- Explore the beautiful Argyll Peninsula, visiting four islands which hug its western coastline, spending the final two nights at a lovely hotel on the whisky island of Islay.
- Take a privately chartered boat to the wild island of Jura, detouring to view the turbulent waters of the famous Corryvreckan Whirlpool.
- Stay in two welcoming small hotels, each with a tranquil coastal setting, with wonderful meals providing the perfect end to each day.
- 6 nights accommodation in comfortable small hotels
- Most meals during the trip (Meals included indicated as B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
- The services of an experienced and knowledgeable guide / driver throughout
- All transport throughout the trip starting and finishing in Oban, including ferry fares
- A private boat charter on Day 4
- Tour of a whisky distillery with tastings
Green Graded Walking Holidays
Green graded walking holidays are suitable for for active travellers who are reasonably fit and enjoy moderate hikes. We walk at a comfortable pace and you can expect to be out for 5-6 hours a day. The terrain will be mostly good paths and hill trails but these can still be muddy and rough in places. Some hikes may involve an ascent up to a max of approx 1,500 feet / 450m. Distances will be typically 8-10km but there may be the odd slightly longer day. Daily hike details are available in the itinerary.
8th Sep - 14th Sep 2018
Alan Wright
Meet Alan, avid nature expert and worldwide trekker.27th Apr - 3rd May 2019
Ben Walker
Ben Walker may hail from the Lake District but he can be found all over the world leading trips!18th May - 24th May 2019
Keith Miller
Hugely experienced and passionate naturalist. Keith has been guiding for many years.1st Jun - 7th Jun 2019
Dave Picken
Meet Dave Picken, expert guide and bee-keeper extraordinaire.6th Jul - 12th Jul 2019
John Walker
John can be found in the hills at all times whether it be on foot, climbing, cycling, or motoring. Amongst other things, he was the 4429th person to complete all the Munros!27th Jul - 2nd Aug 2019
Lorraine McCall
Not happy with just walking up all the Munros, Lorraine walked and kayaked to reach them.10th Aug - 16th Aug 2019
Emma O'Shea
Argyll and the Isles is a glorious coastal region of western Scotland. Known for its glittering sea lochs, wild islands, hills and glens, it is perfect for exploring on foot. While the scenery of Argyll is outstanding, the ancient heritage, abundant wildlife and whisky distilleries are equally appealing. This fascinating itinerary takes you on a journey […]7th Sep - 13th Sep 2019
Alan Wright
Meet Alan, avid nature expert and worldwide trekker.ACCOMMODATION AND MEALS
We spend our nights in welcoming and friendly country house hotels: the first four nights at Loch Melfort, south of Oban, and the final two nights at Port Charlotte on the Isle of Islay. Accommodation is in twin or double rooms with en-suite bathroom facilities. Please note that we can offer a maximum of two single rooms on this itinerary.
Both accommodations are owner-managed and a warm welcome is assured. You can relax and enjoy their tranquil coastal locations, indulging in wonderful meals and perhaps tasting a local whisky or two.
Food is of paramount importance and our meals are prepared from the best local produce. We’ll enjoy wonderful home-cooked meals each evening, with good, healthy portions. Naturally, vegetarians and other dietary requirements are willingly catered for – simply let us know at the time of booking.
SINGLE ROOMS
There is no supplement charged to solo travellers, however you will be required to share a room with another person of the same sex. If you require a single room please request this at the time of booking and we will check availability for you. Please note that we can offer a maximum of two single rooms on this itinerary. The single supplement is £335 and is subject to availability.
You will be met by your Wilderness Scotland Guide in the centre of Oban Railway Station at 11:30am on Day 1 of your trip. We aim to return to Oban by 2:00pm on the last day.
Trip Details
Argyll and the Isles is a glorious coastal region of western Scotland. Known for its glittering sea lochs, wild islands, hills and glens, it is perfect for exploring on foot.
While the scenery of Argyll is outstanding, the ancient heritage, abundant wildlife and whisky distilleries are equally appealing. This fascinating itinerary takes you on a journey through the Argyll peninsula and several of its islands, including the whisky island of Islay and the hard-to-reach Isle of Jura.
The daily guided hikes link prehistoric sites, nature reserves and whisky distilleries, all set against the backdrop of green hills and the rolling Atlantic. We finish the trip with two nights on the Isle of Islay – a wild and beautiful island on the very western fringe of Scotland – known for its eight whisky distilleries, prolific birdlife and stunning coastal landscapes.
Trip Itinerary
Day 1 – Meeting in the port of Oban late morning, we enjoy an afternoon hike around the Isle of Kerrera, passing a 16th century castle along the way. Late afternoon, we return to the Argyll mainland and transfer south to our hotel, which benefits from incredible sea views from every room. We enjoy a welcome dinner overlooking the bay and islands while the sun sets. (L, D)
Walk details: 10km, 300m of ascent, approx 5 hrs
Day 2 – A short ferry journeys takes us to the Isle of Gigha, an often-overlooked gem of the Hebrides. With white sandy beaches, rolling green landscapes and friendly residents, it’s a pleasure to explore this little island on foot. (B, L)
Walk details: up to 10km, 100m ascent, approx 4 hrs
Day 3 – We walk back in time on a morning hike through the prehistoric sites of Kilmartin Glen, which include Celtic crosses, Bronze Age chambered cairns and stone circles. Afterwards, we visit Dunadd, said to be the birthplace of Scotland, before seeking out signs of the colony of European beavers near Crinan. A memorable day walking in Argyll. (B, L)
Walk details: 8km, 50m ascent, approx 3 hrs
Day 4 – A privately chartered boat whisks us out to the wild and hard-to-reach Isle of Jura, the 8th largest island in Scotland but with a population of less than 200 people. On the way, we detour to see (from a safe distance!) the 3rd largest whirlpool in the world, the Corryvreckan. Landing on Jura, which may be Scotland’s wildest island, there are endless possibilities for fantastic hikes – our guide will select the best option for the day. (B, L)
Walk details: up to 11km, 350m , approx 5 hrs
Day 5 – After breakfast, we take the ferry to the Isle of Islay – Scotland’s whisky island – which will be our base for the next two nights. On arrival, we visit a nature reserve and then enjoy a circular hike on the shores of Loch Gruinart, enjoying views north to the islands of Colonsay and Mull. We overnight at a wonderful 4-star hotel on the west of the island. (B, L)
Walk details: 10km, 50m ascent, approx 4 hrs
Day 6 – Mountains, monuments and single malts are the main features of this fantastic day walking on Islay. Our hike explores the Oa Peninsula, passing The American Monument which commemorates two ships which were lost in 1918. We then hike along a cliff-top trail, taking in far-ranging vistas which stretch as far as Ireland! After our hike, we recover with a visit to one of Islay’s famous whisky distilleries. We end the day with a stroll on Islay’s most beautiful beach before returning to our hotel for a farewell dinner. (B, L, D)
Walk details: 9km, 250m ascent, approx 4 hrs
Day 7 – We take the morning ferry back to mainland Argyll and transfer north to Oban, arriving in time to catch the early afternoon train back south to Glasgow and beyond. (B, L)
Prices and Dates
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Trip Reviews
Every client receives a feedback survey when they return from their guided, self guided or tailor made holiday with us.
Once completed the review is published on our website just as soon as our database updates. The little touches and details are important to us and where issues are raised we make positive changes to our trips to improve your experience.
That's why we read each of our client's reviews and although we don't respond to all of them, if it's glowing feedback then we get the satisfaction of helping to make your holidays truly memorable.
by Herman de Vries 13/08/2018
Pre-Trip Service
It is not enough to transfer the money with only a credit card from the Netherlands or the rest of the European Union. Offering the possibility of regular bank transfer would be nice.
Your Guide
Andy was postitive, knowledgable and watched good how the group "worked"
The Bottom Line
It was good, unfortunatly we had to abort our trip :-(
TEAM WILDERNESS RESPONCE:
We were so sorry to hear you had to leave your trip early. We're sending our best wishes from the whole WS team.
by John Slater 11/08/2018
Pre-Trip Service
E-mail communication was very responsive and with good detail. Quick follow-up by Bridget made planning simple. The equipment lists were spot on.
Trip Comments
This was the second trip my wife and I took with Wilderness Scotland. Our first trip - paddling the Jacobite Coast - was a fantastic trip and our first organized group travel. I was so happy that trip two Wilderness Walking Argyll and the Isles was equally wonderful. Great guide Gordon Anderson made the details easy, the trip fun and interesting and our fellow travelers were so much fun. Looking forward to trip three!
Accommodation and Food
The two hotels where we stayed were just right for the area and experience. Nicely chosen for the group. Breakfasts were very good all around and the Port Charlotte Inn on Islay was a gem. Terrific group dinner at the Inn at the end, and local music in the bar of an evening.
Your Guide
Gordon Anderson was great fun and very well versed in the places and sites we were visiting, Scottish history and generally about the wildlife, plants and geological history. Much fun - we all enjoyed his very positive attitude. We were perhaps a little 'exuberant' at times and Gordon enjoyed the group having a good time. We were fortunate with weather - rained a bit as expected but not too much - and had group that was well matched. It seemed that everything went smoothly and according to plan. I believe this was the first time that Gordon had guided on this particular trip but you would never have known it. He was always well prepared and knowledgeable about what we were seeing and doing. We all learned a lot.
The Bottom Line
A plus - a totally fun trip from start to finish. Well organized. Fellow travelers and our guide Gordon were a pleasure to be with. Read the trip dossier and the gear list and bring what you are told to bring (did I mention good rain gear?) and it will be a great experience.
by Gail Kendall 08/08/2018
Pre-Trip Service
I thought the trip was perfect. It needs to be mentioned that I didn't hike but once because of age and inability to keep up. (I don't like holding anyone back, which is inevitable for me as things are now.) So I lived vicariously through my relatives reviewing the walks for me. I either stayed in or near the van or at the hotel depending on length of time of each hike. It all worked out for me.
Hotels: better than I was expecting
Food: same
Guide: couldn't be better. So patient, knowledgeable and sensitive.
Trip Comments
I am in my 70's and pretty much deciding not to travel as much as I have done over many decades. However, Scotland's landscape is alluring so I am not sure I will hold to my decision. My favorite part of the tour was simply being outdoors: breathing the air, seeing the plant and animal life up close, being in awe of the knobbly hills, the ever-changing sky and water. I loved it. Interestingly, and uniquely, I cannot compare the Scottish landscape with any others I have seen anywhere.
Then, I enjoy eating with others, which we did every night. Always, fun. Good food as well.
I thoroughly enjoyed the visit to the distillery, not something I was drawn to on paper.
Accommodation and Food
We stayed at two hotels, both good and both different from each other. In each case the staff was warm and friendly, the food very good, the rooms comfortable and cheery to be in. I have no complaint or advice about either of them. In fact, I applaud WS for finding such good accommodation. Both had water views from the rooms. I live where there is little water so those views were something a relished.
Your Guide
I cannot really weigh in here since I barely did the hikes but being around Andy on the ferries and in the restaurants and through conversations in the van he gets my highest recommendation. He is knowledgeable, and such a genuine person. I am sure he gets high marks all the time. He had a lot on his plate with this tour since five of us are related. He had to be witness to too many family dynamics and family chronicles. If you have extra pay for dealing with extreme hardship on any of your tours you might consider shifting some of it his way!!!
The Bottom Line
Outstanding in every particular.
by Kimberly Miller 07/08/2018
Trip Comments
This was my third trip with Wilderness Scotland, and the first time I brought 4 family members along with me. We had a great time! I continue to recommend this company to anyone who asks about my Scotland travels.
Accommodation and Food
Loved the two hotels where we stayed! Each had a good restaurant and pub attached, and each was clean, comfy and charming with friendly staff. Can't beat the lake views at the Loch Melfort!
Your Guide
Andy was a superb guide -- very knowledgeable, personable, patient and accommodating!
The Bottom Line
This was my third trip with Wilderness Scotland, and the first one on which I brought along four extended family members. We had a great time! All of us agreed that this company provides a fantastic value for the money, and works hard to ensure that all guests have a terrific experience with great attention to detail and a lovely personal touch. I will continue to recommend Wilderness Scotland to all who ask about my Scotland travels.
