood sourced with the least environmental impact possible. Some favourite dishes are the oysters served with smoked anchovies and parmesan and the Tarbert scallops, smoked bacon and garlic butter – a sublime culinary experience.

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Home of Good Eats & Recipes (@that_foodguy_scotland) on Jan 23, 2019 at 3:42am PST

Close at hand the exemplary seafood can be washed down with a beer from  Fyne Ales Brewery , made using water from the hills surrounding their spectacular Glen Fyne location.

Stock up on some bottles for later or perhaps choose to try the succulent steak pie served up in their bar, made using beef sourced from their own herd of highland cattle.

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Fyne Ales (@fyneales) on Nov 21, 2016 at 4:34am PST

Heading up the coast …

The coast now beckons, but along the way I’d visit picture-perfect Inveraray for some sightseeing at the 19th-century Jail. A caffeine and cake hit is again needed upon passing Lochgilphead – the thick chocolate tiffin from The Square Peg would be my traybake of choice.

From here it is just 15 minutes to Crinan where the renowned seafood bar of the Crinan Hotel awaits. Dinner is served just 50 yards from the pier where the freshest seafood is landed each day. Dine on jumbo prawns, crayfish, clams, lobster, mussels or oysters as you watch the bustling life of the sea lock.

Upstairs, the Michelin recommended Westward Restaurant offers five-course gourmet dinners overlooking the sea towards the Isle of Jura and the whirling Corryvreckan. Their seasonal menu features delights such as Sound of Jura lobster and whole Loch Crinan langoustines with garlic aioli, as well as non-seafood dishes such as a roast rack of mouthwatering Argyll lamb.

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by The Crinan Hotel (@thecrinanhotel) on Jul 4, 2018 at 5:28am PDT

On to Oban …

Meandering up the coastline to my next eating destination, stop for some culture at Kilmartin Glen. This is a special place and one of the most important archaeological sites in Scotland – start at the museum and be sure to visit their stone barn cafe and courtyard. The homemade (of course) white chocolate and cranberry scones are unequivocally delicious.

Reaching Oban, ‘Scotland’s Seafood Capital’ – the choice of seafood and classic fish and chips is overwhelming. By the ferry terminal, you can purchase langoustines plucked fresh from the sea. Nearby, a hot smoked salmon sandwich from the Oban Seafood Hut or Food From Argyll at The Pier may be the best bread and filling combination you’ve ever eaten.

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Shehnaz Bashir RD ???????????????????????????? (@gutsy_dietitian) on Jul 22, 2018 at 12:13pm PDT

Along the main street, you can buy salt and vinegar-laden chips and look out to the harbour.

For something to satisfy that undeniable post-savoury sweetness craving, the  Oban Chocolate Cafe  serves up white and milk chocolate fish and chips in a newspaper-lined box, Irn Bru and whisky truffles, and chocolate orange waffles topped with handmade chocolate flakes.

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Oban Chocolate Company (@obanchocolate) on Dec 16, 2018 at 1:00pm PST

Hopping across to the Isle of Mull …

Having sat staring out to sea admiring the beautiful views and basking in the joy of trying some of the best seafood in Scotland I wouldn’t yet be content. The sea itself calls and my next stop is across the water.

A 45-minute ferry from Oban, the Isle of Mull is famous for wildlife, the coloured houses that line the pretty harbour of Tobermory and most importantly, its wonderful, locally-produced food and drink.

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Hidden Scotland (@hiddenscotland) on Feb 9, 2019 at 5:44am PST

Mull is home to the world-famous  Isle of Mull cheddar  – a brand synonymous with premium quality. At the island’s dairy farm you can watch firsthand as the ivory-coloured cheese is crafted to create a distinctively sharp and fruity flavour.

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by bridgeland market (@bridgelandmarket) on Dec 3, 2018 at 1:51pm PST

A visit to Mull would be incomplete without visiting the amazing  Cafe Fish  in Tobermory where the portions are enormous and quality sublime.

Set idyllically overlooking the harbour, their menu is scribbled onto a board each day and features the freshest ingredients possible. Their Sound of Mull scallops with a Malaysian coconut and turmeric laksa sauce are the perfect fusion of international spice and sea flavours.

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Luca Magaró (@lucamagaro)

Off the beaten track …

Would you take a ferry just to reach exceptional food? A delicious idea to me! Getting to  The Whitehouse Restaurant  by Lochaline is not easy, but after the Corran ferry and a 12-mile drive south, your tastebuds will be richly rewarded with a menu underpinned by locally-foraged ingredients and simple flavours. They offer a carefully-sourced 4 to 6-course tasting menu that is worth every picturesque mile.

Perhaps try smoked mackerel terrine, Gigha halibut exquisitely decorated with edible flowers, or crab and smoked salmon ravioli … need I say more?

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by The Whitehouse Restaurant (@thewhitehouserestaurant) on Sep 5, 2017 at 11:24pm PDT

Inland to Fort William …

For the crème de la crème of Scottish dining experiences, head to the opulent  Inverlochy Castle Hotel  for a once in a lifetime meal in magnificent, royal surroundings. Their fine dining rooms are charmingly decorated with decadent furniture gifted by the King of Norway and their 3 AA rosette restaurant runs seamlessly under the expert rule of legendary father and son duo Albert and Michel Roux. Not to mention the setting …

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Inverlochy Castle Hotel (@inverlochycastlehotel) on Jul 20, 2017 at 2:28pm PDT

The menu focuses on modern British cuisine with French influences, created using the best local produce. Their tasting menu is a fabulous option to trial your taste buds on exquisitely presented and mind-bogglingly creative dishes such as their recent seaweed cured sea trout or roast Atlantic cod.

If you fancy a truly British experience you could also book in for  afternoon tea   for a memorably indulgent end to your Scottish foodie adventure.

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Inverlochy Castle Hotel (@inverlochycastlehotel) on Mar 3, 2018 at 6:51am PST

Eat Your Way Around Scotland

If you are a foodie like me I highly recommend basing your holiday around a few iconic Scottish culinary experiences. Didn’t I mention you’d be sick of me saying that everything is local? Come and see for yourself!

Caitlin Rush

P.S.  Established in Edinburgh in 2004, Absolute Escapes are award-winning specialists in  self-drive holidays  in Scotland. Our team have turned our love of exploring Scotland into our day job – we know exactly where to find the best accommodation, the best food and drink experiences, and how to turn your trip into an unforgettable one.  Send us an enquiry  now and start planning your delicious trip to Scotland!

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News & Reviews News Wire Scotland’s ‘Harry Potter’ train to restart operations

Scotland’s ‘Harry Potter’ train to restart operations

Operator West Coast Railway to use newer railcars meeting safety regulations

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The “Jacobite” or “Harry Potter” steam train, running from Fort William in the Scottish Highlands, will resume operations as of Monday, April 15, operator West Coast Railway announced today.

Initially, the train will operate just once a day, instead of the two daily trips planned previously.

The train has been subject of a long-running debate between the private company and the British rail regulator, the Office of Rail and Road, over the safety systems fitted to WCR’s older ex-British Rail passenger cars. WCR’s failure to equip the cars with centralized door-locking systems led the ORR to withdraw permission to use those cars, pending addition of such locking. This followed WCR’s loss in a court case against the regulator [see “Operator of Scotland’s ‘Harry Potter’ train loses in court …,” Trains News Wire, Dec. 24, 2023].

In March, WCR announced it would suspend the service just days before the seasonal operation was set to begin [see “Scotland’s ‘Harry Potter’ train suspends operations,” News Wire, March 27, 2024]. Simultaneously, the company began a PR campaign pressing for a rule exemption in the Scottish towns served by the train. Many of these, like Mallaig, the service’s northern terminus, have hundreds of tourist-related jobs and small businesses reliant on those who ride the train or visit just to see it, especially at the famed Glenfinnan viaduct. WCR also lobbied members of the British parliament and the minister responsible for the railway industry, asking for the regulator’s decision to be overruled.

But the company has now announced it will use more modern air-conditioned cars already fitted with the central door-locking system, rather than the older cars used in the Harry Potter films, as well as on the Jacobite train until 2023. While WCR says it plans to reintroduce the older cars, crucially, this depends upon the regulator giving the company a new exemption. ORR has already refused to do so, and without political intervention changing the legislation, it is likely to continue to refuse.

WCR’s apparent change of tack followed another charter-train operator starting a tourist service on the same route in early April, timed for Easter vacations. This service, using a heritage diesel locomotive and cars that comply with the safety rules, was substantially cheaper than the steam-hauled Jacobite and clearly represented a serious threat to WCR’s operation.

WCR says any passengers with bookings for this year should contact the company to rebook on a first-come, first-served basis, as the train being used as of April 15 has less capacity than the previous equipment.

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