Day 1 | Edinburgh – Arran
Taking a short ferry from Ardrossan will allow you to spend the day discovering the captivating charms of Arran. Being one of Scotland’s most accessible islands, getting to Arran will only take you a total of 3 hours from Edinburgh, including the 55 minute ferry journey.
On Arran you can explore the great sites of Brodick Castle and Country Park or take a hike up the island’s highest peak, Goatfell. More of a whisky person? Visit the Lochranza Distillery for a delicious tasting tour.
Day 2 | Arran – Islay
On day 2, you’ll head back to the mainland and make your way to Kennacraig to catch the ferry to Port Ellen on beautiful Islay.
From visiting the American Monument and Machir Beach, to exploring the Three Distilleries Pathway and Dunyvaig Castle, Islay has many attractions for you to visit and experience the most of its splendour.
Day 3 | Islay – Jura
From Islay you’ll take a short ferry from Port Askaig to Jura. This long and narrow island is perhaps Scotland’s most untamed island, with incredible mountains and whirlpools to discover amid its fantastic terrain.
The Paps of Jura will give you some of the best views in all of the British Isles, and the distilleries are a must for any whisky and/or gin aficionados.
Day 4 | Jura – Mull
Day 4 will see you travel from Jura over to the Isle of Mull via Oban and Colonsay.
Being one of the largest islands in the Inner Hebrides, Mull is definitely one of the islands we recommend allowing more time to visit and explore.
The volcanic rock headlands make the coastal walks truly stunning, and the bright colourful houses of Tobermory are a popular site that shouldn’t be missed off your itinerary.
Duart Castle is another hot stop we recommend paying a visit to. Perched on a crag overlooking the Sound of Mull, you can drink in spectacular views from the battlements that you won’t experience anywhere else in the world.
Day 5 | Mull & Iona
Just off the west coast of Mull is the Isle of Iona, where a myriad of natural wonders and ancient structures await your exploration.
Fingals Cave is a must-see for the more intrepid of explorers, where you’re also likely to see whales and dolphins on the boat trip there and back.
Only 1.5 miles long and 3 miles wide, this small island has a lot of personality and is easy for you to explore in its entirety in a day.
Day 6 | Mull – Skye
On day 6, you’ll leave Mull on the ferry from Tobermory to Kilchoan, continuing on the B8007 through the beautiful scenery of the Ardnamurchan peninsula. Following the A861 and the A830 to the port of Mallaig, you’ll be able to take the ferry to Armadale on Skye.
Whilst you can definitely explore some of the highlights of Skye in a day, we highly recommend allowing for enough time to explore the unique aspects of the whole island.
Known for its rugged landscapes, medieval castles, picturesque fishing villages, and the outstanding scenery, the Isle of Skye has something for everyone to enjoy and discover.
Day 7 | Skye – Edinburgh
Your final day will take you back to Edinburgh but you won’t need to hop on another ferry if you don’t fancy it. Skye can be accessed via a bridge that connects the island to the town of Kyle of Lachalsh on the mainland.
From here you’ll be able to take the scenic route south through the stunning views of Glen Coe and even stop off at the famous landmark of Eilean Donan Castle.
The drive back will take a good chunk of the day, amounting to around 4.5hrs, so make sure to set off early and allow yourself time to stop off at some of these incredible vistas.
