Island Hopping Scotland's Inner Hebrides - 10 Days

Highlights

• Go whisky tasting on the Isle of Arran and taste single malts at the source
• Get swept up in the music and dance of a traditional Scottish ceilidh
• Get up close with wild sea eagles on the Isle of Mull
• Explore the Isle of Skye with a sea kayak experience and hike to Fairy Pools

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Glasgow, Scottish Trad Trail & Folk Music Tour

Day 2: Drive to Ardrossan, Ferry to Arran, Arran Distillery

Rise and shine and go collect your rental car—your Scottish island-hopping adventure begins today. Drive an hour southwest to Ardrossan for a 55-minute ferry to Arran, a small island with a mild climate. The 20-mile-wide (32 km) island is cut in two by the Highland Boundary Fault, a geological division that makes the north rugged and hilly and the south smoother and lower-lying. Arran is often called "Scotland in miniature" for its range and wealth of scenery. Here you'll find castles, ancient monuments, a whisky distillery, wildlife, and stunning nature.

Use the afternoon to explore the width and breadth of Arran, from the ruins of Locharanza Castle, a hall-house from the late 1200s, to the prehistoric Machrie Moor Stones, where people have existed for up to 8,000 years! Finally, end the afternoon at Arran Distillery. Join a tasting tour to learn how the distillery uses the freshwater of Loch na Davie to produce special single malts of exceptional quality. If you're driving, ask for takeaway "driver drams" to enjoy later at your hotel or guesthouse.

Day 3: Drive to Oban, Traditional Scottish Ceilidh Experience

Jump in the car and journey three hours northwest today. You're headed to Oban, the main gateway to many of the Hebridean islands. This waterfront town is set on a delightful bay with sweeping views to Kerrera and Mull. It's peaceful in winter, but in summer, the town center is crowded with holidaymakers and travelers headed for the archipelago. Naturally, Oban is a great destination to enjoy Scotland's brilliant seafood, and there's no better spot than by the water, especially as the sunsets.

Do you know what a ceilidh is? Pronounced "kay-lee," it's a traditional Scottish social gathering with live music, folk dancing, and an energetic and inclusive atmosphere. Tonight you'll get swept up in the music and dance with a special experience involving bagpipes, accordion, singing, and dancing. Over two hours, you'll learn to "Strip the Willow" and other common ceilidh dances, like the "Dashing White Sergeant." Ceilidhs are a significant part of Scottish culture and are often held at weddings, festivals, and other social events as a way to celebrate and have fun.

Day 4: Experience Scotland's Snorkel Trails

Snorkeling in Scotland? Naturally. Zip on a wetsuit and dive into the icy water close to Oban at Ganavan Sands. Within the safe bay, you'll explore rocky outcrops to the west and east, revealing glimpses of kelp forests and seagrass beds. The grasses and kelp provide safe nurseries for local fish and shellfish, so keep your eyes peeled as you swim around in the sea. Beyond providing a home, your guide will share how these special sea forests also remove carbon from the atmosphere.

The rest of the day is yours to explore as you wish. You could visit McCaig's Tower, a striking hilltop monument with panoramic views of the town and its spectacular surroundings. Then descend to the waterfront for a walk around the harbor, taking in sea breezes and eyeing up tonight's dinner arriving at the port. If you're a whiskey fanatic, squeeze in a visit to the Oban Distillery to sample the local dew and compare it to Arran. Round out the afternoon with a leisurely stroll through Oban's charming streets and shop for souvenirs at local artisan boutiques.

Day 5: Ferry to Isle of Mull, Sea Eagle Adventure

This morning you'll take a 50-minute ferry from Oban across to the Isle of Mull, docking at Craignure. Mull is a favorite of nature lovers and photographers who seek the beauty of the island's diverse landscapes, from rugged coastlines to verdant hills and serene lochs and the rare wildlife found here. Upon arrival, you can visit the colorful harbor town of Tobermory, hike up Ben More, Mull's highest peak, or see historical sites like Duart Castle.

This afternoon you'll embrace the wild side of Mull when you venture out to spot white-tailed eagles with an experienced guide. These eagles have been following fishing boats near here for centuries, looking for an easy meal, and so with today's experience, you'll replicate the scenario. Watch as these huge birds dive close to the boat to snatch fish from the surface and enjoy a few hours out on the water.

Day 6: Ferry to Lochaline, Drive to Glen Coe, Glencoe Lochan Walk

From April to October, you'll be able to take the short half-hour ferry from Fishnish on the Isle of Mull to Lochaline on the mainland. From here, it's a 75-minute drive to Glen Coe. Considered one of the most hauntingly beautiful of the Scottish glens, this hidden gem is often shrouded in mist and runs for 10 miles (16 km) beneath rugged peaks formed from lava flow and shaped by millions of years of erosion. At Glencoe Lochan, you can set off on easy waymarked trails through ornamental woodland. Here the wooded shores contrast with the wild and dramatic mountains of the glen.

Return to the main township of Glencoe to find your accommodation for the evening, and ask your host for a dinner recommendation nearby. 

Day 7: Drive to the Isle of Skye, Fairy Pools Walk

After breakfast, hit the road south to the Isle of Skye. After three hours, you'll reach the bridge and cross over the often dramatic and ethereal isle known for its rugged, mountainous terrain and the iconic Cuillin Range. The island's coastline is scattered with high cliffs, sea stacks, and picturesque fishing villages. This afternoon you'll embark on one of Skye's must-do two-hour hikes: the spectacular Fairy Pools walk.

Start with a scenic hike along a well-marked trail, wandering by rolling hills and heather-covered moorland with a backdrop of the dramatic Cuillin Mountains. After a couple of river crossings (with stepping stones), you'll reach the azure Fairy Pools, a beautiful destination with blue and green water. These inviting pools, formed by the cascading Allt Coir a' Mhadaidh stream, provide the perfect opportunity to dip toes or even take a refreshing swim in crystal-clear waters. Return to your car and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.

Day 8: Guided Sea Kayak Experience, Drive to Fort William

Skye's coastline is scattered with high cliffs, sea stacks, and picturesque fishing villages. This morning you'll explore the sights from the water—away from the crowds—with a half-day guided sea kayak experience. Grab a paddle and follow your local kayak expert on a scenic journey along the coast of Skye. A magnet for nature lovers and explorers seeking a taste of Scotland's untamed beauty, this adventure gives you an alternative perspective on the special island while learning about its history, nature, and folklore. Pause at a remote beach for a picnic, and spot wildlife on the coast.

After, make your way to Fort William, a 2.5-hour drive away. On the way into town, stop briefly at the village of Corpach to photograph the Old Boat of Caol, which sits proudly on a stony beach with a backdrop of Ben Nevis, Scotland's highest peak. Finally, check into your accommodation in Fort William and venture out for dinner. Try the local mussels grown in the nearby loch!

Day 9: Hiking Glen Nevis: Steall Falls & Nevis Gorge Walk, Drive to Glasgow

Today you'll explore some of the most beautiful Scottish wilderness on foot. Glen Nevis is one of the most spectacular glens in Scotland. Set at the foot of Ben Nevis, this verdant area offers peace, tranquility, and trails. Follow the River Nevis just a few minutes from Fort William into the glen to where waterfalls cascade off the towering mountain landscape. Embark on an easy yet rewarding walk to Steall Falls, a 2.2-mile (3.5 km) trek that's one of the best short walks in Scotland. This special route heads through the dramatic and beautiful Nevis Gorge, leading to the falls.

See erosion at work as the force and volume of water cascades over and down through deep rock pools. Farther downstream, the Lower Falls is a great place to watch millions of gallons (or liters) of freshwater pour over the rock on its way to the sea. Spend the rest of the day in the glen, hiking other trails or enjoying a picnic. Finally, make your way back to Glasgow, a 2.5-hour drive southeast. Check into your accommodation, then venture out for your final meal in Scotland. It has to be at a traditional pub, of course!

Day 10: Explore Pollok Country Park & Depart

If you have time before your flight today, venture out of the city limits to Pollok Country Park. The largest park in Glasgow, this green oasis offers over 360 acres (146 ha) of woodland and garden. Admire the Georgian beauty of Pollok House, see highland cows, and even visit a "magical" Fairy Garden. While you can simply get lost within the big park, you might like to follow one of the official routes: the Highland Cattle Walk (red markers), the Pond Walk (blue markers), or the Burrell Walk (yellow markers).

And finally, your 10-day road trip across wee Scotland comes to an end. Hop in the car one last time and make the drive to Glasgow airport. Make sure you allow enough time to drop off your rental car ahead of your flight home or onward. Safe travels!

More Great Scotland Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Scotland? Check out these other Scotland itineraries, explore different ways to spend 10 days in Scotland, or discover the best time to visit Scotland.